Great Work at the Med City Marathon!

All of the runners seemed to enjoy themselves andwhile they started with a tail wind aiding the runners out of Byron, the Sun exposure took a toll on some.  One thing undisputed, the weather was perfect for a fun post race party with Nite Shift!

Another great piece of event was seeing so many Team R.E.D. members supporting Reggie's daughter Natalie.  Team R.E.D. had plans to circle up with Natlalie at the 2 hour pacer sign.. but we got into the corral a bit late.  It all worked out pretty nicely, as many found each other along the course!   

The Oeltjen family was out in force, as were many of their friends.  Along the course, KAAL TV captured a surprise visit from some of her friends! She the following link for the story....   http://www.KAALtv.com/sports/med-city-marathon-extra-special-for-woman-who-lost-her-father/4498027/

Dave, Jeremy, Natalie, Paul, Sarah, Kristine, Angela, and Oliver rolling down the hill! 

Arrangements for Reggie are as follows... Team R.E.D. has sent flowers.

Visitation:  4-8pm Tuesday at Zion Lutheran Church in Stewartville
Funeral:  11am Wednesday at Zion Lutheran Church in Stewartville

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We had two new members added to Team R.E.D. during the expo.. and a handful of renewals! - The official renewal process starts during the Beer Mile on July 20th.  - speaking of the Beer Mile - register now and use discount code MEDCITYMARATHON to receive 10% off your registration!  https://raceroster.com/events/2017/12943/beer-mile-5th-annual

Here's a look at your new teammates!  Welcome Jen and Mark!  Jen is also a member of the Chatty Chicks.. and I was able to spot Mark along the Med City course on Saturday... Welcome to both of you!

Here's a look at what's happening this upcoming week.  It includes a Team R.E.D. Hosted race and a Byron Cross Country Hosted race! Remember for all group 'runs' - walkers are always welcome!

Tuesday 6:15pm:  It's a preview of the Mason Run @ Chester Woods!  Meet at the parking lot near the beachhouse. Get some miles in.. and bring along your favorite beverage to stick around for a bonfire and social!  - June 3 is race day... 5K, 10 Mile and 50K are all still open for registration!
Tuesday 9pm:  The Night Owls continue to roll along the Douglas Trail! - Join the fun crew at the trailhead parking lot near IBM.  This group takes it out and back and welcomes newcomers to the scene!
Wednesday 6pm:  It's speed work on the track in Byron.  Join us behind the Middle School at 601 4th St SW in Byron.  Don't be intimidated by the word "speed"... as everyone will have their own pace for the workout.. and everyone will be getting faster!
Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. returns to the Bears Den in Byron.  This original home of R.E.D. is always ready to make sure our post walk or run is set for fun! - Join us!
Friday 4-6:30pm:  Packet Pickup for the Mason Run at TerraLoco - you can still register online, and if you use promo code MEDCITYMARATHON you'll receive 10% off! - You can also register at Terraloco and/or 1 hour prior to the race on race day.   https://raceroster.com/events/2017/10771/chester-woods-trail-races

• Saturday 6am:  50K Mason Run @ Chester Woods! 
• Saturday 8am:  5K Mason Run @ Chester Woods!
• Saturday 8:15am:  10 Mile Mason Run @ Chester Woods!

Sunday 8am:  I anticipate an Off Season Striders run... but haven't seen the location yet. We'll update when we know. 

Sunday 1pm:  The Donut Run in support of Byron Cross Country. For every donut you eat along the course, you get a discount off your finish time!  Fun stuff!    Funds raised here help us take a 4 day training trip, and keep it totally affordable to make sure 100% of the athletes can go! - Please consider registering or making at donation at the following link.  https://raceroster.com/events/2017/12931/donut-run

Med City Marathon weekend!

Join us at the expo today!  Lots of vendors, mascot races, kids race, and a 5k! Stop at the Team R.E.D booth at the mayo civic center!

The schedule for next week will post later tonight.

Very Sad News...

