Stress Relief

That's what my 15.4 mile run was about today. It's just been that kind of week and I needed a hard run, which I got. Dave Morrill even commented on the 'blistering' pace. Wearing my Yak Traks helped.


We had a nice group today. 16 or so. We went around the lake, up Viola Road to Kwik Trip, then through the neighborhood to Rocky Creek Drive NE, up to 37th St NW to West River Road and back to Dunn Bros. I wasn't anticipating the strong NW winds. wunderground.com says 20-30 mph with 40 mph gusts for today. Sure felt like that on 37th St NW. I'd been running with Dan Strain since Kwik Trip, so I ducked in behind him for a bit of relief from the wind. My eyeballs were stinging. :) Tomorrow sounds better. We'll be rid of the wind.

A bunch of us are planning on going up to the Securian Half Marathon in St. Paul next weekend. Carpooling so far: myself, Sonja and Kirsten Kranz, Tom Williamson, Tom Woo, Trevor Distad. I think Mike Schmitt, Matt Schrader might be interested as well. If anyone would like to join our merry little band of runners, just let me know. We plan to go to lunch after the race and then return to Rochester by mid-afternoon.

This would be a good time to plug the All-City Nordic Ski Team's pasta feed, to be held the evening before the Securian Half Marathon:

We will be holding a pasta dinner and raffle as a fundraiser for the Rochester Nordic Ski Team and for the development of the Essex Park trail. This is a great opportunity to meet friends and help support both the middle / high school ski program and the development of the new ski trails in Essex Park.

When: The event will be on Friday, January 23rd, 2009 with dinner served between 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm.

Where: The event will be in Resurrection Catholic Church at 1600 11th Avenue SE.

Pasta Meal: Adult meal $10, Child's meal (12 and under) $5. All you can eat ! (Chicken Alfredo or Vegetarian Spaghetti with Marinara, Rolls, Caesar / Mediterranean Salad and Beverage, catered by Victoria's Restaurant).

Grand Prize Raffle: There will be a raffle with 4 major prizes to be won - a complete ski package (donated by Tyrol Ski and Sport), a golf outing in Somerby Golf Club (donated by Somerby), and 2 bikes (donated by Quality Bike Products), along with a number of smaller prizes. Tickets for the raffle are $5 each or $20 for 5 and are on sale at Tyrol Ski & Sport, Rochester Cycling and Fitness, Shoot and Save Sport or from Rochester Nordic Ski Team Members.

Ran into (not literally of course!) P.K., Julie and Peggy on today's run. Julie has been named honorary vice chair of the U.S. Running Streak Association to replace an outgoing member. Julie currently hold the longest running streak for females (more than 30.5 years)!

The RTC Youth Grand Prix awards pizza supper was held last night. Congratulations to all who participated (this is a participation series, not a results series)!!

Gold Medal Winners

Silver Medal Winners

Bronze Medal Winners

I was in Rochester Cycling and Fitness yesterday scoping out the wetsuits (the ultimate in sticker shock) for my possible (dare I say probable?) entry into the Rochesterfest Triathlon and noticed that they carry some Skirt Sports clothing for gals. Skirts, s/s tops, sports bras, a running dress, and skirts with capris attached. They salesperson said that they're currently 20 ot 25% off (can't remember which one for sure).

Looks like I may be accompanying Judy Weller to the Little Rock Marathon on 3/15 to run the half. A road trip with Judy is always fun. :)

Being it's a blustery day, I thought soup might be in order for supper today. So it's Potato Leek Soup, a favorite of mine, with some bread from Prescotts.

Thought for the day: "Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment." --Benjamin Franklin

Stay warm.