OSS Cancelled!

This weekends Off Season Striders groups runs have been cancelled due to the temperatures.

Below is a copy of the email from Jean..

Happy New Years! 

Unfortunately,  it's looking decidedly un-happy for outdoor running for the entire Eve weekend.    Due to bitterly cold temps and windchill, OSS suggests everyone exercise other socialized running options, such as:         

the indoor tracks (DAHLC (downtown is closed Monday), RAC, RAFY, RCTC Field House), to the mall, a blender, a vacuum, after kids, at the mouth, sentences,  just plain `away`.... 

If you  run out of things to do,  be sure to get some online registrations done this weekend,  to take advantage of early-bird specials! 

Use promo code FSIHOLIDAY  to get $15 off RTC's 2018Healthy Human Race   and many other Final Stretch events.    Deal ends on January 2nd!

The Last Week of 2018!

What a fun Christmas Season... a week to the New Year! There is plenty still going on!

Tuessday 6:15pm:  The Tuesday Trail Crew is heading to Willow Creek Reservoir on Boxing Day! The address is 1343 Lone Pine Drive and this area allows runners to pick and choose their distance easily by deciding how many of the short loops they'd like to do! Afters at Roosters Too or Fat Willies - tbd...
Tuesday 9pm:  The Night Owls love the night life! - Join the crew at Beetles Bar & Grill on 2nd Street. Get some miles under the stars (or at least street lamps!).  Come on back to Beetles for a night cap and chat!
Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. rolls from Brothers Bar & Grill - this location was by request of the birthday girl Christina! - Help us celebrate with some miles and a great social afterwards!
Saturday  7:30am: OSS Cancelled for this weekend.....  go take a nap and come to Byron for Ugly Sweater Bowling at 7:30pm!
Saturday Dec 30th 7:30pm- Team R.E.D. hosts an Ugly Sweater bowling night at Sandbaggers in Byron!  We get underway at 7:30 and you do not have to be a great bowler, believe me, Dave Eide is a terrible bowler!  You can RSVP via Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/events/162761917807944/   if you're not on Facebook you can RSVP by sending me an email at byron.teamred@gmail.com 

• Jan 6th 9:30am - The Polar Bear Prediction Run takes place at Gloria Dei church in Rochester.  A light lunch is provided afterwards by the Rochester Track Club. 
• If you're not familiar with this race, you should get familiar as it's really fun! You'll predict your 5K time - then you'll try to run as close to that time without finishing too fast (or you'll be DQ'd) - No watches or timekeeping devices are allowed.
• Do not pace off me... I stink at this! 
• You can register at http://rochestertrackclub.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=28&ArticleID=1022
• Jan 9th 6pm - TerraLoco hosts their resolution night with a run at 6pm, and a panel of guest speakers at 7pm.  Several area resources will be represented with tables set up for you to visit. Team R.E.D. is planning to be there! 

Excellent Work - Great Fun!

The Caroling on the Run was so much fun! - We were able to gift over $700 to unsuspecting people while we shared our gifts of voice! Our stops were quite a variety of establishments, from the Rondald McDonald House, to Saints on 2nd, to McDonalds, to Perkins, to Famous Daves and to Wild Bills!

Erin brought along gifts of blankets and toys for the Ronald McDonald House - what a super way to share with others!

Brian was able to share with us that a family of a student he knows, were some of the recipients of your generosity.  The mother described it as something so good that it brought her to tears!

Again.. nice work!

Let's continue this goodness by sharing a breakfast with the Off Season Striders on Saturday morning. You can find more details below.  I'll be adding the week night group runs yet this weekend, so be sure to check back.

