We're Havin' a Heat Wave ...

Happy Thursday, even though it's almost over by now ...

Were having a heat wave,
A tropical heat wave,
The temperatures rising,
It isn;t surprising,...
--Heat Wave, Irving Berlin

17 degrees felt downright balmy today! Yesterday morning was something else. I did end up going out to the RCTC fieldhouse to run inside. Just going from the car to the building was enough for me. The building was unlocked but I didn't see a soul inside. The track was unlocked, but the lights were off. I couldn't find anyone to turn them on so I decided to run anyway. The lights were on in the foyer area and that was enough to keep me on track and not runing into the 'cage', any of the nets or the rolled up mats. ;-D I brought my iPod, thank goodness as it's pretty boring going round and round and round ... I switched directions every 15 minutes. They say the scenery looks different from the other direction. Not. So. Much. My little toes were a little tender when I was done from all the cornering even though I ran in the outside lane. But for me, it beats the treadmill or -40 wind chill any day.

Well, we're at 101 for the banquet! Thanks to Jason Sinnwell and his wife, we broke through 100 attendees for the very first time. It'll be great to have so many of you there. We have 24 race entries to give away. I'm going to do the drawings differently this year. I took the RSVP list and input it into a randomizer site and randomized all the names. The first 24 on the list get their choice of race entries. Then everyone else can pick up a shirt, mug, glass, socks, towel, backpack, whatever after the program on their way out. This should make things move faster than in previous years. Thank you to Julie Murray for designing the certificates for the race entries. She always does a great job. ;-) If anyone attending has something they'd specifically like to hear Pete Gilman talk about regarding training for and running the olympic trails, let me know and I'll pass it along to Pete. And we'll have Q & A's at the banquet as well.

New race just added to the calendar: St. Patrick's Day 5K run/walk and 10K run at Running Room on Saturday March 15. $5 entry fee. The first 40 entrants receive a 'St. Patrick's Day Togue'! I wasn't sure what it was as I'd only heard of a chef's toque (tall white hat), but it is indeed a hat. From dictionary.com: –noun 1. a brimless and close-fitting hat for women, in any of several shapes. So I'm thinking it's a green(?) close-fitting cap, like a skull cap. But check with Paula when you stop by and sign up for the race!

Thank you to David Sletten for uploading my old .html Fetzer website file to the new website. He also formatted all the logos and links for me. Check it out: Fetzer site I also posted a photo from last year. Lots of great sponsors: The Stick is going to possibly donate some product as prizes. Stay tuned!

Check out the stickers/decals, car magnets, bumper stickers, etc. at BaySixUSA I've seen them at several expos and the sold them at Run N' Fun at one time. Stuff like: 26.2--13.1--140.6--gotta run...--gotta tri...--marathon freak--runner girl--runner dude--and the list goes on.
Welcome to new RTC members: Pete Schommer, Wade Bergner and Jill Scheid. And I believe Chris Koch and Tabitha are joining as well. Welcome, one and all!

Tomorrow, Friday, on ESPN2 at 6:00 pm the Milrose games and Saturday, at 1:30 on NBC as well.

Here's a link to a story about an inspiring high school coach from online Reader's Digest: True Story of a Coach Who Made a Difference

Check out the 'adiBoost' at the Auckland, NZ marathon:
adiBoost Not sure how much that would help, but it's a novelty for sure.



I got my United Way caring card in the mail. This year, whenever you buy a loaf of bread at Great Harvest, you can get a free sweet of any type--cookie, cinnamon roll, scone, Savanah bar, muffin. That's a lot of temptation. Yum. February is Chocolate Daze at Great Harvest. Check out all the yummy things to spend your calories on at Great Harvest Rochester including Turtle Cookies, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bread, Cappuccino Chocolate Muffins, Chocolate Raspberry Muffins, Chocolate Cherry Scones, And More! Delicious.

Enough of me already. Let's hear from ... Tom O'Leary. RTC Board member (year 2) and co-director with Jean Murray of the Spring Classic. He also directs the Roll 'n Stroll with wife Wendy which is a fundraiser for juvenile diabetes. Busy, and very nice, man. ;-)

Family? My wife Wendy and I have two great kids, Shane & Megan. Drama drama drama...
Hobbies? Give me a bowling ball... and get out the way!
Languages you speak? I'm comfortable with English.
How did you get started in running? I was a High School runner who couldn't wait to stop. I picked it up again some 20 years later (on a friendly challenge).... As I reflect now, I wonder why I waited so long to come back to running. It's simply so good!
Miles per week on average? 10 to 50... I'm all over the board... The only weeks I would exceed 50 is if I'm approaching a Marathon or if is Woo is on my case.
Your defacto, comfortable as a broken-in shoe training route? I really enjoy a hilly 4.5 miler out in Byron
How often do you run it? 1 or 2 times per week.... Favorite carbo loading food? Pasta for a few days prior to a big event, but I must say I'm a big pizza & (1) beer right before bed on the night before a race, tradition more then anything.
Favorite indulgence food? Fast Food
Next race? Securian 1/2 ....
Running goals? PR at Boston
Running dream? To watch my kids develop an understanding, appreciation, and maybe even a love for the sport of running. This is one sport that can become a way of life.. a way of a long healthy life.

