Pics still coming!

 There are a lot of good opportunities coming up, including the All-Comers Mile on Tuesday!  - the mile is a free event and will take place on John Marshalls all-weather track!  I believe the mile starts at 5:30pm.  

Torchlight 5K update - Get on the bus Gus!

Torchlight 5K Motorcoach (trolley upgrade!)... It's a lot of fun!
Wednesday, July 22, 2015

• $15 per person including roundtrip motor coach transportation from Rochester and Byron and drinks on the bus
• Lv Rochester (place to be determined) 4:30pm
• Lv Byron (Bears Den) 5:00pm
• Ar Basilica of Saint Mary 6:30pm
• Run to the finish line across the old stone arch bridge.
• Dancing & party til 9:30pm
• Lv St Anthony Main 9:40pm
• Ar Byron (Bears Den) 11:00pm
• Ar Rochester 11:30pm
• Email Dan: dan@svmrochester.com or IM Dan Mesenburg on Facebook… first come first serve to 48!

A few options this weekend... 

Saturday 7am: Off Season Stiders meet at  Charlies Pub & Eatery On 2nd 

Sunday 7:30am:  Off Season Striders rolls again, this time from Panera North  

Sunday 10am:  Team R.E.D. Metro is planning on a trip to Afton State Park, and we are all invited! (we are always invited, so if you're ever in the metro, considering joining a group event!)  - This is a fun time, you can either run or hike, and go as far as you like!  Plan to have some social time afterwards... 

Seeking Volunteers on Tuesdays through July 14th :  RTC All-Comers Meet  Contact Gwen if you're available to help!  It's a great event! Reminder:  the meets have been relocated to John Marshall High School... volunteers should report by 5:45pm. 

RAC Fall marathon group runs start on June 20th!  -  7AM at the RAC

Week Ahead

Whew... the High School Track & Field season has come to a successful completion, hopefully that means I can stay a little more ahead on the blog updates!

Congrats to all of you who participated in the Chester Woods Trail Races, or the Relay Across Iowa, or any of the other things you managed to find yourself engaged with!   Donut Run results should be available soon... as will pictures from recent events, but for now, here is the plan as I now it for the next few days.

Volunteer Opportunity at the Rochester Track Club All-Comers meets every Tuesday! Contact Gwen at  gwenjacobson@charter.net  if you're available to help!  It's a great event!  The meets have been relocated to John Marshall High School... volunteers should report by 5:45pm. 

• Monday 5:15pm: It looks like a group is planning a hill workout. Meet at Edina Realty near TJ Maxx and hit the hills for strength building! 
• Monday 6pm: The Monday Maniacs are heading to Cowboy Jacks at 1625 South Broadway. This is typically a 5-6 mile night, and always a fun location with peanuts and popcorn post workout!
• Tuesday 6pm: Check out TerraLoco and their weekly 5K for charity! It's just $5 to take part in this fundraising event!
• Tuesday 6:15pm: Root River Ramble!! Meet in the parking lot at 80th St. SE Rochester. The two mile loop allows you to choose your own distance (in 2 mile increments). Join us for some fun running on a pretty trail and enjoying some laughs afterwards!! 
• Wednesday 6pm:  Speedwork on the track in Byron.  This crew continues to get after it!  Don't worry about how fast you are now, instead consider this an opportunity to get faster! 
• Thursday 6pm: Team R.E.D. is heading back to Brothers Bar & Grill.  Gather at the back entrance to the bar, and we'll do the route talk outside if it's nice, and inside if not so nice.  Plan to walk or run and stay for the fun! 

Weekend Updates

The Off Season striders are at it again!

• Saturday 7am: 13-15 miles from Charlies Pub & Eatery on 2nd Street in Rochester.  If you want to run less, run less! If you want to run more, run more!  - Either way, stay for some coffee, breakfast and social time post workout! 
• Sunday 8am: People Food Co-op is the location for Sunday's gathering.  I'm not sure what the target distance is for the group, but remember, you can always add on or reduce mileage to what fits you.  I suggest parking on the street at people's co-op since we won't be going inside right way.

Upcoming local events on June 6th - details can be found at rochestertrackclub.com : 

Chesterwoods 5K, 10 Mile and 50K  - Jim Mason once again is hosting this great event!  You can get registered at TerraLoco tonight! 
Team R.E.D. has a water station for the event, if you'd like to participate contact Katie at Katie.Massen@tenethealth.com
The Tortoise vs Hare 5K, 10K and 1 Mile - This seems like a great event too, set up with some equalizers based on age, gender and height/weight ratio!
The City of Joy 5K - This event is a fundraiser for survivors of gender violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

Week Ahead!

Many Thanks! To everyone who participated in, volunteered at, or otherwise supported our efforts with the Donut Run in Byron on Friday!  -- The weather was dicey, so we pulled a last minute scramble and moved the event inside.  I am so thankful our volunteers were patient with me, as we were making up the plan as we went along!  The 243 participants were also so willing to roll with the changes.. that made for a great event!

The winning male is awaiting his next birthday to become a Team R.E.D. member, Jake ate 15 donuts while running the halls and stairs of Byron High School quite quickly!  He produced a negative time after deductions!

The winning female is Annika, she is one Byrons strong Cross Country and Track athletes.  Annika approached it differently from Jake, and she simply ran fast while limiting herself to 1 donut!

