Yes, I'm still alive ...

... it's just a really, really busy week. I've got 10 minutes before I leave for work so I'll start on a post and continue later as time permits.

First of all, the weather. While we may complain that it puts a snag in our training or picnic plans, or this, that or the other thing, we don't have to look far to hear of people losing their lives, their homes or their livlihoods because of the weather. Let us count our blessings. And pray for an end to the rain.

For some reason, Wheels and Heels 10K in Stewartville/Ironwood Springs never made it on the RTC calendar. It's being held on Saturday. Here's a snippet from an email from Bob Bardwell: June 14th (this Saturday) 8:30 am, the WHEELS AND HEELS OF FIRE 10k event. Come to Pizza Ranch on the north side of Stewartville, register before the event. You can bike, walk, run, wheel, rollerblade and just have a great time. Proceeds are for the National Wheelchair Sports Camp. You can check http://www.ironwoodsprings.com/ and probably get more information (I've not got the time right now) or contact Bob Bardwell .

Off Season Striders will be running from Dunn Bros. on Elton Hills at 7:30 am on Saturday. The route is 9 miles. Coffee and comaraderie afterwards (don't have spell check on Blogger and hope I spelled that rihgt. Ha. That was on purpose ...)

RTC Board meeting this evening, 6:00-7:30 at the conference room at the RAC. All are welcome. I'm bringing treats and I'll have to scrounge up something. I have some cookies in the freezer which will have to suffice for the sweet part of the treats. Savory ... probably some fresh veggies or something. One item to be discussed this evening is renaming the RTC. Should be an interesting discussion.

Cooking Light on Monday was very tasty. Faves? Somehow, dessert is always a winner in my book. No surprise there. Our creamy chocolate dessert certainly was a favorite. Nice contrast between the crunchy, nutty crust and the smooth, creamy top. The gingered rhubarb chutney was also a big hit. Margo served it over brie and we spead that on PK's homemade naan. Her first attempt at yeast bread since high school. She hit a home run. It was excellent. She made a (double) batch of plain and a (double) batch of cardamom and then cooked them on her Big Green Egg (smoker). Phenomenal. Everything was good, actually. But those two were probably my favorites, followed by the green beans and potatoes.

I've got confirmation directly from the party involved that Joey Keillor will be running the All Comers mile again on Tuesday. Last year he blew the field away with a 4:29.65 mile.

Just heard this on the radio (KROC AM, 1340):
06/12/2008 - ROCH TEEN RAPED ON BIKE PATH
Kim David/KROC AM News
Rochester police investigators are looking for the man who attacked and raped a city teenager yesterday - in broad daylight and on a public walking trail. Police Captain Brian Winters says the 15-year old was walking on the path near the south side of the Highway 14/52 interchange around 4:15 p.m. when she says the man came up from behind and began choking her. The teen says she became incapacitated and the man dragged her off the trail and raped her. She says the man also showed her a knife before he left. She was able to use her cellphone and call 911 after he left and officer took her to St. Mary's for treatment. She describes the man as white with a heavy build and in his 40's. Winters says the public is being asked to contact the department right away if anyone else is aware of a similar incident. He says he is especially concerned about the attack because it happened in a public setting during a busy time of the day.

Keep your wits about you when running. Probably not a bad idea to carry a phone and not run alone if that's feasible. This was right in the middle of the afternoon. I've certainly run that trail, and at many different times of day.

New at Running Room, men's running shorts with mesh pockets across the top back. Great for storing gels, etc. Instructors still needed for 10-mile run clinic and 1/2 marathon walk clinic.

From Mike Schmitt: Shoes with soles made partially from rice husks Certainly a more sustainable resource than petroleum-based products! Thanks for the link, Mike.

The Power of the Purse luncheon on Tuesday was great. Food at the Kahler, not so good. Nastiest chicken salad I've ever eaten. Speaker, excellent. Jeannette Wells is the author of The Glass Castle. Both my husband I really enjoyed the book. She and her siblings are all doing well, for those who've read it. Her mom is living in Jeannette's back yard in a mobile home and doesn't sound like she's changed much. ;-)

Ann-Kristin, Jean, Laura and I ran about 4 miles this morning. Afterward, Jean showd A-K and I around the DAHLC. What a spectular facility. The nicest I've ever seen. I'd seen the Anodover YMCA when I went up for a personal training certification and I thought that was nice. Whew. I hadn't seen anything yet. Spotted at DAHLC, Deb Thomford. ;-)

Well, I've lots to do and am behind on just about everything in life right now. Must move along.

Cheers.