What's up?

There is a lot going on!

Races

*A calendar of area races can be found at http://rochestertrackclub.com/

• Tom Woo is looking for people interested in car-pooling to the Securian Half/10K/5K this weekend.  If interested you can contact Tom at fab02w@magnaspeed.net    Online registration will close on Tuesday, January 25 at midnight!    $30 for half and $25 for 10/5K http://www.securian.com/Securian/Securian+Winter+Run/
• The Optimist Frozen Goose Walk/Run is Feb 5th at RCTC.  This 10K timed run and 5K fun run/walk benefits Mayo Clinic Childhood Cancer Research and Bright Tommorrow's. More information can be found at http://frozengoose.com/ 
• There's still time to register for Feb 13th's Lace Up Against Breast Cancer  Half Marathon & 5K.    You can register and get more race information at http://luabc.org/     This is a great fundraiser hosted by a committee of dedicated volunteers.   Along with the race, enjoy a silent auction!                  

Group Stuff

• Tuesday Night Track:  5pm (or as soon as you can get there) at the RCTC indoor track.  Our group typically gathers on the right hand corner of the track, as you enter the track area.
• Wednesday Night Snow Shoe:  7pm  at Oxbow Park.  Gather at the 1st Bridge and head into the woods! 
• Thursday Morning Progressive:  This run starts at 5:30am from my home at 805 1st Ave NW in Byron.    The run is a disciplined one, in which we start at a 10 minute pace, and each mile get progressively faster.   
• Thursday Night Team R.E.D.:  We'll gather at 6pm at Whistle Binkies South in Rochester.
• Saturday Off Season Striders:   This group meets in Rochester on Saturday mornings at 7:30am.  I'll update you with location.  

Additional Items

• The Rochester Track Club Banquet takes place this Saturday night at 6pm at the Clarion Inn (formerly Holiday Inn ).  I'm not sure of the cut off for RSVP, but you can contact julieyost50@gmail.com to find out.   
• If you're interested in volunteering at a water station for Lace Up Against Breast Cancer, contact me at byron.teamred@gmail.com  or for any other volunteer opportunities at Lace Up, contact Sarah Shonyo at shonyo.sarah@gmail.com
• I received the following Wall Street Journal link from Mike Schmitt... a nice story on the Zoom Yah Yah Indoor marathon.   Some nice quotes from a friend of RED and Rochester Track Club board member, Ron Giles.   Zoom Yah Yah

Below is a slide show from Sunday's Snow Shoe Crew.  12 people in all experienced the great terrain of Oxbow Park.

Snow Shoe & Volunteers

The Snow Shoe Crew is hitting Oxbow Park near Byron once again.   Undoubtedly, the adventure in the park will be followed by a cocktail or two!    You can join them, Sunday at 12:15pm... meet at the 3rd Bridge.   The trek will wrap up in time to catch the Bears-Packers game.  

To find the 3rd Bridge, enter the park, and drive North until the road takes a 90 degree curve to the right, follow that curve and go approx 1/4 mile to the 1st parking lot on your left.

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The Team R.E.D. Water/Gatorade support for the Lace Up Against Breast Cancer Half Marathon & 5K is coming together nicely....  However, I can't remember everyone who said they would volunteer!   So.. if you did volunteer, and haven't gotten a note recently from me regarding the gig, please drop me another email!!

Saturday Off Season Striders

There's a chance to get out and about tomorrow.  The Off Season Striders (OSS), will gather at 7:30am at Panera Bread South in Rochester for a 10 mile run (with options to cut it short to 4 or 7).   The route is posted below.





In related news, some Off Season Striders are running the Lace Up Against Breast Cancer half marathon course in support of John and his planning committee, to check a possible slight change to the course. This crew will gather at 7am at the Mayo High, near the tennis courts.

I'm quite sure the two groups are going to cross paths at some point, so do what works for you! .. And no matter what you elect to do tommorrow, be sure to send Lori your miles ran, walked, swam, ice fished or whatever! We still have some distance to travel to get to our virtual vacation in Cuba! As of our last update we had traveled...  Lori's can be reached at lbelaen@gmail.com

• Running miles: 1068.62
• Swimming miles: 20.5 

We should be motivated to get there, so we can experience a heat wave...  here's a version by The Who...

Winter Fun!

13 people took in the Full Moon Snow Shoe at Oxbow Wednesday evening!   No picture is Maureen, as she is the woman with the camera.    There are several new faces in the group, however, I wasn't there, and haven't heard an update as to who all participated.. but the word on the street is, it was fun!

The following link has some cold weather running tips.   I've copied and pasted the bullet on frostbite... be careful out there!

http://running.about.com/od/safetyweather/tp/coldweathersafety.htm

Watch for Frostbite

On really cold days, make sure you monitor your fingers, toes, ears, and nose. They may feel numb at first, but they should warm up a few minutes into your run. If you notice a patch of hard, pale, cold skin, you may have frostbite. Get out of the cold immediately and slowly warm the affected area. If numbness continues, seek emergency care.

Tonight's Routes!