The Byron MarketPlace and Bears Den provided the 120 dozen donuts for the event!  ServiceMaster of Rochester, TerraLoco & Team R.E.D. provided several prizes!  Thank you all so very much!

Jake & Annika with their Donut Run Mug Trophy's! 

******************************

Monday 6pm:  The Monday Maniacs are heading downtown Rochester.  Gather at Dooley's Pub and we'll enjoy a run and/or walk before coming back for some socializing!  If things warm up, and the sun is out, it's possible we can enjoy some outdoor seating!
Tuesday 6pm:  TerraLoco continues with their 5K charity series. This is so awesome they find a way to connect weekly with the community! Bring at a $5 donation, and have fun! Runners and walkers are all welcome!
Tuesday 6:15pm:  The trail crew is heading to Chester Woods to preview the course prior to the Chester Woods 5K, 10 Mile and 50K next weekend! Meet in the parking lot near the Beach House.
Wednesday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. hits the track in Byron. Come join us, no matter how fast you currently are, you can do this. We are all in the same space, so you are never really alone.  This session is geared to make you faster!
Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. is at the Bears Den in Byron.  We'll have routes of 3, 4 or 6 miles for us to run or walk!  We'll come back to the Den to celebrate the effort we shared with each other.
Saturday & Sunday morning:  I would anticipate Off Season Striders will have opportunities.  I'll post them when they are available.

Upcoming local events on June 6th - details can be found at rochestertrackclub.com : 

Chesterwoods 5K, 10 Mile and 50K  - Jim Mason once again is hosting this great event!  If anyone is interested in working a Team R.E.D. waterstop please let me know.  I can not be there to help, as it's the State Track Meet that day.
The Tortoise vs Hare 5K, 10K and 1 Mile - This seems like a great event too, set up with some equalizers based on age, gender and height/weight ratio!
The City of Joy 5K - This event is a fundraiser for survivors of gender violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

Thursday R.E.D.!

Thursday 6pm: I nearly forgot to post the location for Thursday's Team R.E.D.!    We'll be at WildWood Bar & Grill in Rochester, near the TJ Maxx Plaza.   We have called ahead, and they are looking forward to hosting us once again!

Be sure to get out to Byron on Friday evening for the Donut Run!  We can use participants as well as volunteers!  Register here...  Donut Run 2015

Fast moving Weekend!

It was fun to see so many Team R.E.D. members and their families taking part in the Med City Marathon weekend!  Everything from the Expo to the kids races, to the big boy and girl races... lots of fun! - oh, and the post race party was good too!

You'll see a lot of familiar faces and hear some familiar names announced in this clip from KTTC....
KTTC Rochester, Austin, Mason City News, Weather and Sports

Congrats to everyone!  There were some amazing results, including several PRs... honestly too many to list!  Also several age group award winners.. very nice work!  Here are a few of the top Team R.E.D. performances..

• Dani Vsetecka won the women's division of the Half Marathon in a blazing time of 1:24:31!  
• The team of Claire Walling, Anna Schettle, Sarah Schettle and Alicia Alverson took home the female Relay title! 
• The team of Brian & Angela Giese took 3rd place in the Coed Relay (with a two person team!)
• Dan Feda represented the men very well with his 4th place Half Marathon finish in 1:21:17! 
• Andy Hemenway ran a 3:00 marathon, placing him 4th for the men! Cruising as usual! 

I'll try to post some pics from the weekend later, but first, one item of 'catch up'.  

• Congratulations to Team R.E.D. Members Laura Mesenburg and Austin Zett, as they both competed in the Division III Nationals Track & Field Championship!  Laura placed 12th in the Pole Vault, while Austin finished 2nd in the Discuss... very nice work both of you!

Austin competition time! 

Laura is always well prepared! 

**************************************

What's coming up this week?

• Tuesday 6pm:  The TerraLoco 5K is just $5 and those funds go to a local charity!  A new charity benefits almost every week. 
• This weeks recipient is the Zumbro Valley Health Center, the 5K Run/Walk offers the unique opportunity to come together as a community and take a stand for mental health. Whether you run or walk, your participation helps raise the money for the Zumbro Valley Health Center.
• Tuesday 6:15pm: The Trail Crew is heading to Quarry Hill for about 5 miles of fun! Meet at the west parking lot near the tennis courts, access the lot from 9th St NE in Rochester. 
• Wednesday  3:30pm:  See the message I received from Mike Schmitt regarding a 5K put on by Benjamin's school running club.  Sounds fun and it's FREE! 
• Rochester Montessori School 5K Run/Walk:  Join the RMS Running Club on Wednesday, May 27th from 3:30-4:30pm for its first ever *free* 5K Run/Walk on the RMS Fitness Course (5099 7th St. NW Rochester MN 55901) This event is open to the public.  If you plan to attend, please email Mark Seifert at mark@rmschool.org   - there was a target deadline to register of May 20th, but if interested, I would suggest still dropping him an email!    
• Wednesday 6pm:  Speed on the Track in Byron... come one come all!  You can either shake out your tired legs from this weekends races, or continue to build your speed for future events.  The track is located behind the Byron Middle School on 4th Street. 
• Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. is back in Rochester with the location still to be determined.  Plan on routes of 3, 4 or 6 miles!
• Friday 6:30pm:  The Donut Run takes place at the Byron High School!  Several of you have asked about running in it, and volunteering... that's great! We need both of those roles filled! 
• You can still register online at the following link...  It's also not too late to order the optional tee-shirt!    http://form.jotform.us/form/50926536282156
• I'll publish a list of what we need for volunteers on our next blog update. 
• Saturday 6:30am:  There is a group of people planning a long run from the RAC to get 20 miles in for Grandmas Marathon training.  Check out the route, there are options to add on, or take miles away.  The following link shows the route, and they are adding a loop around Silver Lake to complete the 20 miles.  http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6588608   
• This crew will be heading to Brothers Bar & Grill for breakfast post long run. 
• Saturday 7:15am:  The Off Season Striders will be rolling from Brothers Bar and Grill.. as usual, please park in the back and we'll do the route talk outside if weather is good, or inside the back door if it's dicey.  This run will range anywhere from 6-12 miles (you can always add or drop miles with this crew.  
• I'm planning to preload starting at 6am from the back of Brothers...  and will circle back to join the OSS run.  Total mileage will be 22 when it's said and done, all are welcome to join the preload if you like.  
• Sunday 8am:  Off Season Striders are hitting Panera South, and I would anticipate the mileage to be less then reported above! 
• Sunday 3pm:  Hashing in Byron! See notes below!  

