Running the Sahara

This evening, Jim, Judy, Lionel, Melissa and I watched Running the Sahara (thank you Lionel!) at my house. What a story. These 3 guys ran across the Sahara desert. Their original plan was to run 2 marathons/day and finish in 82 days. It ended up taking them 111 days. With zero days off. I can't even fathom such an undertaking. They lost between 25 and 40 pounds and of course could eat virtually anything and everything they wanted. (At one point, I believe it was in Niger, they ate freshly butchered camel ...) They had to deal with sandstorms, relentless sun (they took a few hours off in the afternoon) and pretty much everything else that the desert, and all those days of togetherness would throw at them. There was one strong personality amongst them, Charlie. He caused a little tension amongst the group, including their support crew. But in the end they finished as friends, on the east coast of Egypt. Highly recommended viewing.

Got to get to bed. I've got a date at the pool with Melissa and Judy at 5:30 AM.

Sleep well!

Back to "Normal"

Well, now that the Fetzer is over, it's back to "normal" for me. But "normal" is still usually pretty busy for me. I'm not one for having much down time it seems. I seem to have a knack for filling my free time with activity, much like we all seem to be able to fill our empty closet space with "stuff"!! One thing that will be filling my time is the next issue of RTC News, and like always I need articles. If you've got something you're just itching to write about, please do. And even if you're not itching to write, please do! OK ... I'm begging. :-0

Here's a fun Fetzer photo (say that 10 times fast!) from Bonnie Distad, Trevor's mom. Pete Gilman on the left in the yellow/black adidas gear was 2nd (by a nose) and John Heitzman (just to the right of the sign post) was first.

10 state records were set at Fetzer (single age, not age group). Go to RaceberryJam and click on Results then go to Fetzer 20K. They're in red in the results. Congratulations to everyone that ran so well.

(Wally Arnold, Kevin Torgerson, Larry Pederson, Jean Murray, Dave Morrill, K.C. Reed)

The Rochester 1/2 Marathon committee met this evening. We're in need of a head honcho, someone who's willing to oversee everything (there are lots of capable people working on individual facets of the event) and be the final decision maker. Lots of fingers were pointed my way at the meeting ... I'm feeling myself getting sucked into the race director vortex once again ... yikes. I just don't know if I'm up for it. I'd rather give someone else the wonderful opportunity to lead this first class event!! Also, the course needs to be redesigned. It's been 10+ years since the last certification and 20th St SE is going to be extended east to Marion Rd and the 4th St SE bridge is going to be replaced this summer. We're considering lots of potential courses. We're meeting at my house on Sunday 4/19 at 6 pm to discuss. If you'd like to provide input, or are just curious, feel free to join us. 2026 Kal Lane SW. Let me know if you're coming. So far, it'll be Kevin, Larry, Dave, K.C. and myself. We need some more gals!!

I had a good swim this morning. 10:02 for my first 1/4 mile and I decided to look at my mile time which was 45:16. I haven't paid attention to the mile splits in the past but I think I'll keep an eye on it just out of curiosity. I decided was going to try to relax in the water today and low and behold, I was faster because of it. Who'd have thought it ... not I!! Still really enjoying the swimming.

Volunteers are needed for Spring Classic (contact Jean Murray) 15K, 5K and Kids' 1Mile and WinterBeGone! Duathlon (contact Bill Nevala). These events can't be held without the help of volunteers so please consider giving back. I think you'll enjoy it! I'm running Spring Classic and volunteering at both events.

Rooms in Duluth for Grandma's: The non-profit Northern Communities Land Trust members and supporters are again opening their homes on Grandma's Marathon weekend. Proceeds support their mission. Check the website for more information.

Cooking Light this evening. Another delicious meal, and Barbara, as always, sets a beautiful table. My faves? First place goes to Laura's spinach salad followed closely by the tilapia. But everything was a winner and something I'd make again.

I haven't read the newspaper since Thursday, so I think I'll wrap this up. Sounds like we could hit 60 degrees tomorrow. Enjoy.