Here's Tom in Boston:


Next up, Kelly O'Hara.

Thought for the day: People are like stained glass windows; they sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light within. --Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

p.s.: Thank you to those who are running Frozen Goose and putting in 'miles for Madie' this weekend. You're in my prayers, Madie.

From 40 above to a blizzard warning ... in 24 hours...

Lest you think I got buried in a snowbank somewhere (which was a distinct possibility at about noon today when I was last out and about), I thought it was time to post!

Well, we're up to 99 RSVPs for the banquet! A record! We've now got until Wednesday for RSVPs, so it'd be great it we broke 100. If you'd like to come, please email me. I phoned in the menu yesterday: Lasagna, pasta primavera (vegeterian), broccoli, tossed salad, breadsticks, cake. Beverages are extra. The speakers should be great. I'm starting to shake in my boots ... I don't like public speaking, but I'll survive!! Though next year I do look forward to sitting at a table and letting David run the show. ;-)

With this crazy, blizzardy weather, I'm thinking of heading out to the indoor track at RCTC in the morning. It's open to the public from 6-8 am and 5-10 pm for walking/running. Here's the link RCTC Fieldhouse Info Info at the bottom of the page.

I'm working on organizing an Intro to Pilates with RTC member Fred Woolman. Fred teaches Pilates through Community Education. I know I'm extremely inflexible and tight and thought that it might be beneficial to get a little intro from a fellow runner. Fred's a great guy. ;-) Anyway, it'd be about an hour and a half according to Fred and we're working on scheduling a room. Probably an evening or weekend. If you'd be interested, please let me know. We're limiting it to no more than 10-20 folks.

Instructors are needed for Running Room clinics beginning the week of March 10. If you're interested please see Paula at the store or email her at Running Room manager (Rochester)
I've got a Fetzer website off this site under Links->Race websites, but would like to 'spiff it up' as they say. I only know HTML and don't have any of the newfangled software that can create something more snappy. If you'd be willing to help me on this endeavor, please contact me. Thank you much.

Kevin Torgerson is still taking pledges for his Super Plunge (plunging once an hour for 24 hours). If you're not plunging, you should be pledging according to Kevin! More info at Special Olympics Minnesota under 'Find a Plunger'.


Here's a link to the theaters showing Spirit of the Marathon on February 21 Spirit of the Marathon tickets I'd highly recommend it.

I had a dream the other night (actually early morning) that I was running Med-City, pretty much by myself. The course went through Olmsted Community Hospital and through a residential building in which there were purple arrows on the floor directing the runners around furniture. I was complaining to the volunteers that I went around the furniture and the others didn't. When I was running outside, it was VERY windy and I was getting nowhere, FAST. I'd look at my watch and the time was passing, but I wasn't getting any closer to the finish. I had like 45 minutes to get 3 miles and qualify for Boston, but didn't make it. Very strange. I wonder what all this means ... I need an interpreter of dreams. ;-)

Well, let's hear from Larry Pederson, race director of 1) Broadway Cabin Fever Stair Climb (March 15--be there or be square! It's only $5.) 2) All Comers meets, and 3) Co-director of Chester Woods Trail race. He's also on the RTC board and is our membership chair. Thank you for all you do, Larry!



Larry is to the left of the sign, and Fred Woolman is to the right of the sign. This is at taken at the top of the Broadway Plaza where the stair climb event is taking place. Also in the photo are Dick Westerlund, far left, Ron Sundsmo, far right, and Dean Ferber, partially hidden. I'm taking the photo with my cell phone (hence the poor quality).

Family? Wife Jane, walker, two daughters, Sarah, married, 2 1/2 year old daughter in La Crosse, Laura, married, in Milwaukee.
Hobbies? Running, golf, travel, I try to combine all three if possible.
Languages you speak? English only. In fact one reason I went to Winona State was because they had no foreign language requirement!
How did you get started in running? Stress relief and weight management while at IBM.
Miles per week on average? Try for 25-30, at the RAC during winter months except for weekend, more while getting ready for a marathon.
Your defacto, comfortable as a broken-in shoe training route? From home behind Hoover School, down West River Parkway, down to 7th St, around Silver Lake, 6 miles.
How often do you run it? 3 times a week if weather cooperates. Favorite carbo loading food? Spaghetti & meat sauce.
Favorite indulgence food? Ice cream & nuts.
Next race? St Paul Securian Half Marathon, then 10 K over the bridge in Charleston, SC in April.
Running goals? I turn 65 in May before my next marathon, a 4:15 will get me to Boston.
Running dream? Bring my family to Boston and see me run it.

Thought for the day: 'Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going' Jim Ryun

Take it easy.

So much to do ... so little time!

Long overdue post! Lots going on; lots went on. Hope I don't forget anything ...