*******************************

New Event!  Let's have some fun! 

Team R.E.D. Hashing! - Mike Mozer is leading us on an opportunity to Hash on Sunday at 3pm.  For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, the event is aimed at fun, involving running or walking while you follow a series of trail markings, hoping to stay on the correct path, as some of the markings provide a false lead. 

To give you even a better feel for Hashing, check this out from Wikipedia

The objectives of the Hash House Harriers as recorded on the club registration card dated 1950:

• To promote physical fitness among our members
• To get rid of weekend hangovers
• To acquire a good thirst and to satisfy it in beer
• To persuade the older members that they are not as old as they feel

We'll gather at the O'Leary's at 805 1st Ave NW in Byron to go over the rules and then we'll set out on the course.  We're planning on an appetizer/snackie potluck.. so please bring something to share.  We'll provide beer and water, so if you'd like something else to drink, please BYOB.

***************************************

Upcoming events on June 6th - details can be found at rochestertrackclub.com :

Chesterwoods 5K, 10 Mile and 50K  - Jim Mason once again is hosting this great event!  If anyone is interested in working a Team R.E.D. waterstop please let me know.  I can not be there to help, as it's the State Track Meet that day.
The Tortoise vs Hare 5K, 10K and 1 Mile - This seems like a great event too, set up with some equalizers based on age, gender and height/weight ratio!

Great Weekend!

We've had such a great opportunity to meet so many people this weekend!  Most during the Med City Marathon Expo.. it's been fun!

It's also been exhausting!   ---   For now, you should know, Monday Maniacs is taking the week off due to the holiday weekend.  We'll get you a schedule that shows Tuesday, Wednesday , Thursday soon... hope to see you all at the Med City Marathon on Sunday!

Tom O'

another quickie

Sorry.. I've been a bit under the weather and updates are sluggish like me.... I have received several volunteer emails for the Med City Marathon weekend, that's awesome!  We can still use more.  I will try to get an email out with details of roles in the next day or so...

• Tonight 6:15pm:  The Trail crew is heading to Oxbow park! What a great place to run... join them!  The group meets at the first bridge (which is the 2nd parking lot on your left after you enter the gravel road). Bring a beverage, if the weather holds out there could be a great parking lot party. -- if not, the Bears Den seems like a great choice! 
• Byron is hosting the Sub Section track meet tonight, so if you're not trail running, we'd welcome you to help us on Hurdle crew!  (you could get to the parking lot party after volunteering! )   
• The pay is the satisfaction of making the meet move smoothly as athletes continue to drive toward their goals of advancing to sections and state!  
• Wednesday 6pm: Track Work at the Byron Track (behind the middle school at 601 4th St NW Byron). The early vote is for 300M repeats with 100M recovery.   We will confirm the plan on the track!
• Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. meets at the Bears Den in Byron.  3, 4 or 6 miles of walk, run and fun! Join us back at the Den for the post workout social! 
• This next note is not one for anyone to be concerned about, but I need to say it.  Please do not bring any of your own beverages into the Bears Den or any other establishment.  Thank you!  

Quckie

I'll be busy at the Roll & Stroll for JDRF most of today, so I wanted to get a quick update regarding Volunteers, Monday Maniacs and Tuesday Trails.... check back for details on hills, track and Thursdays Team R.E.D.!

Please email me at byron.teamred@gmail.com if you're interested in any of the following Med City Marathon volunteer opportunities. (If you already emailed me about volunteering you should be getting details on your role late tonight).

Saturday May 23rd

• 1-3 hour shift at the Team R.E.D. booth at the Med City Marathon Expo between 10am - 7pm. 
• Mascot Races - you would need to be available from approx 12:30pm - 1:30pm.  We have two mascots to represent.  We'll represent the Team R.E.D. mascot, and the Byron Bear.

Sunday May 24th - you will receive free beer during the following gigs - and front row to Pop Rocks!

• Post Race Beer Pouring - report as early as 9:30am or let me know if you have different availability
• Post Race ID Checkers - report as early as 9:30am or let me know if you have different availability
• Evening Party behind the civic center with Pop Rocks! More ID Checkers and Beer Pourers!

