Short Week

Thanksgiving week already. Where has the year gone? Safe travels to those going out of town. Hope the weather cooperates. Anyone wanting to run Thursday morning, please email me. I'm not making turkey and all the fixins until Sunday noon. I'm sure I could rustle up some cookies or something for those wanting to "pre-load"!!

Thanks, Mike Schmitt, for passing along this story about a clever, sweet use of a Garmin GPS. I wonder if she realized how challenging that might have been for him, with buildings, trees, etc. that might have been in the way... Fun story, though.

Looking for a way to run off some of those Thanksgiving calories? How about the Gravy Train (fun fun) on Saturday morning? Here's the lowdown from the organizer, Kelly Curtis: "There will be a 12 mile course, which primarily includes an out and back on the Mayowood Trail. There will be a water stop along the 12 mile course. There will also be an uncertified 5K course. There will be no timing, bib numbers, shirts and best of all, no fee! Just a fun run sponsored by the Rochester Track Club. Start / Finish will be at the Running Room. Doors open at 7:15 AM. Awards for the most festively dressed will be at 8 am with the run starting immediately after. Following the run, runners can enjoy some treats and beverages upon return to the Running Room."

Jim Mason has been exploring the new trails (not paved) at Essex Park in NW Rochester. He says they are very runnable. Here's a link to a map. Thank you to the Rochester Active Sports Club for all the work on developing the trails. They will be used for skiing in the winter months (or I should say "snowy" months--that usually stretches into spring!).

The Fetzer 20K has again been designated a MN state championship race for 2010. Good news. That means I get my Gatorade concentrate and cups for free, and Fuel Belt products to give away.

I picked up a brochure at the Y today (ran 10.08 and lifted). There's a Winter Y Running Series at the LaCrosse Area Family Y (Onalaska): Jingle Bell on 12/5, New Year's Resolution on 1/9 and Valentine's Heart Throb in 2/13. Choose either 5K or 5-mile distance. Price break for running all 3. To register: register.laxymca.org .  Info at http://www.laxymca.org/ All-u-can-eat pancake breakfast on 12/5.

I went into the south Target late this afternoon to exchange something, and low and behold, I noticed a sign implying they had flu shots (regular seasonal flu, not H1N1). So I inquired, and yes, they did in fact, and they'd take my insurance card. So 3 minutes later, after signing the ubiquitous paperwork, I had my flu shot. Yippee!! Finally!! There's none to be had around here for the average population for months.

RTC News was sent to the printer last night. Look for info on assembling it in the near future. This could be the last hurrah for a newsletter-assembly party, as we're transitioning to an eNewsletter in March.

I FINALLY made Mike Schmitt his oatmeal raisin cookies this evening. I've owed him since September. :-( I'll deliver them after work tomorrow.

Y105 (FM 104.9 and 105.3) has already begun their 24x7 Christmas music. I enjoy listening every year. Puts me in a good (or at least better :-) mood.

One piece of "bathroom" business: I think it was at the Detroit airport that the bathroom stall doors (or at least the one I used!) opened both in and out. What a great idea! It can be very cumbersome trying to lug a suitcase into one of those teeny tiny stalls. Also, I think public bathroom doors should open out when you're leaving, and you pull when you're entering. That way you can leave with clean hands and open the door with your hip. Just my random ranting ...

“May you always have work for your hands to do.
May your pockets hold always a coin or two.
May the sun shine bright on your windowpane.
May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you.
And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.” --Irish blessing

Blessings on your week.

--Ramblin' Renee