Thursday, January 28, 2010

Circles... or was it Ovals?

While I can't answer the subject heading question, the fact is, it turned out to be a very fun night at the RCTC indoor track. If you've never used the space, you should consider. It's multi-functional as they have the track open for runners and walkers alike, there are league basketball games taking place as well as one on one basketball lessons going on... it's hoppin'!

I snapped a few pics of some people 'working out'... but actually, the only one I captured on the track was Tom Woo... most of the rest are standing near the track or having a refreshment post alleged workout. I know, you're asking the same thing I am, what is wrong with Woo? Also, spotted but not pictured, were Iggy, Jim and Casey (Casey was running outside on the cool streets of Byron).

During conversation, it became clear we will need to tighten up our hazing policy. I'll take that before the board, and let you know how it turns out. Could be important to some of our newest members.

One more time...

Given the continued dangerous windchills, we'll take Team RED indoors for one more ngiht. It's not ideal, but surely beats suffering in the high winds. We'll be gathering at 6pm tonight at the RCTC indoor track (located in the Field House). This is a group run/walk, not designed to be speedwork, unless you want to make it that!

I'm available to drive from Byron, so if anyone wants to carpool, just drop me an email at byron.teamred@gmail.com or give me a call at 775 7054

Thanks again for your understanding! Have fun.. and stay warm!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Stay Tuned...

I'm just not happy with the cold winds and temps this week. As much as it's fun to 'tackle' the elements, I'm still not sure if outdoors is the best place to be at 6pm Thursday ... please check back, as we may move the Team RED run/walk indoors to RCTC yet again. Also, please give me feedback if you have an opinion on it one way or the other!

On another group run option.. the Off Season Strider's are set to run this Saturday. The note from John Shonyo reads: Meet at Panera Southside, 7:30 AM. Not only will it probably be slippery again, but freakin’ cold too! Easy route—really.

Community Involvement

We've been presented with a great way for Team RED to get involved in our community with a clothing drive. Please see the link below, and provide feedback for your level of interest in participation. Thanks for your support!

I also thank my friend Amy as to finding this opportunity for us. She's clearly one who is willing to think outside the box. Innovative to say the least.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Track Tuesday!

We'll be burning up the track Thursday at 5:30pm. Indoor track at RCTC Field House. Come join us. You can run speed work (400M repeats), or just run or walk laps. It's nice to be inside... with many others!

Be sure to check out the video from the Living History Farms 7 miler in the post below.. it sure was fun!

Also, here's a link to a story that might interest Paul, or anyone who has heard his story about the pain of running Whistlestop... read it to the finish to fully appreciate! Thanks Mike Schmitt for submitting!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/columnists/jimwhite/7033180/We-run-for-the-pain-not-for-our-brains.html

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Thursday, January 21, 2010

RED & OSS

Despite the last minute change of plans, we still had a pretty good turnout at the track this evening. Sam, Paul M, Marv, Randy, Tom W, Ignacio, Wendy, and myself spent some time running circles. Also in attendance was Mike Schmitt, with two women from his half marathon training class (The Running Room offers classes to learn to run your first 5K, 10K, Half Maratho & Full Marathon). We found our way to Brothers for a post workout refreshment. whew.. that was good!

Off Season Strider's gather Saturday morning at 7:30 for a fun run around Rochester. All are welcome! The start is Dunn Brothers North (Elton Hills Drive). The route is about 8.3 miles and posted below (you can cut this to about 7 miles by not circling Silver Lake). The first half of the route has some significant uphills, while the second half pays back with some nice downhill! Click the link below to see the full map.

View Interactive Map on MapMyRun.com

Moving Inside!

Tonight's Team RED is moving indoors to the RCTC indoor track, located at the Field House. The Freezing Rain advisory ends at noon today, however the hour by hour forecast is still showing patches of icy drizzle this afternoon and evening.

So, it's 6pm at RCTC! Hope you can make it! Also, bring a change of shoes, as they do not allow wet shoes on the track.

A little video clip below to warn us about icy conditions.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Thursday 6pm!

Team RED is set to meet at the Bears Den Thursday at 6pm. Come one, come all! Routes are posted on the right hand side of the blog. I suggest anyone who has headlamps continue to wear them... it sure helps drivers see us. There will be a day, when daylight is again more readily available, until then........................ BE SEEN!

Note I: The longest route takes us out of town for a bit, if conditions are bad, we will adjust that route.

Note II: Each of the distances is on the long end of the normal range for our group, so as always, feel free to shorten (or add) to fit you're needs.

Congratulations to Paul Melby as his "you know you're a runner if... " link took the title of favorite Blog/Website. As reward, Paul will receive $15 in Bears Den Gift cards! Congrats! I would also suggest you check out the runner-ups site as that Dirt Diva is interesting, to say the least! In fact, check them all out if you haven't already had the opportunity to do so. We might replay this contest in the future, so be sure to bookmark your favorites and keep them in mind.
--- Thanks to everyone who contributed and participated in the poll! ---


It was another strong turnout at the track last night (I missed out on the fun.. boo hoo.... ). You can see some great pics of the crew if you check out Renee's Ramblings at http://ramblinrenee.blogspot.com/ Several Team RED regulars were there... and they lit the track up, I'm sure!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Tuesday Track & Thursday Team RED!