As you know, we have been tracking Reggie's progress across the state of Minnesota in his Border to Border Journey , with his daughter, Natalie as a support crew.

Sadly, I share the post Natalie made on Reggie's Blog today..

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Wednesday, May 24, 2017

It is with a very sad heart that I am letting everyone know that my dad passed away peacefully in his sleep last night. We don't know the cause yet but I can say that his runs were going really well and he seemed to be feeling great when he went to bed. If you were reading his blog you already know that he was having a fantastic time!  He was as happy as he could have been.

While this is unexpected and very difficult for us, it probably couldn't have been a better way to pass. Services will be at Zion Luthern in Stewartville likely next Tuesday and Wednesday. I'll let everyone know as plans are solidified.

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Reggie was a wonderful supporter of Team R.E.D., and as mentioned previously, he was a lifetime member. He received that designation as Lifetime member after making a contribution to Team R.E.D. on behalf of Roger Heil, to make Roger a Lifetime member. -  a kind man, thinking of others.

If you have not been following the border to border blog and want to read more about his journey, you can do so at http://b2bat65.blogspot.com/

Tracking Reggie & Home Hosting!

Reggie continues his journey from the border of South Dakota to the border of Wisconsin..  during his planning for this trip he navigated the route, and talked to people along the route, to see if they would allow him to park his RV in their yard for a night..   well, last night, I received a message from Wendy's aunt, and she said "Reggie Oeltjen is parked on our farm!" - she discovered the connection when she visited his blog... and you can follow his journey on his blog as well at  http://b2bat65.blogspot.com/    It is further proof that good people find good people!

Pictured here: Natalie (daughter and support crew of Reggie's)... hosts Mike & Aunt Nancy and in the back, Reggie! 

The Summer Home Host Season is upon us! Please see the information provided by Dan Mesenburg, as he so kindly volunteered to coordinate this years home host schedule! Thanks Dan!

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Hello Team R.E.D.!!! It's Home Host Time!

I will be coordinating the home host schedule for this summer. We will be at the Bears Den on the 1st and 3rd Thursday (and a 5th if there is one once in a while). And on all other Thursdays June - Sept we hope to have a home host. 

As a home host you provide something (like burgers, beer, etc.), you tell everyone else to bring something (like whatever you want them too which might include beer), and you set the theme for the evening. Routes of 4 - 6 miles for runners and walkers. And I will be able to answer any questions. It's that easy! I will update this post as names get assigned to the dates:

June 8
June 22
July 13
July 27 - Morgan's
Aug 10
Aug 24
Sept 14
Sept 28

IM me on FB or email me at dan@svmrochester.com if you have a date you want!

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Here we go for another week of fun!

Monday 6pm:  Monday Maniacs are heading to Wildwood Bar & Grill... this is a fun location to hit the trail system and enjoy some great company while out for a Walk or Run! - Don't forget to stay for the social... that's where the really good stuff happens! 

Tuesday 6:15pm:  The Tuesday Trail crew is on their way to something new! - Forestville State Park is the scene for the fun!  Meet at the park office at 21071 Cty Rd 118. Join the adventure with our teammates of the SE MN Trail Runners! 

Tuesday 9pm:  The Night Owls are heading back to the Douglas Saloon... meet at the parking lot in Douglas along the Douglas Trail.. get your out and back run and hit up the Saloon for the social!  They went here a couple of weeks ago, and reported it as a fun stop! 

Wednesday 6pm:  Speed work on the track in Byron!  This is something that scares people a bit, but it doesn't need to.  Everyone does what they can... and we all get a little bit better!  Join us! 

Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. is getting our steps from Brothers Bar & Grill.  Please be sure to park in the back, and we'll do the route talk there.  We'll get out for 5-6 miles or any distance you you like, and come back for the fun!

What's up this coming weekend?  The Med City Marathon of course!  I'll get out a bunch of details regarding this weekend, and Team R.E.D.'s involvement in the next post.

Team R.E.D. can still use volunteers at our Expo Booth... email Tom at byron.teamred@gmail.com to let him know if you're avalable!