Monday & Tuesday stuff below...

Monday 6pm: Monday's gathering is at Cowboy Jacks in Rochester.  This is a great place to run a flat route, as requested by our Monday Maniac leader, given she just completed 31 miles of hills, mud this weekend!
Tuesday 6:15pm: The Tuesday Trail Crew is heading to Oxbow Park just north of Byron. This is a great place for trail running.  Meet at the 1st bridge (2nd parking lot on the left as you enter the park). - Bring a beverage or snack for a parking lot party if weather permits, otherwise, the Bears Den is just up the road! -

Four Years

It's hard to believe it's been four years since we lost Paul Melby.  I think part of what makes it so hard to believe, is the fact that on nearly every group run, his name still comes up. That is a tribute to how wonderful of guy he was.

It's a shame that some of you never had the opportunity to meet Paul, as his personality is one of a kind!  He was magnetic, pulling us all in with his stories, and you just knew, at some point soon you were going to bust out laughing uncontrollably. We'll forever miss Paul presence, but will never forget his kindness, and passion for all things fun.

Paul getting after it

Paul Melby, Boston Qualifier - May 14, 2011

Team R.E.D. from Melby Park

***************************

Here's a look at what's going on this weekend....

• Saturday 7am: A 12-13 mile out and back along the Med City Marathon course is set with water stations. Gather at the Bears Den if you want to take part in this run. The course covers the rollers into Rochester, it will be a good workout! 
• Need more miles? A group is pre-loading from the Bears Den starting at 6:15 am. They will load a few miles and circle back to the Den to join the rest of the party.  The route is shown below with the elevation chart.

• 
  
• Saturday 7:15am:  This last Marathon / Half Marathon training long run from the RAC takes place.  Depending how many mile you feel you need this route has options of 7, 10 or 15 miles, with an aid station at Silver Lake. 
• Saturday 10am: The 4th Annual VAD 5K Run/Walk at Soldiers Field.  A friendly race director will be there to support you! Sarah Schettle is in charge of this great event for patients with Ventricular Assist Devices. More details can be found at http://rochestertrackclub.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=28&ArticleID=719
• Sunday starting at noon:  Our dear friends and teammates, KP & Rachel are preparing to leave Rochester for new and exciting opportunities.  We are surely going to miss them!  Such fun, happy people... a truly inspiring couple that we've been so lucky to meet!  They are hosting a celebration and have invited us all to their place.. what were they thinking?!  See the note from KP below. 
• Friends, Rachel and I are having another pig roast but this one is to celebrate our time in Rochester.  We are hoping to have all our friends come and enjoy our gathering.  It will be all day on Sunday May 17th, 2015 at our house.
• Our address is 1035 4th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904.
• Our party is going to be all day with the hopes that as many of our friends as possible can attend.  The pig will be ready to eat at 12 pm noon and will be available until it is gone.  Bring family and friends if necessary.  If you feel like bringing a side that would go well with bbq pig we would really appreciate it.  Buns, salad, cole slaw corn bread and beer always go well with pig.
• Looking forward to seeing everyone on May 17th.
• Sunday 1-4pm:  Roll & Stroll for JDRF at Soldiers Field.  As many of you know, this event strikes home to the O'Leary's and we've appreciated the support over the years, you are amazing people!   It's a fun family event with a DJ, games, silent auction, prizes and a fundraising spirit!  If you'd like to donate to Megans team and help raise money for Type-1 Diabetes Research, please visit  http://www2.jdrf.org/site/TR?fr_id=4744&pg=personal&px=1006122 and consider making a donation.

Wow! So Much!

Here we go....  we have a lot of pics to share, stories to tell of PR's, and great efforts, but for tonight, let's celebrate two new Boston Marathon Qualifiers!   Congratulations to Mike Paradise and Claire Walling!

Congrats Mike!  Fantastic accomplishment achieved at the Fargo Marathon!  You earned it man!

Mike, Claire and Jen at Lake Wobegon.  For Mike & Claire, it was a first marathon.. and Claire Boston Qualified, rock star!  It also goes without saying, Jen is always amazing!  - the power of Teamwork here! 