Hey all... the routes are in the links below.   Thanks Paul for pulling them together!   Be safe out there....

2.75 http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/fullscreen/27240670/


4.01 http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/fullscreen/27241020/

5.66 http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/fullscreen/27241308/
 

The Week in R.E.D.

Be sure to submit your milage.. .running, walking and swimming (water crossing of any sort), to Lori to continue our trip to Cuba via Key West!    Lori can be reached at lbelaen@gmail.com

Tuesday Night Track: Meet at the RCTC Indoor Track at 5pm (or whenever you can get there). The team typically gathers near the right hand side/corner of the track, as you enter the track. Please bring some dry shoes to change into once you arrive.


Wednesday Moonlight Show Shoe: Gather at the 1st Bridge of Oxbow Park at 7pm as a full moon is arisin'! Wear your headlamps and experience Oxbow after dark.

Thursday R.E.D.: It's a Bears Den night, starting with a route talk at 6pm. Routes will be in the ranges of 3, 4 and 6 miles, and will be posted sometime Wednesday. After the run/walk, be sure to stop into the Bears Den for some fun!

Saturday Off Season Striders: OSS meets at 7:30am for a group run followed by a social. I have not yet heard the location for this weeks get together, but will surely share it when I do.

Quick update.. more to come...

It's promising to be another fun week ahead! Check back for some updates regarding Tuesday Track, Wednesday Full Moon Snow Shoe, Thursday R.E.D., Saturday Off Season Striders.

Until then, here's a quick clip of the Snow Shoe Crew. It was my first time being able to join them.. and wow! We worked hard getting up to the meadow at Oxbow, but had a blast getting down!

Nice Night in Rochester!

It was another great turnout for Team R.E.D.  Thursday...  what a fun bunch!     People ran and walked anywhere from 2.25 miles to 11 miles.  Nice work everyone!

Reminders: 

Off Season Striders starts at 7:30am Saturday morning at the back door of Brothers Bar & Grill. The route is slated for 7 miles. Additionally, an early crew is meeting at 6:54am to log a few miles or so before hooking up with the rest of the group.

Snow Shoe Crew is meeting at 11:30am Sunday at Oxbow Park's 3rd Bridge.   They plan to blaze some trails then head to the Bears Den for some football and refreshments.

Note: the 3rd bridge is a new start location.. as you enter the park drive straight until you come to a 90 degree right curve, follow that curve and the 3rd bridge is the first parking lot on your left.    

Routes are up!

Thusday / Tonight  6pm:   Check out the routes on the right hand side for a sneak peek at tonight's run/walk routes. 2.25, 3.25 and 6... they all start at Glynners Pub in Roch, and head out  around scenic Silver Lake.

The first map is for the Front Loaders... they will gather at 5:25, to get on the trail and back for the 6pm take off. 

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Saturday 7:30am: Off Season Striders gathers at Brothers on South Broadway for a run, and post run social. Again, there are some gathering early to front load miles, that group will meet at 6:54am.

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Jan 29th 6pm  is the Rochester Track Club's Annual Banquet at the Clarion Inn in Rochester..   You can get more information at http://rochestertrackclub.com/RTC-News/Rochester-Track-Club-Annual-Banquet-on-Jan--29th.aspx

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Warrior Dash has added additWional Waves on the front end of the morning.  There are openings as early as 8am now.. so if you haven't yet registered, you still can!   Visit the following link.. https://www.registrationation.com/customer_info.php?event_id=86  and be sure to use the discount code WDTEAMRED to get $5 off your entry fee!

Most of the RED members are running in then noon wave, but I've heard others have registered anywhere from 11:30am to 3:30pm.... so pick a slot.. and consider joining us for an overnight party at a nearby campground!

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Last Day left to vote on the Best Legs Poll!  Check it out.. it's tied right now, it can't end that way! 

Map My Run

I love Map My Run typically, but it's not working for me this evening! I will try again in the morning to create the routes, otherwise, you just need to show up at Glynners Pub on North Broadway at 6pm to learn where we are going!

Routes will be in the ballpark of 3, 4 and 6 miles...

Additionally there is an "early run" group that will meet at Glyneers at 5:25 to frong load some miles and finish the even at approx 10 miles.

Great Night at the Track!

There was excellent turnout at the RCTC  Track tonight!  I don't have everyone's pic, as people came and left as they could.. which is a fantastic way to approach it... some start as early as 5pm.. and others were arriving to get started until about 5:45...

Some of us followed up the track with the Runners Social at Beatles.  I have no pics from there, but I did see Renee snapping pics (she does that!) .. so you might find some at http://ramblinrenee.blogspot.com/ 

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The Snow Shoe Crew keeps on growing out at Oxbow Park! The pic below is from Sunday, and I can promise you, they sure have fun! (not pictured is Tod, as he was camera man) Wednesday night they are planning a headlamp snow shoe trip. They'll meet at the 1st Bridge at 7pm Wednesday evening. Hook up with the crew!