• Dec 23rd 7:15am - Team R.E.D. & OSS combine for our Annual Christmas Breakfast Fun! We are gathering at Charlies Pub for this event.  We'll get into our festive holiday gear, and go for a run or walk then come back for a wonderful breakfast.  It's a great chance to meet other runners and walkers! 
• Please bring a non-perishable food item for the Food Shelf.
• Please RSVP at the following link - Thank you!   https://www.evite.com/event/0363LPV6BPAQXIUO6EPH3WX5JPJE3Q/rsvp?utm_campaign=send_sharable_link&utm_medium=sharable_invite&utm_source=NA
• You do not need to be a member of Team R.E.D. or the Rochester Track Club to attend... all are welcome! 
• Dec 24th 8am - OSS get's a run in on the morning of Christmas Eve.  Gather at Dunn Bros North and start  your day with some great exercise and even greater people! Be sure to swing in post run for a coffee and chatter! 
• Dec 25th - There is No Monday Maniacs due to the Christmas Holiday - Enjoy your family, friends and time off! 
• Dec 30th 7:30pm- Team R.E.D. hosts an Ugly Sweater bowling night at Sandbaggers in Byron!  We get underway at 7:30 and you do not have to be a great bowler, believe me, Dave Eide is a terrible bowler!  You can RSVP via Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/events/162761917807944/   if you're not on Facebook you can RSVP by sending me an email at byron.teamred@gmail.com 
• Jan 6th 9:30am - The Polar Bear Prediction Run takes place at Gloria Dei church in Rochester.  A light lunch is provided afterwards by the Rochester Track Club. 
• If you're not familiar with this race, you should get familiar as it's really fun! You'll predict your 5K time - then you'll try to run as close to that time without finishing too fast (or you'll be DQ'd) - No watches or timekeeping devices are allowed.
• Do not pace off me... I stink at this! 
• You can register at http://rochestertrackclub.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=28&ArticleID=1022
• Jan 9th 6pm - TerraLoco hosts their resolution night with a run at 6pm, and a panel of guest speakers at 7pm.  Several area resources will be represented with tables set up for you to visit. Team R.E.D. is planning to be there! 

More details on the upcoming events!

Here's a look at the next few days, with additional details as to the Caroling, Breakfast Run and Bowling!

• Saturday 7:30am - Off Season Striders get the miles rolling from Charlies Pub in Hillcrest Shopping Center in Rochester. You can go as many miles as you like, but several people are looking at longer runs, i.e. 10+ miles on Saturday mornings.  - Come back to Charlies for coffee and/or breakfast and chatter! 
• Sunday 8am - Off Season Striders is kicking it off from Brothers Bar & Grill.  As always, park in the back for the route talk.  If no one is standing outside in the parking lot, it means they are inside the back door!  Sundays are typically less miles compared to Saturday. 
• Monday 6pm -  Team R.E.D. Caroling on the Run! - This is one of the most fun run/walk/sing ever in the history of the world! - Read all the bullets as I've laid out the song choices and verses below. 
• We're gathering at Wild Bills (near Miracle Mile strip mall along Hwy 52).  Please do not confuse it with Wildwood... we see that mixup occasionally when we start here.  Wild Bills at 6pm!  
• We have not yet secured the entire route, but we'll be stopping in Perkins, Famous Dave's, and hopefully the Ronald McDonald House! - We may hit some additional stops along the way!  
• We stop, sing and spread cheer, pay for some meals... and roll to the next location!  There will be two routes, one for runners, one for walkers - set to make sure we all arrive at each location together! 
• We make this pain free - parts of three songs to know.. Jingle Bells on our way in and one verse of Silent Night followed by We Wish You A Merry Christmas on our way out! Here are links to the lyrics - we all think we know these songs, but we are sometimes surprised!  
• https://genius.com/Christmas-songs-jingle-bells-lyrics   as we enter 1st Verse & Chorus
• http://www.41051.com/xmaslyrics/silent_night.html  Team R.E.D. sings 1st Verse... then Kasey Solo 2nd Verse then we roll into We Wish You a Merry Christmas
• https://genius.com/Traditional-we-wish-you-a-merry-christmas-lyrics  1st Verse & Chorus and back to 1st Verse as we exit.

• How do we pay for meals?  - Each participant is asked to bring a cash donation of any amount. Team R.E.D. will add a contribution from our general funds, and buy the first round for carolers when we return to our host location!   *If we get an average of $20 per particpant and have 20 participants - we'll end up with $500 to gift! 
• I can't make it but want to help! - you can make a cash donation ahead of time if you like.  Just make sure you give that to Wendy, so Tom doesn't buy a pitcher of beer with it!  We have already collected one donation from a member who can't join us. 
• Tuesday 6:15pm - The Tuesday Trail Crew is rolling along the Lost Creek Trail from Groen Park in Chatfield.  This is a point to point run, 6.2 miles for the long stretch, and shorter options available.  Jacks in Chatfield for the afters!
• Tuesday 9pm - The Night Owls pick em up and put em down from Beetles Bar & Grill.  This gives you a great place to run under the street lights and enjoy a peaceful evening with friends and fitness! 
• Thursday 6pm - Team R.E.D. takes off from the Bears Den in Byron.  Routes are similar to the last few weeks, with clear pathways and street lamps.  Plan on 3, 4 or 6 miles! 