• Monday 6pm:  Monday Maniacs are at WildWood Bar & Grill.  This is a great place to either reach the trails or head downtown.  Come join us to either run or walk! 
• Monday 6pm: Free Food & Drink! - if that got your attention, there is a volunteer opportunity to stuff packets for Med City Marathon at a Child's Kingdom located at 1621 North Broadway. Many hands will make this task go quickly, and of course it'll be fun to support Wally & Peg with this effort! 
• More Med City Marathon weekend volunteer opportunities are coming.  We'll be seeking Team R.E.D. expo booth volunteers, as well as beer pourers and id checkers!  Remember, it's always fun!  
• Tuesday 6pm:  TerraLoco continues to crush it with the weekly 5K. Always a charity involved, and always fun!  Bring $5 for the charity. 
• Tuesday 6:15pm:  The Trail Crew is heading to Bill Barnacle Woodlands on an out and back route.. this is awesome for anyone who worries about falling behind.  Pace does not matter on an out and back, as you can turn around when you want to!  The full route is about 5 Miles. 
•  Meet at the Marion BP to rideshare. (South of I-90 on 52.. right hand side parking lot behind the gas station).
• Wednesday 6pm:  Speedwork on the track in Byron. The track is located behind the middle school at 601 4th St NW... we'll put some music on the stadium sound system and you can shake it off! 
• Thursday 4:30pm:  Carpool for the USATF 1 Mile championship in the cities departs from the parking lot near Gander Mountain/Sam's Club in Rochester.  The crew always meets in the section of the lot that is nearest the Kwik Trip along 55th Street NW. The team circuit wave rolls out at 7;22pm.  This is a fast and fun course! Check out the entire listing of team circuit events at the following link, as Team R.E.D. is a USA Track & Field Club. http://usatfmn.org/team-circuit
• Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. is heading to Brothers Bar & Grill in Rochester.  Gather at the back door - there are nice options for a variety of distances from Brothers as the trail is right next door.   
• Please park in back too, we hate to take the prime spots from people, then not actually go into the establishment for another hour!
• Friday 6:30pm:  Stay out of the Sun Run from Lourdes High School.  This is a great fundraising run, and it's awesome if we can support it!  Check out the details at http://www.sosrun.org/
• May 16th, Saturday 10am:  The 4th Annual VAD 5K Run/Walk at Soldiers Field.  A friendly race director will be there to support you! Sarah Schettle is in charge of this great event for patients with Ventricular Assist Devices. More details can be found at http://rochestertrackclub.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=28&ArticleID=719
• May 17th Sunday starting at noon:  Our dear friends and teammates, KP & Rachel are preparing to leave Rochester for new and exciting opportunities.  We are surely going to miss them!  Such fun, happy people... a truly inspiring couple that we've been so lucky to meet!  They are hosting a celebration and have invited us all to their place.. what were they thinking?!  See the note from KP below. 
• Friends, Rachel and I are having another pig roast but this one is to celebrate our time in Rochester.  We are hoping to have all our friends come and enjoy our gathering.  It will be all day on Sunday May 17th, 2015 at our house.
• Our address is 1035 4th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904.
• Our party is going to be all day with the hopes that as many of our friends as possible can attend.  The pig will be ready to eat at 12 pm noon and will be available until it is gone.  Bring family and friends if necessary.  If you feel like bringing a side that would go well with bbq pig we would really appreciate it.  Buns, salad, cole slaw corn bread and beer always go well with pig.
• Looking forward to seeing everyone on May 17th.
• May 17th Sunday 1-4pm:  Roll & Stroll for JDRF at Soldiers Field.  As many of you know, this event strikes home to the O'Leary's and we've appreciated the support over the years, you are amazing people!   It's a fun family event with a DJ, games, silent auction, prizes and a fundraising spirit!  If you'd like to donate to Megans team and help raise money for Type-1 Diabetes Research, please visit  http://www2.jdrf.org/site/TR?fr_id=4744&pg=personal&px=1006122 and consider making a donation.

Monday!

I'm off to see my mother.... so a complete update won't come until this evening. In the meantime, Congrats to all those who completed races this weekend, some of them stamped their tickets to the Boston Marathon!

Monday 6pm:  The Maniacs will run and/or walk from Wildwood Bar & Grill, check back later tonight for the rest of the plan for the upcoming week!

Four New Members!

What a great night at the Bears Den! - We welcomed 4 new members!

Tom with newbies Pete, Arik & Courtney.. Welcome! 

A post workout pic.. another new member is in back on the left side.. Welcome Alex! 

***************************

It's another busy race weekend!  Several members are off to Wobegon, Fargo and a few are even scooting to California!   I'm especially anxious to hear about Claire and Mike's excellent adventure at Wobegon! - Have great races all.. and send some pictures!

************************************

Saturday 7;15am:  The long run from the RAC takes place with a 15 miler.  Join the group and enjoy the volunteer aided long run!  Please bring $1 to help cover the costs of bananas and gatorade.
Sunday 8am:  Happy Mothers Day!  - To celebrate, the Off Season Striders are gathering at Charlies Eatery and Pub on 2nd Street.  Join for the run or walk... and come back for the social.  Our friend Renee Saxman is back in town, and rumor has it she's joining the group!

Details regarding next week's schedule will be posted this weekend... enjoy!

May 16th, Saturday 10am:  The 4th Annual VAD 5K Run/Walk at Soldiers Field.  A friendly race director will be there to support you! Sarah Schettle is in charge of this great event for patients with Ventricular Assist Devices. More details can be found at http://rochestertrackclub.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=28&ArticleID=719

May 17th Sunday 1-4pm:  Roll & Stroll for JDRF at Soldiers Field.  This is a fun family event with a DJ, games, silent auction, prizes and a fundraising spirit!  If you'd like to donate to Megans team and help raise money for Type-1 Diabetes Research, please visit  http://www2.jdrf.org/site/TR?fr_id=4744&pg=personal&px=1006122 and consider making a donation.

Please Send Prayers

Please send your thoughts and prayers for Judy Herold and her family, as her husband Tom passed away this week following a lengthy battle with Cancer.

Visitation is today, Thursday, from 5-8pm the River Park Chapel of Macken Funeral Home in Rochester.  A Funeral Mass is set for Friday at 11:30am at St Francis Catholic Church.  A complete Obituary can be found at http://mackenfuneralhome.com/memorial-services/thomas-james-herold/

Judy and Tom were able to visit Disney recently as it's one of the places they've enjoyed over their nearly 35 years together.  