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Thursday's Team RED is meeting in Rochester at Glynners Pub. Join us at 6pm for a walk or run and fun! Routes will be posted sometime Wednesday. Note: there is a group gathering at 5:25pm.. to add in a bit over 3 miles, before joining the rest of us... so if you want a few more miles, that's an option!

The Week in R.E.D.

Another full week ahead!   Opportunities are building....

Tuesday Night Track:  Meet at the RCTC Indoor track at 5 or 5:30pm.. (there's a little wiggle room in the start time based on work schedules, and post workout requirements).    Get there when you can!  We'll chat up some workout options at 5pm.. but if you come late, we'll connect and talk about the workout.

Tuesday Night Runners Social:  Starting at 6pm at Beattles in Roch.   No Running Required!  Just come socialize with others!

Park after Dark:  The Snow Shoe Crew is hitting Oxbow Park with  headlamps at 7pm Wednesday night!  They'll meet at the 1st Bridge.   They'll likely do it again next week, as a Full Moon is on tap!   .

Thursday Night R.E.D.:    Team R.E.D. will gather at 6pm at Glynners Pub in Rochester.   Glynners is located at 1643 North Broadway.   In the River Center Shopping mall (previously known as Northbrook)

Note:  There is a crew that is planning to front load some miles before Team RED this Thursday to get approx 10 miles... , if you'd like to get on copy of the "early run dist list" send Paul Melby a note (I put him in charge without fully asking, but I sort of asked).   


Saturday Off Season Striders:  I don't yet have this detail.. but they will run, they always do!  I will update when details are available.
ter, MN 55906

Snow Shoe Crew is at it again!

The snow shoe crew is rolling at Oxbow at noon today.  Meet at the 1st Bridge (2nd parking lot on your left as you enter the park).

Mike, Cathy, Meg & Wendy

Lots of Stuff! Including more Warrrior Dash News...

Warrior Dash must be a hot ticket.. the waves are now full until 3pm! If you have interest, get on board very soon! The waves are filling fast!  You can still register at  the following site  https://www.registrationation.com/customer_info.php?event_id=86


Millie & Mike each forwarded me the following link... seems Rats would fit well in our club.
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/05/does-exercising-make-you-drink-more-alcohol/ 


I know many of you have either participated or expressed interest in the Ragnar Relays.  Well, Hood To Coast is a great one, and a movie  capturing the spirit of this event, is showing one night Only.  Mike provided the following link in case you're interested in scoring tickets.   http://www.hoodtocoastmovie.com/

The slideshow below is from Thursday's Team R.E.D.    You all are a lot of fun!    Wendy has some shots from the Friday Snow Shoe Crew, but I don't yet have them off the camera.  

Please vote on the poll on the right hand side, for the hottest legs contest.  The names of the participants shall remain secret until the end of the poll, but the legs shall remain hot!    (only two entries, hopefully next time we'll have more!)

New Member! .. and snow shoe update

We love having new members... and tonight Kelly joined Team R.E.D.!  Be sure to connect with Kelly as we see her moving forward!

It was a great turnout as we went on a progressive type run. hitting a couple home hosts before returning to the Bears Den.   Excellent that Maureen and the Melby's opened their space for us.. very nice!

Of course, 2 out of 3, of the Bears Den gift cards got given away (we're not sure what happens to the other one)...  Congrats to Marilee for winning the 2nd place $5 gift card, and to Amber for winning the 1st place $5 gift card.   It pays to be 1st!... wait.. ok.. yes.. it pays!

 

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Friday at 11am, you can meet at the 1st Bridge of Oxbow.. Why?  Well a snow shoe trek of course!   Oxbow is just north of Byron on Cty Rd 5... the 1st bridge is actually the 2nd parking lot on your left as you enter the park.   Get on out there!

Volunteers!

Hey all... the Lace Up Against Breast Cancer Half Marathon, 5K and 2 Mile walk (Feb 13th) is seeking volunteers.   Team R.E.D. is staffing a water station, and we could still use more helping hands. If you've ever volunteered at a water station, you know it's fun!  

Randy Quint is heading up a crew of Course Marshall's, so that's another great way to volunteer and see the race up close and personal!    

If you're interested in either of these opportunities  please drop me a note at byron.teamred@gmail.com    If you want to volunteer in any other capacity, you can also drop an email to Sarah Shonyo at  shonyo.sarah@gmail.com

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Speaking of Lace Up... you can preview the course this Saturday with Off Season Striders.   They will gather near the tennis courts at Mayo High school at 7:30am... then set out for a 13.1 mile run.   I do believe there will be a water stop (that you'll pass a couple times) on this trial run.  

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Join us tonight for Team R.E.D. from the Bears Den at 6pm!   See the post below for details of the plan.

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The Snow Shoe Crew is planning another Sunday outing at Oxbow Park, north of Byron on Cty Rd 5.  Gather at the 1st Bridge at noon... and go see the sights of Oxbow in the Winter.

There may be another snow shoe opportunity Friday 1/7, however those details are not yet worked out.  

Thursday Routes are Up!