• Dec 23rd 7:15am - Team R.E.D. & OSS combine for our Annual Christmas Breakfast Fun! We are gathering at Charlies Pub for this event.  We'll get into our festive holiday gear, and go for a run or walk then come back for a wonderful breakfast.  It's a great chance to meet other runners and walkers! 
• Please RSVP at the following link - Thank you!   https://www.evite.com/event/0363LPV6BPAQXIUO6EPH3WX5JPJE3Q/rsvp?utm_campaign=send_sharable_link&utm_medium=sharable_invite&utm_source=NA
• You do not need to be a member of Team R.E.D. or the Rochester Track Club to attend... all are welcome! 
• Dec 30th 7:30pm- Team R.E.D. hosts an Ugly Sweater bowling night at Sandbaggers in Byron!  We get underway at 7:30 and you do not have to be a great bowler, believe me, Dave Eide is a terrible bowler!  You can RSVP via Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/events/162761917807944/   if you're not on Facebook you can RSVP by sending me an email at byron.teamred@gmail.com 
• Jan 6th 9:30am - The Polar Bear Prediction Run takes place at Gloria Dei church in Rochester.  A light lunch is provided afterwards by the Rochester Track Club. 
• If you're not familiar with this race, you should get familiar as it's really fun! You'll predict your 5K time - then you'll try to run as close to that time without finishing too fast (or you'll be DQ'd) - No watches or timekeeping devices are allowed.
• Do not pace off me... I stink at this! 
• You can register at http://rochestertrackclub.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=28&ArticleID=1022
• Jan 9th 6pm - TerraLoco hosts their resolution night with a run at 6pm, and a panel of guest speakers at 7pm.  Several area resources will be represented with tables set up for you to visit. Team R.E.D. is planning to be there! 

The Good Stuff Never Ends!

Team R.E.D.s Mason Run @ Chester Woods is now open for registration.  We price this very nicely, but I can promise you, the nicest pricing is right now!  Check it out and register, or buy a gift registration for a friend!   https://raceroster.com/events/2018/15523/chester-woods-trail-races-mason-run

It's the Wilderness! 

It's the Wilderness!

If your Team R.E.D. membership is current at time of your registration for Chester Woods AND you register or Volunteer to help at Chester Woods before January 31st.  You will be entered to win a $50 Bears Den Gift Card!  Not a member?  You can register for Team R.E.D. or renew at http://form.jotformpro.com/form/41986407849976

Here's a look at this week... I love December, there is so much going on, which means we see so much of each other!

Monday 6pm:  Monday Maniacs are heading to Legends! This is located at 11 4th St SE Rochester.  It's right along the river trail and offers a great place for a social after fitness!
Tuesday 6:15pm:  Tuesday Trail Crew is heading to a favorite of many. The Root River County park with afters at Roosters Too!
Tuesday 9pm:  The Night Owls are getting after it week after week.  Meet at Beetles Bar & Grill to get some miles with people who love to smile!
Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. is heading to Brothers Bar & Grill. We'll hop on the trail and head toward Silver Lake! - It'll give us a well let path, and everyone a chance to decide how far to go.  Remember, when we meet at Brothers we park in the back.  (route talk is outside in good weather, and inside the back door if it's not so good).


I'll keep posting these upcoming events with each post.. these are things you want to be at if at all possible!  - Also, they are so much fun,  and low key (as are most of our group runs) these are great opportunites for those who have not yet joined us, to join us!

