Striding, Off-Season

Great turnout (17) for the Off-Season Striders at Dunn Bros. this morning. Fabulous! It's great to still be able to connect with my running friends during the racing off-season. The social time afterwards is always as enjoyable as the run. ;-) We bid a warm welcome to Emily Gauger who's new to Rochester, albeit a short-timer. The weather wasn't really too bad today. Our route was just over 8 miles, including a nice little jaunt up Viola hill. But the wind was at our backs. I got a little discouraged fighting the wind on 37th St NW, but I knew we'd eventually be turning away from it. Next Saturday we'll meet at Panera South (next to Hy-Vee) at 7:30 AM. The Saturday route length is usually 8-10 miles but there are ample opportunities to make them longer or shorter. All are welcome to join us! It's my birthday next weekend and it's rumored that there will be treats to go. Cookies, possibly??

Speaking of cookies ... it's almost time for my annual cookie auction. I haven't decided on all the specifics as of yet. Holiday cookies for sure (probably 8 dozen this year). I'm contemplating offering a batch of cinnamon rolls per month for 2009. Stay tuned. Proceeds go to the RTC (Fetzer 20K prize money in 2008).

Thank you to all of you who submitted articles for the December issue of RTC News. It should be great reading. Tom Williamson wrote a humorous article on his 3:40 PR marathon at TCM. Jennifer Meyer submitted two articles (Ragnar relay and Grand Rapids marathon). Craig Weckwerth really got into the many and various incarnations of the name"Ragnar" as an adverb and/or adjective. Lots more wonderful stories. Thank you all for taking the time to share your stories, short or long. We all have a story, you know ...

Monday is our Cooking Light group get-together. This month has really flown. We're at Pam King's house and our menu is:

Black Bean dip with corn chips (cookbook)--Margo
Cheddar Bacon Drop Biscuits--Barb
Caramelized Shallots and Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta--Barbara
Caramelized Onion and Shiitake Soup with Gruyere-Blue Cheese Toasts--Mary
Cider Brined Pork Chops with Walnut Bacon Butter and Apple and Butternut Squash Tian--Pam Wine--Kathryn
Tarte Tatin--Renee

I'm really looking forward to the pork chop dish. Sounds wonderful. Surelly a fall menu with a pork (pancetta, bacon, chops) and apple (tian and tatin) theme. Full report complete with my faves on Tuesday!

Thought for the day: "Don't be discouraged if your children reject your advice. Years later they will offer it to their own offspring."

Enjoy your day!