Should be a very fun night Thursday at R.E.D.    We will bounce around Byron!   Gather at the Bears Den at 6pm. for a brief route talk covering the first Leg of the evening.   Each leg is posted on the right hand side of the blog (map my run made some changes to their site, I'm not yet sure what to think of it).

What do I mean when I say "Legs"?   Well, we are fortunate that two home hosts have invited us in, so it'll roll like this....   We'll start at the Den and head to Maureen's place where you can take a short break and enjoy a refreshment of your choice!   Then we'll head back out and find our way to Melby's place, for an additional refreshment of your choice.    From Melby's it's back to the Den!   

During each Leg, you'll have 2 choices, Long or Short.   If you take all the Long Legs, you'll  total 5.75 miles by the time we complete the trek, and if you take all the Short Legs you'll hit 4 miles.   Of course you can do any combination you like. 

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Update on Warrior Dash.. the event is about 6 months away, and we have 47 Team R.E.D. members (and friends of RED) coming to run the noon wave!    Please let me know if you are planning to camp in the group camp site.  This space is tents only!    The campground says the 1 acre site is suitable for 50 people, but they also said, we can go over if need be.   We will discuss the cost per person, after we have a more solid feel as to how many people are planning to camp.  

The campground also has electrical and water hookups.  If you'd like to camp with those luxuries, you'll want to make your own reservation at the St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, a Washington County Park.

Thursday Routes

Thursday's routes will be on the blog sometime tomorrow (Wednesday).     It's going to be quite the social run... We'll start at the Bears Den and then Run/Walk to Maureen's place... have a warm something, or cold something.. then continue on, to Melby's place.. and repeat!   Then it's back to the Den...

The Routes will be such that walkers and runners will arrive at each stop approx the same time! Thanks to Maureeen and the Melby's for hosting us!   Fun! 

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Speaking of Fun.. the Snow Shoe Crew keeps growing!   I get a note nearly every day saying something to the effect "I ordered snow shoes!"    I'm having some difficulty posting the last pics I got from the crew... I will update as we can.. maybe a season slide show is due soon!

If anyone is interested in a Friday Snow Shoe jaunt, I know at least one other interested, as she's getting her shoes on Thursday!   Let me know at bryon.teamred@gmail.com  and I'll get you connected.  (I have a new pair, and still haven't got out to try them! maybe Friday?)

I am willing to bet there is a Sunday Crew already planned, I just don't yet know the time and start location.  Will update the blog as we find out!

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Saturday is a preview of the Lace Up Against Breast Cancer Half Marathon course.    Start time is 7:30 (I believe).... from Mayo High.   Pull in the parking lot and look for the people with facemasks and running shoes.  That's where you want to be.

Camp Site Reserved!

The Warrior Dash registration page is back up and running.   You can still register at the lowest rate until this Friday at https://www.registrationation.com/customer_info.php?event_id=86   Team RED has been signing up for the Noon Wave.  

Be sure to use the Team RED discount code of  WDTEAMRED for $5 off. 

Thanks goes to Adam for reserving a great group campsite for us!   We've got two nights reserved at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, a Washington County Park   (Friday before the event, and Saturday, night, following the event).  Just let us know if you're planning to camp with us, either or both of those nights.   The space is reserved for 50 adults!      ** as a country park, a vehicle pass is required, you can purchase a daily pass for $5 or an annual for $25 **

Update (sort of)

I've been trying to confirm the availability of the indoor track at RCTC  for Tuesday regular track workout.  The big wrestling tournament is approaching, and as I recall from last year, that created a tough environment to truly execute speed work, as they moved several large bleachers onto the track, and had a trailer on the track as well.  At any rate,  I have placed a call, and will update you when I know more.  (if the track is open, I'll suggest we go there, if not, possibly a Tuesday night hill workout).

When I was wondering about the track availability I went to google.com and found it interesting (and enjoyable) to see what I found as the top hit, once I typed rctc indoor        give it a try if you're curious.

Thursday is a Bears Den night, and there's a possibility of a twist to that as well.  So.... again stay tuned!

I am way behind on pictures!   Both Team RED Thursday and Snow Shoe Crew Sundays... I'll get them posted too ! 

We're going to Cuba!   Be sure to send your mileage since Jan 1st to Lori at lbelaen@gmail.com   She'll again help track us on our trip!  We need your swimming mileage too.... send it in!   75 miles of water to cross!    

Update to Sunday Run & Brunch!

Please see the note below from Renee Saxman regarding the 8am Sunday run and Brunch. 

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Last minute change of plans ... the previously scheduled run/brunch at the Strain home is how going to be held at my house (2026 Kal Lane SW, Rochester). Tomorrow, Sunday, at 8 AM. Run as little or long as you want. Food afterwards!! Bring your friends. Spread the word.

Renee
http://ramblinrenee.blogspot.com

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More new members!

I'd like to welcome some more new Team R.E.D. Members!   Don and Liz both joined us yesterday at the Bears Den.  They are great additions to the team!

Don, Tom & Liz

It was a great night for R.E.D.... the weather wasn't even frightful!   I wish you all a happy, fun and safe New Years Eve celebration, and really look forward to so much more fun with you all in 2011!

