OMG ... it's Quadzilla!

Oh. My. Gosh. My new name should be Quadzilla. The photo in the paper Friday does NOT show my legs to their best advantage. Thank you, Paul, for the exposure for our merry band of runners and revelers. ;-) Lionel Cheng took my photo, I tool Lionel's photo and I believe it was Lori Torgerson that took the group photo on my camera. It really was great fun.

Here's Mike Schmitt's video of us running across the finish line.

Thank you, Justin Murray, for clearing up the mystery of the Soldier's Field trash-picker-uppers spotted last week. That was Justin's daughter and grandson, Joni Murray Petersen and Justin Petersen. Thank you for doing that for us, and for the community! It's a highly visible location.

I think I posted this link several months ago, but I think it's worth posting again. It's a new marathon/half marathon/5K on the Sparta/Elroy (WI) bike trail on November 2. I think it sounds like a fun little road trip. Half marathon if the weather for TCM is decent. Full marathon if TCM is anything like last year and I bail (or don't even start, which would have been a more prudent choice last year.) You run through a 3/4 mile tunnel, so bring a headlamp or flashlight. If you're possibly interested in running one of the events, contact me!

Note on my new cookie recipe: When cooling the butter, if you use it when it's still in the liquid state, the cookies spread quite a bit more than if you let it solidify again. Both versions are good.

This morning was a 20-miler. It started out fine. No problem. South on 22, east on 2nd St SW, stop at Mayo C.U. South on 14th Ave (St. Mary's), path to 16th St SW. On this route we normally have a stop at Stone Barn but today we went another 2 miles to Jean Murray's house.

I should have brought a bottle as it was 6 miles between those stops and I was pretty thirsty. But all was still well. Up to Soldier's Field. Took a GU. Bathroom break. Back to water stop for Powerade and a chat with Pete Martin. He's injured. ;-( Pete NEVER gets injuired. He's got planatar fasciitis. ;-( Then it was west on 9th St to Slatterly, east to RCTC traffic circle, north to Quarry Hill for another water stop. I was getting pretty warm but all was still relatively well (getting tired, of course, though starting to cramp). West to Silver Lake, across Broadway to river path, north to Rec Center where there was to have been water. Unfortunately Pete was handling a lost and or slow runner so didn't make it there by the time we ran by. We were starting to wilt, take walking breaks, etc. I knew I needed water pretty bad so I headed up to HyVee north for fluid and another bathroom break. Right at the door I started consuming my second GU and guess what? They uninstalled their water fountain. So I asked the pharmacist, "Ib dere a waber fouban abywhewe?" (My mouth was full of Tri Berry GU.) Nope. But she gave me a little pill glass with about 1" of water in it (enough to get the GU down anyway) and told me I could go over to the Kitchen area and ask for an empty glass then come back to the rest room and fill it up. I probably should have done that, but I didn't want to. I just wanted to be done. I did fill the little cup a couple of times in the bathroom. Then I headed back to West River to the Cascade trail. I ran into Becky Tri (8.5 months pregnant) walking her dog and asked if she lived close and told her I needed water. She gave me directions and told me the side door was open. Then I ran into Sandra Dalquist (out for a short run before going up to the Gopher's game--she said she's doing more biking, traing for TreadMan) ...

and asked where she lived in case it was closer. She lived off 17th Ave, so I headed to Becky's house for a couple glasses of water. Finally headed back to the RAC to share my cookies. There actually were people waiting. I thought everyone might have gone home by then. This wasn't a pretty run, taking 3:11, but I got almost 21 miles in. "All's well that ends well"or "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" as they say. I came home and plunked down on the couch for a couple hours. Haven't been this spent after a run in a long time. Then decided to clear some lactate and mow the lawn and now ... here I sit, blogging!



Tom Woo was planning to run 26 miles. I told him he should just do another .2 so he could say he ran a marathon this morning. And I told him I'm sure I had some T-shirt I could give him. He said he didn't need another T-shirt. ;-)

Good luck to Dan Strain, Trevor Distad and Mike (new to Rochester) doing the Square Lake Tri (half Ironman) next weekend.