Magic Kingdom

Gwen is bringing a card to Team R.E.D. tonight, and if you would like to contribute in memory of Tom to Lourdes High School Athletics, she will collect those donations this evening. 

Hear Ye Hear Ye

After discussion with several Team R.E.D. members, I hereby issue one of the very few rules of Team R.E.D.  This rule is called the Only/Just Rule.

• I hereby declare, starting this Third day of May in the year Two Thousand and Fifteen, when speaking or writing about the distance of a walk, run or a race, Team R.E.D. members shall not precede the distance or pace with words such as "only", "just" or any other descriptors that may minimize the effort.  

For example, it is now against the rules to say "I just ran the half marathon." or "I only ran four miles."   or "I just walked the 10 mile" or "I only did a 10/min mile"  --- all distances and paces are valid and worthy of pride and appreciation for the gift we've all been granted, the gift of fitness.

Let it be declared, each and every member is authorized to serve as judge and jury while calling out a violation of the Only/Just rule.  Penalty for any violations during a Team R.E.D. gathering is assigned by the judge/jury up to, but not to exceed 10 push-ups.  The team will help you count!

********************************

What a great weekend, including a wonderful turnout of Team R.E.D. members at the Spring Classic 15K & 5K!

I can't believe we didn't snap a team pic at this one!  Of he 79 15K finishers, 30 of them were Team R.E.D.ers, including:

• Dan Feda, Joe Ryan, Ryan Diepenbrock, Tom O'Leary, Jen St Amand, Dan Leach, Dale Godbut, Dave Eide, Angela Eide, Larry Kleppe, Marv Misgen, Gwen Jacobson, Randy Price, Oliver Tobin, Marissa Vaughn, Lorelei Hanson, Julie Yost, Satish Selvaraju, Rick Devine, Rick Fishbune, Heidi Wallgren, Lana Lappi, Sonja Kranz, Cory Masen, Jean Murray, Cathy Torgerson, Troy Bellrichard,  Kim Carpenter-Hakes, Gail Hakes, Scott Kranz!  

There were 35 5K finishers, and in that race, Team R.E.D. was well represented represented by:

• Matt Goens, Elaine Eide, Jill Cordes, Meg Bellrichard

Additionally, Team R.E.D. members had their kids out enjoying the Paul Melby Kids Mile!  What a great morning to celebrate racing!

Dozen of others were involved as volunteers!  It's amazing the work you all do!

I hope I didn't miss anyone... please let me know if I did! 

*************************

The boys who traveled to Michigan for the Kalamazoo Marathon did very well!  Congratulations to Tom Woo (2nd in his age group) and Andy Becker (1st in his age group)... both rocked the course with Boston Qualifying finishes!

Tom and Andy carbing up! 

Dave Phillips traveled to Kenosha WI and hammered out another strong marathon!  Nice work Dave!

Dave (left) with friends. 

**********************

Monday 5:30pm:  The Hillbillies are at it again!  Meet at the Edina Realty parking lot across from the TJ Maxx Plaza - consider getting stronger on the hills, and weather permitting you might enjoy an outdoor beverage of your choice! - also consider joining the Maniacs at Whistle Binkies north for their social! 

Dale, Lorelei, Megan, Andy, Tom, Gwen & Dan celebrating last weeks workout - and celebrating Lorelei's Birthday! 

Monday 6pm:  Monday Maniacs are heading to Whistle Binkies North.  This is a great location to get out and enjoy, and they social is always fun at Binkies!   Join us! 

Tuesday 6pm:  The TerraLoco 5Ks are in full swing. Bring $5 as it always goes to a local Charity! This is a no pressure event, come support a local charity, and our favorite running related store!  

Tuesday 6:15:  The Tuesday Trail Crew is heading to Carly State Park.  This is a favorite spot for many!  The bluebells are out! Meet at the first parking lot on the right as you pass the entrance. 

Wednesday 6pm:  Speed on the Track in Byron.   The track is located behind the middle school at 601 4th St NW.  We've had back to back weeks of 300M repeats, so this week we'll change it up a bit.  I understand some want to run a 1600M time trial, sounds good to me.. and then I would suggest a couple of recovery laps... and possibly a short ladder to finish off the night.  It's open for discussion but here's what I suggest for the workout.

• 1600M warm up
• 1600M at 1 mile race pace.
• 2-4 lap recovery
• 1200M at 5K pace 
• 400M recovery
• 800M at 5K pace
• 400M recovery
• 400M at Mile pace
• 1600M cool down
• That would equate a total of 5 miles for the workout, and 2.5 of it with some speed. 

Here's a pic from last weeks track workout. Remember, track workouts come complete with music on the stadium sound system!  

Brian, Heather, Dale, Claire, Dan, Ryan, Marv, Tom, Dave, Sarah & Anna

Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. is in Byron at the Bears Den.  We'll have some great routes of 3, 4 or 6 miles and of course, we'll head back to the Den for the social!

************************

Remember to register for the Donut Run!  It's coming up Friday May 29th at 6:30pm.  The post race includes hot dogs, so this is a completely nutritious based event! - and it supports the Byron Cross Country Team!  Please register at http://form.jotform.us/form/50926536282156

Family fun for all!  