• Dec 18th - Team R.E.D. Caroling on the Run! We'll get rolling at 6pm and travel from bar to restaurant/bar... stop, sing and spread cheer, pay for some meals... and roll to the next location!  There will be two routes, one for runners, one for walkers - set to make sure we all arrive at each location together! 
• The routes are still being worked out, so we'll post more details soon.
• How do we pay for meals?  - Each participant is asked to bring a cash donation of any amount. Team R.E.D. will add a contribution from our general funds, and buy the first round for carolers when we return to our host location! 
• I can't make it but want to help! - you can make a cash donation ahead of time if you like.  Just make sure you give that to Wendy, so Tom doesn't buy a pitcher of beer with it!  We have already collected one donation from a member who can't join us. 
• Dec 23rd 7:30am - Team R.E.D. & OSS combine for our Annual Christmas Breakfast Fun! We are gathering at Charlies Pub for this event.  We'll get into our festive holiday gear, and go for a run or walk then come back for a wonderful breakfast. 
• Breakfast is served Buffet Style - breakfast, non-alcoholic beverage, taxes and tip come to $13 a head - half price for kids.  We will have an evite to RSVP set up soon, and we'll share that as well. 
• You do not need to be a member of Team R.E.D. or the Rochester Track Club to attend... all are welcome! 
• Dec 30th - Team R.E.D. hosts an Ugly Sweater bowling night!  This will take place at Sandbaggers in Byron and our start time is still being set up. 
• Jan 6th 9:30am - The Polar Bear Prediction Run takes place at Gloria Dei church in Rochester.  A light lunch is provided afterwards by the Rochester Track Club. 
• If you're not familiar with this race, you should get familiar as it's really fun! You'll predict your 5K time - then you'll try to run as close to that time without finishing too fast (or you'll be DQ'd) - No watches or timekeeping devices are allowed.
• Do not pace off me... I stink at this! 
• Jan 9th 6pm - TerraLoco hosts their resolution night with a run at 6pm, and a panel of guest speakers at 7pm.  Several area resources will be represented with tables set up for you to visit. Team R.E.D. is planning to be there! 

The Weekend!

If you're not already a member of Team R.E.D. but would like to be, you can join us during any event, or you can join online! - You can renew your membership at this same link!

Check it out and join us!  http://form.jotformpro.com/form/41986407849976

Here's a quick look at Saturday / Sunday opportunities!  - Next week's schedule will be updated Sunday afternoon

• Saturday 7:30am:  Off Season Striders are at Charlies Pub at Hillcrest Shopping Center in Rochester. After the miles, come back for a social filled with stories!
• Sunday 8am:  Off Season Striders hits Roosters Too, located at 4576 Main Ave, Rochester (by Lowes).  Again, join the post run fun! 

Below is a pic from Thursday's Check presentation to the Byron Lions- Shar accepted the check, and she said "This is really great! It's a wonderful boost to our fundraising!" The Lions are building a very incredible park, one that is not only Handicap Accessible, but actually functional, as in a person in a wheelchair can connect to the swing set - and swing! 

Peter, Mike, Tom, Wendy, Shar, Dan, Dale, Corinne, Jess, Wendy, Don, Andrea, Sarah

Important Note: I sent this picture to Santa, and Jess is now officially on the Naughty List for putting bunny ears on me! 

Check below for some of the dates you may want to save... 

• Dec 18th - Team R.E.D. Caroling on the Run! We'll get rolling at 6pm and travel from bar to restaurant/bar... stop, sing and spread cheer, pay for some meals... and roll to the next location!  There will be two routes, one for runners, one for walkers - set to make sure we all arrive at each location together! 
• The routes are still being worked out, so we'll post more details soon.
• How do we pay for meals?  - Each participant is asked to bring a cash donation of any amount. Team R.E.D. will add a contribution from our general funds, and buy the first round for carolers when we return to our host location! 
• I can't make it but want to help! - you can make a cash donation ahead of time if you like.  Just make sure you give that to Wendy, so Tom doesn't buy a pitcher of beer with it!  We have already collected one donation from a member who can't join us. 
• Dec 23rd 7:30am - Team R.E.D. & OSS combine for our Annual Christmas Breakfast Fun! We are gathering at Charlies Pub for this event.  We'll get into our festive holiday gear, and go for a run or walk then come back for a wonderful breakfast. 
• Breakfast is served Buffet Style - breakfast, non-alcoholic beverage, taxes and tip come to $13 a head - half price for kids.  We will have an evite to RSVP set up soon, and we'll share that as well. 
• You do not need to be a member of Team R.E.D. or the Rochester Track Club to attend... all are welcome! 
• Dec 30th - Team R.E.D. hosts an Ugly Sweater bowling night!  This will take place at Sandbaggers in Byron and our start time is still being set up. 
• Jan 6th 9:30am - The Polar Bear Prediction Run takes place at Gloria Dei church in Rochester.  A light lunch is provided afterwards by the Rochester Track Club. 
• If you're not familiar with this race, you should get familiar as it's really fun! You'll predict your 5K time - then you'll try to run as close to that time without finishing too fast (or you'll be DQ'd) - No watches or timekeeping devices are allowed.
• Do not pace off me... I stink at this! 
• Jan 9th 6pm - TerraLoco hosts their resolution night with a run at 6pm, and a panel of guest speakers at 7pm.  Several area resources will be represented with tables set up for you to visit. Team R.E.D. is planning to be there! 