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For you Warrior Dash Wannabe's... .  the registration site has been down.   Due to the technical difficulties, they have extended the 'early pricing' to January 7th.  So you still have a chance to register at the lower rate, and don't forget to use the Team RED Discount code of   WDTEAMRED   That'll save you 5 bucks!   You can buy me a beer with that!

Some of the people who registered before the code was created, have been issued a credit, but there are many of you I haven't heard from.  If you registered, and didn't use the code, drop me a note.  We need to get some information to Red Frog Events, and they MIGHT discount you.   - the  deadline to get a credit, has come and gone, but I'm one heck of a negotiator, get me your information soon, and we'll take a run at it. 

Bears Den Thursday!

Hey!  I've been slow posting.. lots of excuses!  So I'll spare you the details...

Please welcome our newest member!  Jill Misgen joined us!  She was at the RCTC track workout last night and was welcomed to the Team!

By the way.. the track was a bit tied up with a basketball tournament, but the officials in charge did let us on, eventually, and we enjoyed a great workout.   Below, you'll find some pics, followed by a list of what the remainder of the week has to offer!   Lots of opportunity!

Marv & Jill

Liz, Meredith & Aaron

Alan chasing the young guns.

Mike & Ann

Tom

Thursday:  We'll meet at the Bears Den at 6pm for Team R.E.D.   Routes are posted on the right side of the blog.  Wear your headlamps if you got 'em.. As we'll hit the country side for a portion of the 6 miler, as it's beautiful out there this time of year!

Friday:  The Liz Jaben Inagural New Years Eve Morning Run for the Coffee from Panera South in Rochester.   They are planning to kick off at 6:30am and run an hour or so.   There will be options distance wise. 

Friday:: Don't miss the Ryan's Rockin' in the New Year Bash!   They are ready for you, are you ready for them?  The Ryans are providing Hot Turkey Sandwiches and Sodas.   Please bring a dish to share, and your own alcoholic beverages.   

When:  12/31 starting a 7pm --- optional pre-party run at 6pm. 
Where:  Joe & Sara's home  at 5236 Middlebrook Dr. NW
Theme:  Wear your Ugliest/favorite Christmas sweater.  Also, wear your most prized/most important finishers medal for bling.   (I happen to know our hostess is out shopping to find a 'special sweater' for the party!)
RSVP:  "Sara Ryan" <sararyan37@hotmail.com>, "Joe Ryan" <jryan140@charter.net>,

Saturday:   OSS run at 8:00 AM, this Saturday from Brother's Grill. Remember to park in the back of the restaurant, as we take up some prime parking slots, while we're gone for an hour or more.  The route is set at 7 miles, but have room to adjust, longer or shorter.

Saturday:  Resolution Run from the Running Room at 11am.  There is no race day registration, so contact the Running Room about getting signed up.

Sunday:  The Snow Show Crew (SSC) has been having a blast at Oxbow!   Come join them at 3pm Sunday from the 1st Bridge.   They get out there and go!   -- a few of them did a night snow shoe last night and raved about it! --

Weekend Note:   Dan Strain is organizing a fun event, a few of them did this last year as well.  Below are the details from Dan.

Participate in the second annual Two Day Marathon fun run (no fee)

It kicks off in conjunction with the OSS group run at 8 am Sat Jan 1 (I’m not sure how long the run is but we will add enough to make it 13.1 miles

Then on Sunday Jan 2 we will start from my house 7:30 am – down around silver lake and back, 13.1 miles. We will be able to log 26.2 miles by day two of 2011!  

I ran the route on Monday and it was clear all the way, the weather looks cold for this weekend but look on the bright side the forecast is calling for 10 degrees warmer than last year on Jan 1st and 2nd. (it was 10 below on the inaugural of this run.)   

There will be brunch after the run at my house.

 4325 Camfield Ct SE

Rochester, MN 55904

You'll find the route for the second leg of this two day event on Dan's Blog at runningrochester.blogspot.com
 His link can also be found on the right hand side of the blog with several others.

 P.S. the more the merrier (Invite your friends)  

Resolution Run Update

If you're considering the Resolution Run from the Running Room this Saturday at 11am, sign up soon!  They are filling fast.   They are not taking race day registration, and non registered people can not participate.

Regarding the jackets, which are super nice, and are the give away item..  there are only XL and XXL sizes available.   All other sizes have sold out. 

Start of the week (I'm sure more things will follow!)

• Tuesday Night Track:  5pm at RCTC indoor track.   This track is located at the Field House.  Free of charge.
• Thursday Team RED:   6pm at Bears Den in Byron.   Routes will hit the blog later this week, and be along the normal plan of 3, 4 & 6ish miles.  
• Friday New Years Eve Ryan's Bash! :   This event kicks off at 7pm, but you can come early, at 6pm if you want to associate a run with the great evening!

Merrry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday season!   

A couple things are going on this Sunday.