Reminder

Team R.E.D. is at the Bears Den in Byron tonight, and remember... The Den has a Tap Takeover by Boulevard Beer!  A variety of Boulevard products will be available in flights, and by the tall glass if you prefer! - takeover starts at 5pm... group run and/or walk starts at 6pm!  

The NFL draft is also tonight, the Den will likely be hopping!

******************************

• Saturday 7:15am- The marathon and half marathon training runs continue from the RAC.  Just bring one dollar  to help support the bananas and Gatorade on the course. The long run is 22 miles along the old Med City marathon course.  
• Post long run breakfast is at Brothers Bar & Grill. Come mix with your fellow runners!
• Saturday 8:30am -.  The Melby Kids Mile takes place at Soldiers Field. This is a Free event in memory of our dear friend Paul Melby.  For those who never met Paul, he was a wonderful friend, incredibly fun, and super talented! 
• Saturday 9am - The Spring Classic 15K & 5K at Soldiers Field. Race day registration is from 7-8:30am. 
• Post Race breakfast is at Brothers Bar & Grill.  Join the fu
• Sunday 8am - Off Season Striders are running from  Panera North.  We'll get some miles and then enjoy a social over coffee/breakfast. 

A New Week!

• Monday 5:30pm:  The Hillbillies are meeting at Edina Realty and will head for the hills for repeats! This workout is one you can feel paying off right away, join in! 
• Monday 6pm:  Monday Maniacs are heading to Beetles on 2nd Street. This is a great location for the group to either catch a trail, or do some downtown running.  Of course, enjoy a bowl of popcorn afterwards too! 
• Tuesday 6pm:  TerraLoco continues the 5K sereies for Charity. Stop by the store on Tuesday evenings and make a $5 contribution to participate. 
• Tuesday 6:15pm:  The Tuesday Trail Runners are heading to Chatfields Lost Creek Trail - Meet at Groens Park to get involved! 
• Wednesday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. track workout. Get your speed on the Byron Track located behind the Byron Middle School.  No matter how fast you are, you'll never be more than 400M away from the team! 
• Thuesday 6pm: Team R.E.D. is at the Bears Den and there's a Tap Takeover starting at 5pm! Boulevard Brewing will be on hand.. come early and preload if you like!  

Ever consider barefoot running?  Are you curious of the benefits?   See an opportunity below provided by Katie Button Swenson.  Many of you have met her... she's the one with no shoes! Below is an invite to a 2-day session... 

Friday July 24th will be BARE training, a group fitness certification for barefoot core and balance training. Through specific balance exercises, BARE® will enable you to improve strength, endurance and flexiblity. BARE® combines the benefits of Pilates, yoga and barefoot balance training to bring the focus on preventive medicine and the power of proper body alignment.
http://shop.evidencebasedfitnessacademy.com/BARE-Workout-Instructor-Training-BARE.htm

Saturday/Sunday July 25th/26th will be From the Ground Up providing personal and athletic trainers and rehabilitation professionals the fundamentals of foot to core sequencing, corrective exercise techniques, gait assessment tools, barefoot fitness progressions etc. It also includes a Barefoot Training Specialist certification. I am BTS certified and this information has played an integral part in training my clients and growth as a fitness professional.
This two-day series will go into concepts including:

- Foot to Core Sequencing &Reflexive Stability
- Foot Function & Fascial Lines
- Deceleration, Body Spirals & Efficiency
- Small Nerve vs. Large Nerve Proprioception and Balance Training
- Reactive vs. Pre-activation Training and Barefoot Science
- Foot Assessment / From the Ground Up Assessment
- Footwear & Surface Science
- Barefoot Training Programming & Progressions


http://shop.evidencebasedfitnessacademy.com/Movement-from-the-Ground-Up-Ground-UP.htm

Please feel free to connect with me if you have questions. There is an early bird registration discount of $50 if registered by July 12th!

Thanks and have a great day!
In health,

Barefoot Balance Training

shop.evidencebasedfitnessacademy.com

More Congrats! Sunday Update and Spring Classic Update....

Team R.E.D. member Dan PR'd his marathon in Brainerd today!  He also enjoyed a 5th place finish overall!   Nice work Dan!

Jill, Lance & Ken conquered the Half Marathon in Brainerd!  It sounds like everyone had a great time, and great times!

Peter hammered a Marathon in Kentucky! 3:05 like the wind was at his back!

A handful of members joined the Get In Gear USATF championship race in the cities, while others challenged themselves at the Unleash the She!

Jen got after it at the Chippewa 50K (that's right, 50K!) - She only fell a few times and rocked a 6th place finish!

Bunches of runners found themselves having wine!  I actually don't know if the entire group shown here ran, or if some were support staff, but I do know with some confidence, they had a blast! -That's Tohnia with her Ramsey selfie impersonation!

Other Team R.E.D. members were at Get in Gear 10K!  I haven't seen those results, or pictures... will update when we know more!

Update regarding Sunday:  Off Season Striders are running at 8am from Panera South.  This is Amy's last OSS for a bit, as she's moving away... shucks, but good for her!

Race Update: The Spring Classic is a go for May 2nd!

May 2nd  - 29th Annual  Spring Classic 15K  5K & the Paul Melby Kids Mile!!  

RTC's Grand Prix event  is now hosted by Rochester A Better Chance!   