Guess that's it.

Thought for the day: "It's nice to be great, but it's greater to be nice."

Happy Labor Day weekend!

Just a little this 'n that

The newsletter has been delivered to the bulk mail facility. They should be in mailboxes either tomorrow or Tuesday as Monday is a holiday.

Here and here are links to Paul Christian's Ragnar Relay stories from the Friday edition of the Post-Bulletin.

The Mayo Open 5K (and of course the high school meet as well) will be held back on the Eastwood Golf Course this year. The open follows the high school meet, starting at approximately 6:00 pm.

Dan Arnold is the new manager at Running Room. They are still interviewing for assistant manager. Resumes may be mailed to Peg Arnold at 711 South Broadway, Rochester, MN 55904.

Tonight on the tube: Track & Field. Zurich, Golden League. 6-8 pm on ESPN2.

Scenes from my garden this morning. The sunnies belong to Pete Martin, my garden neighbor. They're enormous.

That's it. Now it's time to make the huge saucer-sized cookies for our long run (20+ miles) tomorrow.

Enjoy the beautiful day. It's spectacular. :-)

I Believe We Have A Winner

Thank you to: Karla Behringer, Lin Gentling, Jean Murray, Ruth Murray and Larry Pederson for helping to assemble the RTC News this evening. We finished in 45 minutes! Members: The color version is available on the website.

There are a few runners doing a 20-miler on Monday morning (Laura, Jean, John, Dave) from Panera South at 7:00 am. All are welcome to join them for some or all of the run. Map of the planned route.

I went by Soldier's Field this afternoon and there was someone I didn't recognize out picking up trash with his little boy. They had plenty of trash in their bags. Thank you to whomever you are.

Spotted yesterday: P.K., Peggy and Peabody.

Spotted by the RAC just before noon: Mark Winter. :-)

Last night was book club. Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs. I did not get it read. I think I will keep it on my short list, though.

Well, I tested out the Big and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe from my America's Test Kitchen cookbook and it's a keeper. For the fair, I would definitely make them smaller. They require 3 cookies on a 6" white plate. In following the recipe as written, I'd have to stack them and I'm not sure they'd fit on the plate. They're very good. The whole recipe makes 20 cookies. Hmmm...looks like a big mouse had her way with one of them, eh? I'll have another go at them for Saturday.

Big and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

3 1/3 c. all-purpose flour
¾ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
16 Tbsp (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 ¼ c. packed brown sugar
½ c. granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
1 Tbsp. vanilla (yes, tablespoon)
1 12-oz bag (2 cups) chocolate chips

1. Adjust the oven racks to the upper and lower middle positions and heat the oven to 325 degrees. Whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl and set aside.
2. Beat the butter and sugars in a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed until combined, 1 to 2 minutes. Beat in the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla until combined, about 30 seconds, scraping down the bowl and beaters as needed.
3. Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly mix in the flour mixture until combined, about 30 seconds. Mix in the chocolate chips until incorporated.
4. Working with ¼ cup of dough at a time, roll the dough into balls and lay on two parchment-lined baking sheets, spaced about 2 ½ inches apart. Bake until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft and puffy, 17 to 20 minutes, rotating and switching the baking sheets halfway through baking.
5. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then serve warm or transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.

Here's a video from Mark Wernstrom entitled Why I Did Not Make the Olympic Team :

Ouch, ouch, ouch. The gal on the balance beam is lucky that she didn't break her neck.

Thought for the day: "Forgiveness is the sweetest revenge."

Summer, we hardly knew 'ya ...

Well, it's almost Labor Day weekend. Already. Seems like summer took forever to get here (weather-wise anyway) and here we are ready to send the kids back to school, dig out the long pants and long sleeves, pack up the sandals ... But these are also the best days of the year for our sport with the cool, crisp air, the crunch of leaves under foot and the trees beginning to display their true colors.

