Saturday Run 'n Fun

Wow. Fantastic turnout today at Panera. Must have been the promise of cookies. ;-) It was great to see so many of you. I count 27 of us (the photographer, Karla, and myself, just off the left side of the photo). Hope you all come back next week. It was a very pleasant morning. Big, fluffy snowflakes at times. Congrats to Peter Maves, far right in the photo, who did Ironman Florida a couple of weeks ago in 9:53. Outstanding. Unfathomable, in my book. Rumor has it that Judy Weller will be participating in Ironman Louisville in 2009. You go, girl!

Speaking of triathlons ... sort of. Well, a different flavor anyway. Laura Lenz and I have been talking about a great idea she had. There are three athletic events during the second weekend of WinterFest 2009--Broadway Residence & Suites Stair Climb, Saturday AM, 2/14, Law Enforcement Polar Plunge, Saturday PM, 2/14 and Lace-Up Against Breast Cancer Half Marathon on Sunday AM, 2/15. A triple crown of sorts. We'd like to challenge you to participate in all three, and we'll be offering up some sort of prizes to the male and female with lowest overall time (and with the two of us, you can bet it will involve some food. Laura is thinking a pie for one winner, I'm thinking 2 dozen cinnamon rolls for the other.) . I'm in! At it will be my first 'in' at Foster Arends Beach. I'm just hoping I don't go into v-fib when I exit the water. ;-) Stay tuned both here and the RTC website for further details.

It's time once again for Carol on the Run, planned for 12/3 this year. We'll meet at 6 pm (hopefully at Running Room again) and make a tour of close-to-downtown nursing homes to sing a few carols for the residents at each stop. If you can only carry a tune in a bucket, that's OK! This is meant to spread holiday cheer--it's not a singing contest. If you have a santa hat, or some other fun headwear and/or some jingle bells, bring them along. I have a few extras. Treats will be provided afterwards. Route will be 3-10 miles, depending on how many stops you choose to include. Please consider joining us!

I was notified this week that my 20K race will again be a MN RRCA state championship race, which is a great deal. It means free Gatorade, Fuel Belts to give away and very nice award plaques for open, masters (40+) and grandmasters (50+) winners. We're hoping the weather of 2007 does not repeat. Most years, the weather is perfect for running.

Last year I auctioned off cookies to raise funds for the RTC--prize money for the Fetzer 20K. 8 dozen holiday cookies will be auctioned off on the RTC website forum. The funds will go either to the 20K again, or possibly toward the purchase of a mascot for the RTC. Bidding will commence on Monday, December 1. Bidding will close at 8 pm on Friday, December 5. Bid high, bid often!

Speaking of cookies, Land 'O Lakes butter is on sale this week at Hy-Vee. ;-) I'm stocking up.

We need nominations for 2008 Runner of the Year. The winner does not by any means need to be one of the fastest runners in town! Excellence can be either absolute or relative. The runner may have achieved a longstanding goal, dealt with adversity. Is a great cheerleader and supporter of fellow runners. We need nomations! Please send them to president@rochestertrackclub.com

This is one of my favorite shows on TV: Ace of Cakes with Duff Goldman. These people are amazing. They can make and shape cake and fondant into anything.

Thought for the day: "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." --Dr. Seuss