A crew is gathering at the RCTC indoor track this evening at 5:30pm. (arrive early if you enjoy additional warmup)....

Team RED will run and/or walk from the Bears Den Thursday at 6pm. routes will be up Wednesday.

A couple football related things... Team RED has some Saints fans among us, be gentle on them, as the Vikings prepare to roll! This following Prayer was sent by Paul Melby... please remove your hat and recite it with me.

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Our Favre-ther, who art from Mississippi, immortal be thy name. Thy bowl will come, it will be won, in Miami as in the Metrodome. Give us this Sunday our weekly win, and give us touchdown passes, as we let no others pass against us and Lead us not into frustration but deliver us to the Super Bowl. For thine will be the trophy the ring and glory now and forever into the hall of fame.
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Sunday, January 17, 2010

...and it's a tie!

No, not the Vikings - Cowboys, but the Team RED Website/blog challenge. As stated in the rules... we'll re-open the poll for 3 more days. Please vote in the tie-breaker, as the winner will collect $15 to the Bears Den!

DirtDiva
Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go
http://trailgirl.blogspot.com/

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Running Forums
You know you're a runner if..... 35 things that might describe you!http://www.runningforums.com/you_know_you_re_a_runner_if_t11897.html


For those of you who may have been taking a nap this afternoon... The Vikings are in the NFC Championship game. Skol Vikings!

Friday, January 15, 2010

Just 2 days left to vote!

Be sure to vote on the poll concerning your favorite blog/website. The details are available in the Jan 10th post below.

Off Season Strider's are running a preview of the new Lace Up Against Breast Cancer Half Marathon tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 7:30am. Come join us if you're available! Social will follow at Brother's Bar & Grill.

Thursdays Post Run/Walk

Great turnout tonight at Team RED! Nice work everyone, and the weather is turning, it's nearly spring-like out there!

Welcome to Dalene and Joy as it was their first time joining us! You all should know, the first time I met them (at Off Season Striders)... I couldn't keep them away from my food! haha.. kidding of course, and it was great to see them tonight!

The pics below are courtesy of Renee Saxman. Thanks much as my camera is draining batteries like my legs drain during a marathon! Time for a new camera I guess, right Wendy? --- I think there will be some additional pics following, as Dalene, let me take some shots with hers, however, I could have messed those up too! ---

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Bears Den tonight! 6pm

See you at the Bears Den tonight 1/14! Routes are posted on the right hand side of the blog, below the poll you should vote on!

The following video has nothing to do with running.. but I found this guy so good, that I wanted to share it. I know many of you have already seen it, as it's getting bounced around wildly. He's fantastic!


Tuesday, January 12, 2010

What's Up This Week

  • Tuesday 5:30pm - Speed workout at RCTC Indoor Track
  • Tuesday 6:00pm - Social at Beetles on 2nd - No Running Required!
  • Thursday 6:00pm - Team RED at Bears Den
  • Saturday 7:30am- preview of the Lace Up Against Breast Cancer half marathon course. Meet at RCTC Hienz Center (west parking lot, across the street from Olmsted Hospital).

Be sure to vote on the poll regarding favorite Blog or Website! (see post below for details).

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Drum Roll Please.......

The highly anticipated submissions for the best exercise/fitness related website or blog are posted below (in alphabetical order). I added a brief description taken from each site.

These are some great entries! Take some time to check out the sites before placing your vote on the poll on the right hand side. Your vote can be cast for any reason, such as, I find it useful, I think it's funny, I think it's creative, I think it's inspiring... any reason at all.

Enjoy!

DirtDiva
Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go
http://trailgirl.blogspot.com/
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Down The Backstretch
Running & Track from Minnesota
http://downthebackstretch.blogspot.com/2010/01/indoor-marathon-draws-runners-from-afar.html

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Raven Run
Ever Lasting Run - Dec 31st marked the 35th year of Raven running 8 miles every day!
http://www.ravenrun.net/

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Run-Down
Running Quotes - Inspiration
http://run-down.com/quotes.php

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Runners World
With emphasis on Injury Prevention for Runners
http://www.runnersworld.com/channel/0,,s6-241-0-0-0,00.html

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Running Forums
You know you're a runner if..... 35 things that might describe you!http://www.runningforums.com/you_know_you_re_a_runner_if_t11897.html

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Running Minnesota
A blog designed to get at what's missing from the Minnesota running scene; interviews with top local runners.
http://runningminnesota.blogspot.com/

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Steve in a Speedo?! Gross!
Notes, stories, and the good times that follow this Ironman Triathlete.
http://iwannagetphysical.blogspot.com/

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Saturday, January 9, 2010

The Big Chill

The planned Off Season Strider's preview of the Lace Up Against Breast Cancer half marathon course, was postponed to next Saturday, Jan 16th (due to the windchill). About 10 people showed up anyway to get some miles this morning!