Online registration ends on April 30th -  but walk-up registration is available on Saturday morning at Soldiers Field Park picnic shelter. 

Melby Kids mile  is free, and starts at 8:30 am  

15K   &  5K  race starts at 9:00 am 

Registration soon!  Price goes up on May 1st:

$15 in advance for 15K or 5K

$20 to register after 4/30

** Current RTC Members receive $5 off registration

HELP IS STILL NEEDED for the race!!

Click here for more information

In the Midnight hour.... more more more!

It's been a busy week of track and field for me, so a bit behind!  I anticipate next week will bring much the same so I'll try to get as complete of post as I can now... but check back for updates in case things change along the way!

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! 

The Pancake Breakfast at the Bears Den was once again a success raising funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation!  I thank all of you who participated, contributed or sent well wishes!  A special thanks goes to Randy Q. as he staffs the water stop between Rochester & Byron for those making the trip to Pancakes!  This is the 6th year of the fun, and probably the best weather we've had for it... let's plan on good weather from here on out!

*******************************

Congrats to all the Boston Marathon Runners!  Based on the results, and happy facebook pics, I would say it was very successful!  A few Team R.E.D. members celebrated the entire journey from Hopkinton to Boston together.. what a great way to enjoy it!

Congrats to the Hot Chocolate runners as well, that looked like a sweet time! See what I did there? Sweet... get it? Chocolate.. Sweet..

********************************

Team R.E.D. Volunteers for Med City marathon the May 22, 23 & 24.... We are seeking volunteers to staff a booth at the expo, and help check id's and pour beer at the post race!   Please let me know if you can help in any of these areas... 

***************************

Here's what I know, and what I think I know for the next week...

• Saturday 7:15am:  The long run from the RAC is targeting approx 17.5 miles. You can check out the route each week by visiting http://runningrochester.blogspot.com/
• Preload A few are starting at 6:15am to get some extra miles and make it a 22-23 mile day.  Join from the RAC and plan to do a loop, coming back to the RAC to catch the rest of the group by 7:15am. 
• Sunday 8am:  Off Season Striders will be out and about.  I have not seen the location yet, but will update when available. 
• Sunday 10am: Members of both Team R.E.D. Metro & Mothership are heading to Afton State park for a run and/or hike. Wendy and I are hiking, many others are running! Let's connect with the group from the north! 
• Monday 5:30pm:  The Hillbillies are meeting at Edina Realty and will head for the hills for repeats! This workout is one you can feel paying off right away, join in! 
• Monday 6pm:  Monday Maniacs are heading to Beetles on 2nd Street. This is a great location for the group to either catch a trail, or do some downtown running.  Of course, enjoy a bowl of popcorn afterwards too! 
• Tuesday 6pm:  TerraLoco continues the 5K sereies for Charity. Stop by the store on Tuesday evenings and make a $5 contribution to participate. 
• Tuesday 6:15pm:  The Tuesday Trail Runners are heading to Chatfields Lost Creek Trail - Meet at Groens Park to get involved! 
• Wednesday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. track workout. Get your speed on the Byron Track located behind the Byron Middle School.  No matter how fast you are, you'll never be more than 400M away from the team! 
• Thuesday 6pm: Team R.E.D. is at the Bears Den and there's a Tap Takeover starting at 5pm! Boulevard Brewing will be on hand.. come early and preload if you like!  

Another Week... More Opportunities!

Be sure to track our friends running the Boston Marathon on Monday!  You can get the tracking information at the following link... it's sure fun to watch the progress!  http://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/participant-information/att-athlete-alert.aspx

Below are some of the pictures showing up on Facebook... I'm looking forward to seeing all our local runners success on Monday!  - You can also search who is in the race by name, city or a variety of criteria by following this link  http://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/participant-information/entrants.aspx

Tom, Dave, Andy, Gwen, Lorelei & Andy getting ready to celebrate with 26.2 Miles of goodness!

Dan & Jess enjoying that Boston feeling...

Sarah & Anna Discovered in Boston

Shaun doing it right.. staying off his feet

The Crew at Cheers!

***************************

Monday 6pm: The Monday Maniacs are trying a new location, join the fun at Carlos O'Kelly's along the frontage road on Hwy 52 North in Rochester.  This locations provides the option of finishing with with Chips, Salsa and a Margaritas is you like!
Tuesday 5:30pm; The Hillbillies are meeting at the parking lot of Edina Realty across from the TJ Maxx Plaza. This is a great workout, hill repeats! Join them and get stronger!
Tuesday 6pm:  TerraLoco hosts it's Charity 5K run.  Bring a $5 contribution to TerraLoco and join the fun!
Tuesday 6:15pm:  The Tuesday Trail crew is hitting Whitewater State Park.  Gather in the parking lot near the nature store.  This is a great place for running trails, and a great place for the post run celebration... depending on the weather, it'll either be a parking lot party, or a short trip to Mauer Bros!  Both are great options!
Wednesday 6pm:  Speedwork on the track in Byron (located behind the Middle School on 4th Street). This is another wonderful opportunity to work on getting faster.  No matter your current speed, you can benefit from a track workout, and you are never alone, as we're all within 400M of each other at all times!
Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. heads to Brothers Bar & Grill on Broadway in Rochester.  Please park in the back and meet near the back entrance for the route talk.  Plan to run or walk 3-6 miles and enjoy the post workout social!