• There is no official Off Season Striders this weekend, however, on Sunday morning a group is meeting at Panera South at 7:30am. .. come one come all!
• The Snow Shoe Crew is meeting at the 1st Bridge of Oxbow at 3pm Sunday afternoon.   They'll spend 1-2 hours exploring the park.   Feel free to join them! 

Twas the morning before Christmas and all around... RED was having fun!

The Inaugural Liz Jaben Christmas Eve 10 Mile Run For The Fun And Then Get In Your Car And Drive To A Restuarant that is actually open, was a fantastic success!   Many R.E.D. members participated.. and gathered for a great breakfast at the Crowne Restaurant post run. 

The run began with Randy giving a few rules for the run.   We were to perform Acts Of  Kindness, and show Displays Of Affection.    Well, the team did a great job in both of those areas!  (I will spare you some of the affection stories, but the Acts of Kindness are bloggable).

• Helping fallen runners off the ground was one Act of Kindness witnessed multiple times, (we can not discuss the details of a couple falls, as litigation is under consideration.)  
• Wishing Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas to people on the street was common as well.  
• No Runner Left Behind was in full force today, nobody had to slog it in all alone.   
• Mike helped a woman knock giant icicles off her gutter as she was afraid one might fall and impale the paper boy.  
• Randy waited for Mike as he did the good deed.
• Several team members helped push a stuck car to an unstuck position, it was quite interesting as we were struggling to find out which of the 3 people standing around the area, actually owned this car...  once we freed it, it become more clear, the car owners name was "babe".   
• Randy bought for the people at a neighboring table.    
• Team R.E.D. committed to run for that couple at the neighboring table, as they said they would like to lose weight.   Our miles from now until our next journey begins, are dedicated to the unnamed couple. 

While many RED were out on the streets of Rochester, another set of them were Snow Shoeing at Oxbow park in Byron.   Wendy reported that her, along with Ann, Elaine and Meg (pictured below) had a blast and want to make it a Christmas Eve Tradition.
Now I'm told the Bailey's Irish Creme was a post hike treat, but based on a couple of these pictures, I'm not so sure I got the full scoop!   

Really, there was no Bailey's consumed on the trail?

Really?

ahhh.. proof!

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If that snow shoe adventure at Oxbow looked fun.  Mark your calendar for this Sunday, as the group is going again!  Meet at the 1st Bridge of Oxbow at 3pm if you want to join in.     Sunday's hike is typically wrapped up with a Margarita at Margarito's.   Very yummy!

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In case you missed it.. I've added a link to a recent Team R.E.D. story that appeared in the Post Bulletin on Monday.  The story focused on how we have found a fun way to stay fit!   Nice work all of you.. you do well with both measures:  Fitness & Fun!  

http://www.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?z=22&a=482521

Caroling was Interesting!

 We gathered at Dooley's... I had never been there before, the place was busy!   Joe from the Bears Den owners was there enjoying the evening.   The caroling crew was about 15 people, then a few others joined post caroling for the social.

Route Talk.. some of our newest members Jay & Jessica are seen here.

Renee, Andy & Millie

Elaine, Wendy, Erin, Renee & Ann

Our first stop found us at Big Brads on Broadway.. it was not very busy, but the couple of tables seemed to enjoy!

Our next stop was Gilligans, where the crowd was thin, and maybe not entirely fired up to see us.    I'll spare you the ear piercing pain.  

Next up was Kathy's Pub... this was my favorite, I caught a woman suggesting we are off key.. who is off key? us? no way!

Friday's Route is changing.. stay tuned!

Still starting and finishing behind Brothers Bar & Grill at 7am... the post run  breakfast will in all likelihood be shifted (given, word on the street is Brothers will be closed).  

Thursday & Friday!

ok ok.. the Thursday Routes are past due.. but we do know the key element.   We will meet at Dooley's (255 1st Avenue SW, Rochester)  for the route talk.   I have establishments lined up for our Christmas Cheer, however the details of the route are not yet done.   Please check back later this evening if you wanna know, otherwise join us at 6pm Thursday at Dooley's and let's just go!

Friday 7am... the Inaugural Liz Jaben Christmas Eve 10 Mile Run for the Fun starts at the back door of Brothers.  The route is posted on the right hand side of the blog.  (route subject to change, pending trail evaluation).  It may look a lot like an Off Season Striders run we did a few weeks ago, or for those of us directionally challenged, we may not recognize it at all!

Night at the Track

It was a really nice night at the track.  Some activity inside, but not nearly as crazy crowded as it sometimes gets.   In case you're not familiar with the space.  It's located in the Field house on campus.  I've copied below what the RCTC Website says about usage of the track.

The Field house is open every morning from 6 - 8 a.m. and evenings 5 - 10 p.m. Monday through Friday for your walking/jogging pleasure. Weekends are on a hit and miss system depending on what is scheduled in the field house. . The city has priority use and there is no charge for jogging/walking. 

Not picture below, but in attendance was Team RED's Aaron Nepstad, along with a few Byron Track stars.    Dan Feda also ran some 400's and 800's with us.

Andy &  Joe

Erin

Jim & Joe

Tom W

Andy edges Emily at the finish!