A handful of us met at Brothers Bar & Grill at 7am (-11 degrees and according to weather.com it was 30 below windchill.. yeow.. sure didn't feel real windy though)... We tracked over 2 miles to meet up with another group at Dunn Bros Coffee. From there we ran to St Mary's and took a brief water break. Then down past the Galleria Mall and back to Dunn Bros. for approx 6 miles. At this point, some called it a day and enjoyed some warm coffee and social time. Our group continued running back to Brothers Bar & Grill bringing our running total to 10 miles! We sure got some looks coming into the restaurant all frosted and chilly... but that's ok as it was now time to replenish the Carbs!

We wisely started breakfast with some fluids, while perusing the menu.... Note: Paul is not taking his eyes off those carbs!



It was a small but lively crew! Paul, Randy, Mike and Ignacio with one fantastic hat. I think it would have been nearly impossible NOT to have fun with this group today!



Our server, Ashley was very patient with us... as it turns out some customers are just a bit more difficult compared to others. None the less... she delivered 5 great Breakfast plates!




Paul had been dreaming of this Walnut Pancake ever since he saw a picture of it on Renee's blog at http://ramblinrenee.blogspot.com/ Paul is happy to report it was the best pancake ever! Especially after he slobbered it in butter and syrup! That's a big pancake!



Ahsley was pretty proud of Randy for being a member of the clean plate club.



Now.. for those who think it's crazy to run in these temps... Billy Joel may have summed it up..... You may be right! I may be Crazy! --- yet, if you take proper precautions, it's entirely possible to keep running outside year round. Below is a link (courtesy Mike Schmitt) with some great tips on winter running.

http://askcoachjenny.runnersworld.com/2010/01/running-in-extreme-cold.html

Speaking of great links, the nominations for favorite exercise related website/blog are still being accepted until noon on Jan 10th. If you have any favorites, I suggest submitting them, as the winner receives $15 gift card to the Bears Den!

Friday, January 8, 2010

Last Call!

Hey hey.. last call for contest submissions. Contest rules below on the Dec 30th post.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

6 people 5 Miles!

Wow... that was fun! We had 6 brave souls tackle the streets of Byron during the wind blown, slightly chilly, snowy evening! The slide show below is pretty pathetic! hahaha.. had some camera issues, maybe the cold played a roll, but the thing didn't want to snap a picture very badly!

We covered approx 5.1 miles. Everyone stuck together nicely, which is great in weather like this! There were a handful of slips, even a spill or two... but those are all off the record, as to who fell, and how loud of a thump it made!

Team RED might have made one persons night tonight, as a few of us were running ahead of the scheduled run, we happened upon a woman with her car stuck in the snow. We were a able to push her out of her predicament. We wondered, would she be thinking "who were those masked men?" or... "thank goodness some idiots were out running in this stuff."

Paul had several of us in near tears as he recounted his 1st Marathon. Oh, I could hear that story over and over again, and enjoy every minute!

Also joining late were the Nepstads (but the camera was shot before they arrived). Glad they could join however!

One more note, we may have a new member come next week. Looking forward to you joining us Mark!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Thursday 1/7.... Bears Den!

Thursday is a Bears Den night at 6pm. Routes will be posted this evening, Dress appropriately! Headlamps are a great idea! If things take a turn for the worse, weather & windchill wise, we may make it an 'at your own risk' kind of thing. But then again, every time we step out the door we're at our own risk!

Scroll to the post from December 30th to see the contest rules for favorite website/blog. We have a handful of entries, but I know many of you have favorite sites you haven't yet shared with me! $15 Bears Den Gift card to the winner!

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Tuesday Track!

Another great turnout at the track tonight! It wasn't easy to attempt any actual speed work however. One side of the track had bleachers on it, in preparation for The Clash wrestling tournament. Originally we ran on the inside of those bleachers (a bit on the courts). Next, they dropped some divider screens, for the city basketball league.. and those screens pressed right up against the bleachers. All in all, it created quite a few obstacles to navigate!

Casey elected to hit the treadmill, while Tom W rolled over to the Healthy Living Center. The rest of us, logged a bunch of creative laps! Not quite what we set out to do, but we got some group running.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Baby it's cold ouside!

Make sure you're dressing appropriately for this fine weather we're having. Also, consider coming to the RCTC indoor track on Tuesday for some track work. We start at 5:30, however, several people have been arriving by 5;15 for some additional warm-up time.

Thursday we'll be back at the Bears Den at 6pm, with routes of 2-3, 4ish and 5-6 miles available. Routes will be posted on the blog by Wednesday.

We're still accepting nominations for your favorite excercise/fitness related Website or Blog. I know I'm already having fun looking at the entries submitted to date.

Given the latest weather, I thought maybe we could learn something from the Penguins. Have a great week!