On the road again
Just can't wait to get on the road again
The life I love is runnin' miles with my friends
And I can't wait to get on the road again
On the road again
Goin' places that I've never been
Seein' things that I may never see again,
And I can't wait to get on the road again.

--Willie Nelson (with a little change from yours truly)

I finally went for a run today after taking almost 2 weeks off. 10.9 miles and I feel GOOD! What a relief. It was quite a nice morning. I left the house with a new pair of Asics on, got down Folwell Drive, then decided that my Ice Bugs would work out much better, so I went back up the hill, changed shoes (and gloves) and went back out. Just the right amount of clothes and the Ice Bugs worked great. ;-) Seen at Soldier's Field at the end of their run--K.C. Reed and Don Gabrielson.

Spirit of the Marathon road trip: We had a great time and enjoyed the movie. Between the two cars, there were 10 people from Rochester. The movie did a very credible and accurate job of portraying marathon training from the perspective of a first-time marathon to elite marathoners. You could just feel the emotion at the finish line for the newbies. And feel the frustration of dealing with injury. Very well done. Paul Christian passed along this link to an article posted on active.com and it's a very good write-up: Spirit of the Marthon article There will be an encore showing on February 21.

And today lots of Rochester-ites ventured up to the cities for the Securian Half Marathon Tom O'Leary reported that the weather was quite favorable compared to last year (and last week, actually!) and everyone had a good time both at the race and lunch afterward. Thank you Tom Woo for the photos!

We're at 89 for the banquet. Let's break 90! Please R.S.V.P. by Monday. I'll be phoning in the menu and will see what the 'absolute, drop-dead, last day to R.S.V.P' is and let you know if we have any leeway.

David Sletten (new prez) is looking for volunteers to help with the Youth Grand Prix Series for this year. I think the inaugural year was a success, but we need to make the race entry fees more affordable for the kids. If you're interested in helping with this, please contact David (see CONTACT link on RTC website ).

As of Wednesday, Grandma's Marathon was 3/4 full. Register online at Grandma's website

Boston Indoor games (track) on tomorrow, Sunday, 1/27, from 2-4 on ESPN2.

I received an email from our USATF/MN representative and he's hoping to plan at least one indoor All Comers' meet in Rochester for next winter. Adults and children. There is very little information available yet, but if you're interested let me know. This is all the info I have at this point:

I am developing a calendar of indoor meets for December 2008 through February 2009. I have preliminary arrangements for meets at Bethel University in Arden Hills, UW River Falls, St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota State University - Mankato, and would like to get at least one indoor meet in Rochester. The question is best posed to someone at the college with the facilities. Josh contacted you in hopes that you might have folks interested in this event. We will likely need assistance from the area to make it happen.

Lana Lappi is going to be in charge of the 2-mile at the Fetzer, so I can concentrate on the 20K. Whoo hoo! And THANK YOU Lana! BTW ... it's not too early to register. That prize money ($500) could be YOURS!!

Speaking of registering, don't forget about:
2/2 Frozen Goose 5K and 10K
2/9 Polar Plunge Pledge here
2/17 Lace Up Against Breast Cancer 1/2 marathon and 5K
2/19 Marathon Training Class (half and full)
3/15 Cabin Fever Stair Climb
3/29 Race for Research 5K

The online calendar should be much more populated after today's race director training. We were able to help race directors' get lots of information uploaded. New this year: Race directors update the calendar and upload results. So when you're looking for results, contact the race director, not the RTC webmaster/president. Thank you!

Race Director training went very well. After 2 hours of talking my voice had totally given out on me. Thank you to Lin Gentling and David Sletten for presenting the 'new stuff''. I think it went very well and lots of information was shared. Look for a new 5K cross country run out at Eastwood in May ...

Let's meet Josh Piotrowski, race director for the Harvest Classic.

Family? - Just me at the moment. However, I am getting married to Bethany Dekoning this September

Hobbies? - I'm a political junkie and read as much as school allows for. I also enjoy camping and hiking, especially out West.

Languages you speak? - English and a limited amount of German (4 years in high school).

How did you get started in running? - I joined the track team in 7th grade and haven't looked back since.

Miles per week on average? 30-40 in the winter and 40-50 during the summer.

Your defacto, comfortable as a broken-in shoe training route? -Kutzky Park east along the Cascade Creek trail to Silver Lake. South along the Zumbro River trail through downtown to Soldier's Memorial Park. West along the trails parallel to Hwy 14. North on 13th Ave SW through Pill Hill and past St. Mary's.

How often do you run it? -3 or 4 days a week. It is my core 7 mile route.

Favorite carbo loading food? -Toasted bagel with peanut butter (creamy) and jelly (raspberry).

Favorite indulgence food? -I'm a sucker for warm apple pie and vanilla ice cream.

Next race? -Fool's Five in Lewiston for sure. Maybe something earlier if I get the itch to race.

Running goals? -Break 2:50 in a marathon, Race the Boston Marathon before I'm 30

Running dream? -Find time to race with/against my brother again.

A political junkie...he ought to be in heaven this year. ;-)

Thought for the day: It doesn't take a lot of muscle to give the heart a lift.

Carry on.