Tuesday & Thursday!

Just a couple updates....

Tonight, 5pm... we're meeting at the RCTC indoor track for some speed work.  If you can't get there right at 5, come when you can!  Bring a dry pair of shoes to wear on the track.    This facility is free access to the general public.

Thursday 6pm... Team R.E.D. Caroling on the Run.   We'll gather at Dooley's (255 1st Avenue SW, Rochester)  for the route talk, and then set out to a few pre-selected watering holes and sing for the masses!   Renee and Matt are working up the song list.    We'll finish back at Dooleys for our social.  If you don't find parking on the street, there is a ramp right there too.  Wear something festive!

In case this is your first visit to Dooley's check out the website.  Looks like a fun place!

http://www.dooleyspubroch.com/

Warrior Dash!

As of today, Team R.E.D. has 32 people registered for the noon wave of the Warrior Dash.  The event is scheduled for July 23rd, 2011in Hastings, MN.  (it's a  long way off, but each wave can have a maximum of 500 participants, so if you want to run it with R.E.D. sign up soon!)

Register here:   Warrior Dash Registration Page

Also, as a reminder, we are reserving a one acre group campsite within 10 miles of the event.  So, if you register, please drop me a note to tell me 'you're in'  and let me know if you're interesting in joining us at the group camp site.   Some people are camping Friday night before the event, some are staying Saturday night following the event, and others are staying both nights! 

What is the Warrior Dash?  Have a look here!  

Snow Shoe!

I need to get a pair!   What fun at Oxbow on Sunday's!   Here are some shots of the Snow Shoe Crew!    In this post I originally said, I didn'tt see any Margarita's pics, so I can't say how they behaved post Show Shoe.... but as evidenced below, the truth eventually came out!

Adam, Aaron, Ann, Elaine, Meg & Dave

 

A look at the week ahead....

Lots going on during this holiday season!   It's good to see so many just want to keep on runnin'!

• Tuesday 5pm:  Indoor Track at the indoor track located in the  RCTC Field House.  If you can't make it right at 5pm.. come as soon as you can, and join in!
• Wednesday 6pm:   Group run from the Running Room.  Various paces.   
• Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. in Rochester (starting location TBD).   The plan is to go carolling to  3-4 downtown bars (because drunks are people too!), and then settle in for a social.   
• Friday 7am:    1st Annual Liz Jaben Christmas Eve 10 Mile Breakfast Run For The Fun at Brothers.   Come support this effort!  
• Saturday:  Enjoy! 
• Sunday 7:30am:  Group run from Panera South.

Don't forget the New Years Eve Bash of all Bashes!   Hosted by the Joe and Sara Ryan starting at 7pm!    Come at 6 if you'd like to get a run in first.

Is there a Team R.E.D. on 12/23?

Yes!   Details are coming.     We're planning on a Rochester night of progressive sorts... details to follow!

Success! -

Before I roll into last nights events, just a couple reminders:

Renee Saxman is hosting the Off Season Striders run Saturday morning at 7:30 am.   You can come run, walk or just for the social!   Renee lives at 2026 Kal Lane SW in Rochester.  

Oxbow Hike or Snow Shoe trek  will take place at 3pm Sunday.   Meet at the 1st Bridge (which is the 2nd parking lot on your left)    Then plan to follow up your oxbow visit with a nice margarita!
 

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Thanks to all of you who helped make our trip to the North Pole a success!   73 members submitted miles, and we actually ran past the north pole by 132 miles!  So we did have to back track a little last night!

About 20 Team R.E.D.  members made the run to the kettle, but my photo taking is insanely bad!   The kettle pictures appear as if I took them while driving past in a car.. blurry!   Here are a couple on the run.. and a couple inside at post run.   Several members joined post run for 2 out of 3!

Be sure to keep an eye on Monday's Post Bulletin as I received a call today from Shelly Greenfield. She does a fitness column each Monday, and we chatted about our trip to the North Pole as well as some of the many other fun ways Team R.E.D. stays active!  

Meg & Wendy

Randy

Free Agents Teresa & Jen -- Welcome!

Adam? or Santa?

Winner Winner!  

 During the social, members were teamed and tasked with writing, in 15 words, more or less, where we should go next, and then presenting that to the Team.  People were indeed creative!     Here are the nominations... please read them and then place your vote on the poll on the right hand side of the blog.

In no particular order....  the nominees are.... 

•  Margaritaville:   (This was was presented by a musical duet) After we run our hills and do drills, we'll have thrills, wasting away in Margaritaville.
• Spain:   Delicious sangria & pretty senoritas.   Need we say more?
• Hawaii:  Go to the Pro Bowl in Hawaii and have a Luau and get lays!
• Rio:  Rio --- we're all about the Brazilians!
• St. Lucia:   Think Spring!!  Take a Spring Break trip to St. Lucia
• France:   We whine so we we want to go to France to get the good stuff! 
• Puerto Rico:  Puerto Rico is a place with no snow in your face.  Plenty of beaches and liquor to spare, and  canbana boys, so you don't have to go anywhere! 
• Moscow:  Vodka, Fur hats, Beautiful accents, Really nice weather.. and... They Have The Bomb!
• Germany:  Beer Beer Beer Beer Beer Beer Beer Beer Beer Beer Beer Beer run to Germany! 
• Cuba via Key West:  (this one came with a hand drawn map)  We should run to Key West Florida, then swim 75 miles to the island of Cuba!
• New Zealand:  To New Zealand with the Kiwis, running nonstop, no stopping to go wee-wee!