Thought for the day: "Friendship is a cozy shelter from life's rainy days."

Until next time.

Hoppy Easter!

(Something I made back when I was really into crafts. Don't seem to have time for them any more. Too busy baking cookies I guess!)

Happy Easter! It's a wonderful day in the church year, and I hope that you were able to spend time today with family and friends. My brother and family came over for dinner and we had a good time, as we always do. And lots of good food. For some reason the Green Beans Amandine really hit the spot today. Oh, and we had ham too. Guess I forgot to snap a photo of that. But ham is pretty much just ... ham. :-)

I know I probably overindulged. I was able to send leftovers home with my brother and Matt, so that's a good thing. The rest of the cherry pie will go to my cooking group get-together tomorrow. More on that later.

Rumor has it that the Easter bunny was even spotted in the back yard ...

"hiding" eggs for the Easter egg hunt. It was a beautiful day to be outside. We had so much fun that we decided to hide them for a second go-round!

Rochester Half Marathon Steering Commitee meeting tomorrow at 5:30 PM on the Galleria (aka Shoppes at University Square) skyway level. We're always looking for more help, and in particular, someone to be our fearless leader. :-)

Running the Sahara movie to be viewed at my house (2026 Kal Lane SW) on Tuesday 4/14 in the evening. (I'll post the time when we've decided.) Come for the cookies! I'm taking requests on the recipe. Double chocolate chunk? They were a big hit. So far we have: Lionel Cheng, Carolyn Lam, Mike Schmitt, Jim Mason, Judy Weller, Melissa Gorvin (?), myself. The more the merrier, so please join us. Let me know if you're coming so we don't start the movie without you.

Beer Run: Thursday 4/16 at Dos Amigos on 4th St SE at 5:30 PM. Run or not, as you wish!

TCM registration begins on Friday, 4/17. Online only. The marathon is October 4. It's a great marathon.

Cooking Light supper club menu for tonorrow evening. It wasn't a good issue for sides, salad or dessert so those will be a surprise!

Roasted corn and goat cheese quesaillas (Kathryn)
Monday Morning Potato Rolls and Bread (Renee)
Salad (Random, any issue) (Laura)
Wine/Kelly's Asparagus recipe (Margo/Diane)
Starchy Side (Random, any issue) (Pam)
Roasted Tilapia with Orange Parsley Salsa (Barbara)
Dessert (Random, any issue) (Mary)

We always have a great time together and I think for all of us, it's certainly an evening that we really look forward to each month.

Kudos and congratulations to Judy Weller for running a 9 minute P.R. at the inaugural Illinois Marathon in Champaign, IL this weekend. Excellent! It's always a good day when one runs a P.R. Judy is in training for Ice Age Ultra and Ironman Louisville.

Here's the recipe for the Marbled Chocolate Peanut Cookies that were at the Fetzer on Saturday. It makes a large batch.

PEANUT BUTTER DOUGH:
1 c. butter, softened
1 c. peanut butter
1 1/4 c. sugar
1 1/4 c. packed brown sugar
3 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. baking sda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. chopped peanuts

CHOCOLATE DOUGH:
1 c. butter, softened
1 c. packed brown sugar
3/4 c. sugar
3 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. baking cocoa
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 c. semisweet chocolate chips

In a large bowl, cream the butter, peanut butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixtre and mix well. Stir in peanuts; set aside.

For chocolate dough, in another bowl, cream butter nd sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in chocolate chips. Gently fold in peanut butter dough until slightly marbled.

Drop by heaping tablespoonsfuls 3 in. apart onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 350 for 14-16 (I did 14 min.) or until lightly browned and firm. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Yield: 9-1/2 dozen (I got more like 8 dozen).

Well, tomorrow I'm going to work on wraping up some Fetzer items (mailing medals, ordering 100+ more shirts, sending in the USATF/MRDC certified road race stuff, RRCA championship post-event forms, thank yous, post-race survy (surveymoney.com) ...). And making bread for Monday evening. Oh ... and going to work! :-) It'll be a full day.