The Weekend has Arrived!

Here we go...best wishes to those of you we know are out and about on adventures.  Some are in Fargo, while others are at Madeline Island!  - Have fun and run well!

Also.. let's hear it for Reggie Oeltjen as he is running Border to Border at 65 Years Old!  That's South Dakota to Wisconsin! -  For those who don't know Reggie, one thing I can tell you is he is caring and full of life! - He's an amazing volunteer, and here's a little known fact, he's one of two Life-Time Members of Team R.E.D.   ----   Now, over these next weeks, he's giving himself a challenge and sharing it with us... Go Reggie!

 His daughter Natalie is his primary support. If any of us are able to run a leg with him it would be awesome! - he has planned his run to try to get through our region during the Med City Marathon.. that'll be fun!  - If you're available to try to group run with Reggie near the marathon weekend, he'll be nearby... let me know at byron.teamred@gmail.com and I'll make sure our group is connected!

Check out Reggie's Blog and don't be afraid to comment..I'm sure he'll love the support! In this blog he shares a lot about the run, and about the 'why' and 'what's happening out there" ...   http://b2bat65.blogspot.com/  

He has also asked Cindy Morgan to give him less head-wind.. I'm not sure if he's suggesting she's talking too much, but if that's the case, once he's past Austin, it'll be tail wind!  ... kidding Cindy, just kidding! 

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Saturday 7:15am:  The marathon and half marathon training is winding down... as many spring/summer marathons are now  upon us! - Join this weekends run from the Rochester Athletic Club before a short break and prep for the fall season begins!
Sunday 8am:  The Off Season Striders are heading to Charlies Pub and Eatery at Hillcrest.  This is a fun place to gather and puts us in a new territory to explore!

Keep on Movin'!

Just a heads up with some dates you may want to save on your calendar!

Med City Marathon weekend is less than two weeks away!  And we also have two great races that are approaching a deadline for t-shirts.  If you want to race at Chester Woods or participate in the Donut Run, you'll want to register this week as we're placing the order for t-shirts by Friday!

Along with the races below.. don't forget to save Aug 13th as Nite Shift is opening for The Guess Who at Down By The Riverside!   http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/MNROCH-1984523

• Med City Marathon May 27th-29th -  You can register at   http://medcitymarathon.com/    We can use volunteers for the Team R.E.D. booth at the expo on Saturday May 27th.  If interested in volunteering please email Tom at byron.teamred@gmail.com 
• Mason Run @ Chester Woods June 3rd - T-shirt deadline May 19th.  You can register at https://raceroster.com/events/2017/10771/chester-woods-trail-races   This is a fun race with options of 5K, 10 Mile and 50K - Live music at the post race party! - We can use volunteers at a water stop, as well as finish line!If interested in volunteering please email Tom at byron.teamred@gmail.com  
• Donut Run June 4th - T-shirt deadline May 19th.  You can register at https://raceroster.com/events/2017/12931/donut-run  This is a race with fun for the entire family! - The 2.5 Mile course has two donut stations.. for every donut you consume, you deduct time from your finish! - check out the affordable registration rates and get involved! 
• Go for the Gold July 8th - You can register at https://www.events.runningroom.com/site/?raceId=14287  Proceeds of this fast, fun race go to Brighter Tomorrows and their mission to support families impacted by Childhood Cancer.  
• Nut House Challenge July 15-16 - You can register at http://tritoneventsraces.com/nuthouse/   Be part of this exciting two day challenge consisting of 5K , 10K and 1/2 Marathon! You can mix and match   your distances, or select your favorite race. There's also a kids challenge!  
• Beer Mile July 20th - You can register at https://raceroster.com/events/2017/12943/beer-mile-5th-annual  Have a few beers, run 1-mile and help support the Lions with an Accessible Park Project! 
• Good Neighbor Days Races July 22nd - You can register at https://raceroster.com/events/2017/12942/byron-good-neighbor-days-races    Come race the streets of Byron with the 5K and 2.5K courses. Lots of prizes and fun! 
• Rochester Eco Tri July 29th - You can register at http://www.rochesterecotri.com/  Be a part of the Rochester Eco Tri and Trail Races on Saturday, July 29th. 5K and 10K trail races.  All proceeds benefit the Camp Victory scholarship fund.