Bears Den Tonight!

Please arrive just a bit early.... 5:55pm at the Bears Den for the route talk!    If you have headlamps and spikes I suggest bringing them along tonight!     Routes are posted on the right hand side of the blog.  The long run got people lost last time, we'll test memories with this one...

Our advance scout team has already arrived at the North Pole and they are thrilled with what they've found!

Aaron, Ann & Mike Celebrating Success!

Press Release - Salvation Army

We are a day away from arriving at the the North Pole!   Please send in your mileage to Lori at lbelaen@gmail.com   today.  

The Salvation Army is happy to hear that we have dubbed the RED Kettle at Byron Marketplace as the North Pole.  They have included our adventure in a press release.  I've copied and pasted the portion of the release that relates to Team R.E.D.

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• Thursday, “Team R.E.D.” arrives at the North Pole (a.k.a. the Byron Marketplace Kettle) at 6:00pm, with a violin welcome by Teresa Walters.

The Mission Statement of Team R.E.D. is Fitness & Fun! Over the last 4 weeks, members have been logging and submitting their weekly mileage to virtually travel 3200 miles from Byron, Minnesota to the North Pole. Thursday, upon arriving at the kettle, members plan to make a contribution to the Salvation Army. Team R.E.D. was formed in April, 2009 and has grown to over 100 members, primarily from Southeastern MN. Team R.E.D. welcomes members of all stripes: those who walk, walk & run, and others who seemingly run forever. Most importantly, the Team feels a strong sense of community, allowing it to not only support each other in fitness related goals, but also lead to opportunities to volunteer and support several area fund raisers, as well race events.

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A little something

Sent by Jean Murray.. thanks Jean!

Three little pigs went out to dinner one night. The waiter came and took their beverage order.

"I would like a Sprite," said the first little piggy.

"I would like a Coke," said the second little piggy.

"I want beer, lots and lots of beer," said the third little piggy.

The drinks were brought out, and the waiter took their orders for dinner.

"I want a nice big steak," said the first little piggy.

"I would like the salad plate," said the second little piggy.

"I want beer, lots and lots of beer," said the third little piggy.

The meals were brought out. Later, the waiter approached the table and asked the little piggies if they would like dessert.

"Yes, I want a banana split," said the first little piggy.

" Oh yes, I want a cheesecake," said the second little piggy.

"I want beer, lots and lots of beer," replied the third little piggy

"Pardon me for asking," said the waiter to the third little piggy,

"but why have you only ordered beer all evening?"

The third little piggy said, "Well, someone has to go wee, wee, wee all the way home."

This week - Great Week!

There are many opportunties to keep moving this week!

Tuesday 5pm:  Track workout - indoor track at RCTC field house - this space is open to the public, and free of charge.   Bring a dry pair of running shoes to put on after you arrive.  If you can't get there right at 5, come when you can.  Last winter we had people coming and going, and it all works.

Tuesday 6pm:   Runners Social at Beattles in Rochester.  No running required!  Stop out for the social!   There is no membership to any club required to join the social.  

Wednesay 6pm:  Group run from the Running Room.  Various paces/distances

Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. arrives at the north pole!   Please send in your latest miles to Lori lbelaen@gmail.com  on Wednesday 12/15 (include anything you ran or plan to run on that day as well).   Lori and I will then calculate how far we need to run to reach the North Pole, I believe it will be about a mile to arrive, as you have been doing fantastic!

What will represent our arrival?  We'll run to the RED Kettle at Byron Marketplace, presenting an opportunity to make a  contribution (optional).  How much to contribute?  Any contribution is fantastic, but one idea bounced around was, look at how many miles you've run to 'get here!' and contribute a 'per mile' contribution.. i.e. 10 cents per mile.. or whatever number you like.     After the RED Kettle stop, you can continue on the typical 3, 4, or 6 mile routes, then circle back to the Den for the fun!  -- or you can hit the north pole, and go right back to the Den! ---

Saturday 7:30am:  Off Season Striders is gathering at Renee's home in Rochester.   She is one fantastic host for the running community and others! Thanks Renee!

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New Year's Eve is coming soon!   Joe & Sara Ryan have invited Team R.E.D. to their home for a great night on New Years Eve!   The party will kick off at 7pm... and there is a theme: 

Wear your Ugliest/favorite Christmas sweater.  Also, wear your most prized/most important finishers medal for bling. 

The Ryans are providing Hot Turkey Sandwiches and Sodas.   Please bring a dish to share, and your own alcoholic beverages.  Also, if you'd like to get a run or walk in pre-party, 6pm would be the time to meet!