Quote for the day: "“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” --Dr. Seuss

Make it a good one.

PERFECT.

That's it, in a word. It was ... perfect. 28th annual Fetzer 20K and 2 mile. The weather was spectacular--sunny, negligible wind, 40'ish. 309 ...

registered for the two races which is great! Oodles of very capable volunteers. (Special mention goes to Jim Mason who was there from setup to the very last minute of tear down and was busy the whole time monitoring and taking care of the water stop supplies. I can't thank him enough. And Noah Retka who was there from setup through tear down and also ran and wanted to be busy with a job every single minute. My finish line crew and scorers ... so experienced and capable, so that I didn't have to worry one second about that part of the event. And it's kind of a make it or break it part of a race ... so very visible. There are so many of you ... can't thank you all individually here but you all were an important part of a very successful morning and I couldn't have done it without you.) Everyone liked the shirts. The only suggestion I've gotten is to have more cookies! (I had 28 dozen.)

I'm just so very thankful that everything came together so seamlessly. Thank you to everyone who had a part in it, be it running, ... (Noah, Dan, Shaun, Trevor, Kyle)

volunteering, (Jim and John) ...

sponsoring, (Peg Arnold and Running Room) ...

or providing moral support.

Here are links to a blog entry from today: Lionel Cheng is always a pleasure to read. Here's his video of the women's start this morning:



And his photos. And Tom Woo's photos . Mine are still on my camera. Thank you to Eric and Jen Woodford for taking finish line photos for me. :-) I posted the results on the RTC website.

After I came home, I needed to do something other than think about the race. So I went and swam a mile. The pool was very busy. 2 lanes open for laps and we had to share. Lots of turbulent water with all the other activity in the pool, but that's something I'll have to get used to for the triathlon, so all's good. ;-)

Well, it's time to get some more done for tomorrow's dinner. I've got a cherry pie ...

cooling on the stove and bread being baked and a salad in the refrigerator. Tomorrow I'll make the ham and other fixings (potatoes, green beans, cole slaw). I will NOT be baking any more cookies this weekend.

More tomorrow. For those of you whose religious traditions celebrate Easter, may yours be blessed.

Ramblin' Renee

Fetzer Friday

Just a quick little update. I've got lots of registration data to enter yet tonight. 50+ people registered this evening, so we're at 244! And I'm sure there will be more in the morning. Yippee!! I'm very glad that we baked about 28 dozen cookies. (NOTE: We do NOT take credit cards. There were some disapponted people. We're low tech...) Everyone loves the shirts.

More tomorrow. Cheers.

Fetzer Frenzy!!

Well, this last day or two before the event, I'm a bundle of frenetic energy!! Constant movement. Running on adrenaline. Brain on overdrive. Constant desire to eat M&Ms (but I WILL RESIST!) But I have to admit I kind of thrive on activity. :-) And I'm most productive when I have lots to do. All good. 190 registered for the run as of this evening. I'm hoping for 250 by race time. Shirts are GREAT. I designed them this year and I'm very happy with them. Something a little different that the usual race shirt. (Sleeves appear black in the photo, but they're navy) Thank you Brad at Images for the great work!! And for being patient with me.

I got the course marked today and swept a little gravel. I'll run the course in the morning to make sure that all is well. Picked up the bananas from Kwik Trip today. Then tomorrow it's off to Reichel Foods to pick up Dippin' Stix (apple slices and caramel) and Great Harvest to pick up the cinnamon raisin race rolls (bread nuggets). Jason Harvey is delivering 10 12-packs of actiVwater tomorrow. THANK YOU sponsors for your donations!!

I'm making one last (large) batch of Fetzer cookies. They're marbled peanut butter/chocolate. And they're delicious. A new recipe. The dough:



The cookies:


Ron Giles is going to LOVE these. I just know it.

Setup for the race begins at 6:30 AM in the Bamber Valley gym. Anyone wanting to assist is welcome to join in the fun!!

Son Matt arrived home from Winona State this evening. It's wonderful to have him home.