Congrats to Mike!

Mike Schmitt is the newly crowned winner of the Runner's Give Back Challenge.  As many of you know, Mike has been with Team R.E.D. for a long time.  He also served on the Rochester Track Club board previously as well. He's active and engaging. During the presentation, Tiffany mentioned how much of a driver he is for the awesome TerraLoco Pace Team!  - In fact, she said, they couldn't do it without him.  Congrats Mike! 

Below are a couple of pics from the celebration at the North Star.

Mike sporting the goods for a Runner Make-Over from TerraLoco! 

Kasey Rockin'! 

Lorelei found an unidentified Team R.E.D. Member! Great dancing! 

Lots of dates to save!

We're hoping you're all kicking off your December in fine fashion!  We've got quite a few things going on in addition to our daily group run/walks! - Please read this entire post as there is sure to be something you'd like to be part of!

We had a lot of fun at the Underwear Mile and the Pajama Mile - together we raised $245 and a bunch of food goods for the food shelf! - Nice Work!  - If you still want to contribute food or dollars, you can this week and we'll make the donation next... Thank you!

Small but mighty crew in the Undies! 

Nathan - Fastest Male and Best Undies Male

Stevie - Best Undies Female

Christina, Corinne and Mark race to the finish! 

Brandy - Fastest Female (and Beer Mile champion too!) 

Wonderful day for Jammie fun! 

This girl won best Female Jammies! 

Jonah was fastest Male! 

Megan was fastest Female! 

Makena in front represents part of best Family jammies! - but the team right behind her, was a very close 2nd, with Momma, Pappa, and Baby Bears! 

Week ahead

Monday 6pm: Monday Maniacs are trying  a new location at Market Grill (New Hy-Vee along West Circle Drive).  This gives us a new area to explore.  Join us for the run, and come back for a great social with the Monday crew!
Monday 6pm:  TerraLoco is having a Charity 5K in support of Toys for Tots.  Entry is a $5 donation and an unwrapped toy! - what goodness! Also at TerraLoco, the Byron Cross Country team is selling Custom Made License plate signs. You likely have seen them on Facebook - they are pretty cool!
Tuesday 6:15pm:  Millville is the destination for the Tuesday Trail Crew! - Meet at the softball field along Cty Rd 2 as you enter town.  We'll log some miles then head to Whiskey Richards for the afters! 
Tuesday 9pm: The Night Owls keep it rolling from Beetles Bar & Grill on 2nd St in Rochester. Beetles is the winter home of the owls! - Join the crew for some City Miles and come back for a social!
Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. is at the Bears Den in Byron. We'll have some great routes of 3, 4 or 6 miles and, as you might have guessed, we'll come back for some fun at the Den! 

The Following Dates are pretty big ones! 

.... and some of the details are being worked out, so we'll have more information as the events approach. 

Dec 7th - We'd love to have a big turnout of members as Team R.E.D. makes our check presentation to the Byron Lions in support of their great community work!  Join us at the Bears Den at 6pm for a walk or run - the check presentation will take place approx 7:15-7:30pm.
Dec 18th - Team R.E.D. Caroling on the Run! We'll get rolling at 6pm and travel from bar to restaurant/bar... stop, sing and spread cheer, pay for some meals... and roll to the next location!  There will be two routes, one for runners, one for walkers - set to make sure we all arrive at each location together! -- The routes are still being worked out, so we'll post more details soon.
Dec 23rd - Team R.E.D. & OSS combine for our Annual Christmas Breakfast Fun! We'll get into our festive holiday gear, and go for a run or walk then come back for a wonderful breakfast.  We are working out the details - so be sure to keep an eye on this one!
Dec 30th - Team R.E.D. hosts an Ugly Sweater bowling night!  This will take place at Sandbaggers in Byron and our start time is still being set up.