Here's a peek at the week!  For all the group runs/walks you can go whatever distance and pace you like. - For most people, it's typical to go for 45-60 minutes.

Monday 6pm:  The Monday Maniacs are looking for some patio time! Meet at Cowboy Jacks on South Broadway and we'll get out for a walk or run, and back for some fun and sun!
Tuesday 6:15pm:  The Tuesday Trail Crew is heading to the always enjoyable Gamehaven! See the website in here http://rochesteractivesportsclub.wildapricot.org/Resources/Documents/Gamhaven%20Master%20Plan.%20%20blown%20up%20.pdf for info about the park and how to get there. Meet at the main parking lot off 45th St. NE.
Tuesday 9pm: The Tuesday Night Owls are hitting the Douglas Trail. Meet at the trailhead located on Valley High next to IBM.  This is an out and back route... so no matter what your pace you'll never been too far from the others!
Wednesday 6pm:  Speed work at the track in Byron! This is another chance to get faster... we'll discuss the workout while on the track and then get after it..  The track is located behind the Byron Middle School at 601 4th St NW.
Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. is heading to the Bears Den in Byron. The Original home of Team R.E.D. and still a great location for us to loop the town and have a great social.  This week's route will include a trip to our adopted park for a quick sweep of trash before continuing on our way.

What a week!

We not only saw wonderful weather.. we saw great turnouts too!  Thursday night was hopping from the Freight Yard with Team R.E.D. and the TriRochester crew socializing in the same space..

The next link you see is a 100%  plug / request / plea for you to please consider registering or donating to the Donut Run!  It's being held on a Sunday afternoon, June 4th 1pm, and the weather is sure to be perfect!

As many of you know, this run supports the Byron Cross Country training training trip that I like to keep at such an affordable rate that every athlete can afford it! Our athletes workout 2-3 times a day, set their team goals, set their personal goals, and run a time trial... new this year, that time trial is held on Madeline Island!  -- more importantly, they start the season with a full understanding of each other, and sense of team.  

Whether or not you can attend the event, there is a "donate" button... !

https://raceroster.com/events/2017/12931/donut-run


Here's what's coming up this weekend...

Saturday 7:15am:  The Marathon Training long run get's it rolling from the Rochester Athletic Club.  This is by far the best option for a long run! - supported with volunteers and run with friends.
Sunday 8am:  The Off Season Striders are heading to 5-West for a Mothers Day run!  Get your run on, enjoy a social and celebrate the day!

Wow! Perfect weather for running and walking!

I know I'm not the first to say it, but man, it's nice outside!

Saturday 7:15am:  The Marathon and Half Marathon long runs are rolling from the RAC.  Bring $1 to help support the aide stations.  We're closing in on those spring races!
Sunday 8am:  The Off Season Striders are hitting the streets and paths from Panera South.  This is a fun way to start your Sunday morning! - Run and then in for a social.
Monday 6pm:  Monday Maniacs are hitting LTS - because Life's Too Short! - Join this group for some miles and of course, back for some great beer and chit chat time!
Tuesday 6:15pm:  The Tuesday Trail Crew is heading back to Carley State Park - it was so much fun last week, it's already time to hit a couple more loops of running or hiking - The bluebells are sure to be even more spectacular, as is the weather!
Tuesday 9pm: The Night Owls are changing things up a bit and starting in Douglas, which means we can hit up the Douglas Saloon post workout! - What a fun location for a social!
Wednesday 6pm:  Speed work on the track in Byron.  So far, only a few have taken this opportunity to get the wheels moving quickly. We'd love to see more!
Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. heads back to the Frieght Yard.  They've really done a nice job with this place in the change-over from Billotti's.  Join us for a walk or run.. and back for the fun!