Running Room eMagazine for April is now downloadable for your reading pleasure. 20% off coupon, good all month, on page 13. Featured on the cover is the Lucky Green 5K held in March here in Rochester. Wally Arnold also wrote an article about it. My recipe for the month is roasted asparagus, also on page 13.

Also quoted last night in the Post-Bulletin was RTC member Sam Rowekamp, ...

in Lindy Lange's column. Her column was about the Med-City Kids' Marathon. It's time to start getting your (1/4) miles in, kids. The marathon will be here before you know it!

Suzanne LaPalm was the winner of the cookies for yeterday's trivia question. The photo is of Summit Avenue in St. Paul, in the final miles of the Twin Cities Marathon. I'm sure there are lots of stories to be told about that stretch of road. Some happy. Some otherwise. Most of mine are in the "otherwise" category. Also submitting a correct answer was Mike Schmitt.

Heard from Bill Nevala this evening that there are preliminary plans to stage a full (Ironman distance, but not an Ironman event) triathlon somewhere in Minnesota in the future, limited to 1500 participants. Most likely in/around the Twin Cities, but that's not for sure yet either. Stay tuned! I'll keep you posted. :-)

Melissa Gorvin has stepped up to the challenge of the triathlon! I'm so proud of this girl!! We're going to meet Shaun Palmer in the pool at the Y at 5:30 AM on Wednesday. SHE CAN DO THIS!! I will be her cheerleader.

The RTC was nominated for the Olmsted County Public Health Services 2009 Live for Others – Healthy Community Award in memory of Dr. Lyle Weed. This award recognizes people like Dr. Weed who lived by the motto, “Live for Others.” He dedicated his time and talents to make Olmsted County a healthier place to live. Though we didn't win, it was an honor to be nominated.
Time for me to chill. See you at the Fetzer!!

The Countdown

2 days from now, I'll be totally entrenched in the minutiae that comprises (compromises?) race directing. And in 3 days, it'll be done for yet another year. The BIG things (shirts, race numbers, medals, food, venue)? They're easy. "The devil is in the details" as they say. The details are what keep me awake at all hours of the night, what cause me to write endless notes and reminders, and what make my head spin in the final days. If I follow my 3-page checklist, I think I'll be good to go. Having such a terrific weather forecast is making me sleep much better as well. Here's an article in the Post-Bulletin about the race. Thank you, Paul Christian! I'm even quoted. :-)

But as of now, I'm still TOTALLY in control! I actually spent a totally wonderful day in the cities today. And I met up with our RRCA rep, Kim Maxwell. (She's holding some lemon bars that I made yesterday. They were very well received by her hubby. :-)

OK. Some trivia here. Here's a photo I snapped near Whole Foods. First one to identify the approximate location/venue (doesn't have to be exact, just general) gets a dozen cookies!! Many of us have many memories here ...


Running Room news: Spring/summer clothing is arriving. Stop by and check it out. Also, purchase any Asics regular price footwear and receive a pair of Kayano socks free. Retail value $13.99.


I received this info in an email today. (I'd do this in a heartbeat!) The Caribbean Islands Marathon Cruise is designed with most every type of runner in mind - and you walkers too! Timed distances will vary daily from day to day - from a half-marathon to 5k. The runs are supervised and well marked, with fun and your safety first and foremost. John "The Penguin" Bingham & coach Jenny Hadfield's talks and sessions are also there to help you become the best runner you can and to keep you entertained throughout the week. February 6-13, 2010 Grand Turk * San Juan * St. Thomas * Half Moon Cay Visit our website

RTC board meeting tomorrow night. 6 PM at the Rochester Athletic Club. RTC members are welcome to attend. I'll be there presenting status on my race.

Well, I think I'll put the Twins on TV. I'm listening on the radio presently. I enjoy John Gordon and Dan Gladden doing play by play. Sometimes I have them on the radio and the sound off on the TV. However, the radio is a couple of seconds ahead of the TV so sometimes it's a spoiler to do it that way. What a finish to the game last night! Totally exciting.

Quote for the day: "If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain." --Emily Dickinson

Until next time!