Very nice photos of Jim Hannon and Ron Giles (right) and Pete Gilman and Kelly Mortenson in the Post-Bulletin of the Rochester Half Marathon. Everyone looks so serious! Great turnout for the events and nice weather (which most likely contributed to the good turnout!). Thank you to K.C. Reed for once again giving a good part of his summer to put on the biggest and best race that RTC has to offer the running community.

Looking back at the 1992 results, Kelly Mortenson (from the cities) ran it for second place in 1:12:18 then, 1:13:44 also for second place, this year. Winston Stellner (Byron) was 12th in 1:19:34 then, 4th in 1:16:11 this year. Jim Hannon was 13th in 1:20:03 in 1992, 1:16:41 for 5th place this year. Back then it was Giuseppi's Half Marathon, and I believe it was a different course. (I hadn't started running yet and knew nothing about it.)

I was looking through the old issues of RTC News. In the Sept/Oct 1992 issue, John Resman wrote: "Volunteer clubs usually rely on the efforts of a few key individuals to keep going. As long as there is a turnover of the people willing to put for this effort, the RTC will continue to provide an excellent service to the running community. We have to remember to contribute our share and take charge at times to prevent burnout among the main volunteers." I've been thinking quite a bit about just this same thing the last 24 hours. We can't take our volunteers, or our events, for granted. Please consider giving of a couple of hours here and there during the year to make sure that the RTC is able to continue to provide quality, safe events for the years to come. And ... you just might enjoy it. And make some new friends. :-)

Here's a link from Mike Schmitt giving a very detailed analysis of the amazing Olympic marathon run on Saturday in Beijing. An Olympic record was set on a warm and humid day. It was a pretty great race. Even though the Americans didn't medal, I thought they ran very well with Dathan and Ryan placing 9th and 10th.

I was in HyVee the other day. Powerade is 50 cents a bottle and includes (what I think is new) Powerade Zero (zero calories, available in berry, strawberry and grape). I bought a bottle of berry but haven't tried it yet.

TreadMan socks have arrived and look very nice.


We still need volunteers (setup, cleanup, registration, finish line, water stop, course marshals) and participants for the TreadMan Duathlon TreadMan Duathlon on Saturday, September 27. If you can volunteer, please contact Sarah Shonyo. And you will earn a cinch socks and socks for volunteering. We'd be most grateful. Also, this is a great event for beginning duathletes as well as experienced ones. You don't need a fancy bike to participate. ;-)

I guess my Mayo Medical Edge interview will take place on Monday, September 15. They will also be doing a video of me running. ;-0 Oh, my.

I ran with the 'Y guys' yesterday. Pictured below, left to right, Gary Malat, Dan "I Love That Camera" Edwards, Jim Hebl, K.C. Reed.

Pictured below: Mike Holmes, Gary Malat, Priscilla Smith, K.C. Reed.

Left to right: Ann Holmes, Sara Holmes, their summertime caregiver, and Mike Holmes.

Spotted at Soldier's Field during our Wednesday morning run today, Dave Morrill. ;-)

I have a new chocolate chip cookie recipe to try either for RTC Newsletter assembly here tomorrow night (6:30 pm, 2026 Kal Lane SW--hint! hint! Be the first to get your newsletter!) or for the Saturday 20-miler beginning at the RAC. The whole recipe makes only 20 cookies so they're on the large side. I'm determined to find a recipe that earns me a blue ribbon at the fair. If only I knew what those judges were looking for ...

"You may forget with whom you laughed, but you will never forget with whom you wept."

Have a wonderful day.

RTC Newsletter Assembly

My house (2026 Kal Lane SW), at 6:30 pm on Thursday. Please stop by!

Rochester Half and 5K, and more

Thank you Tracy Becker and Tom Woo for sending Rochester Half photos. If anyone else has more, I'm happy to post them if you send them my way. Here are Tracy's photos:



and a link to Tom's.

Wednesday at Running Room: What’s the best part of August? The cooler nights? The lower humidity? The back to school buzz? Getting back into a routine? How about we celebrate all of these things?!?

We are going to have an end of summer BBQ after Wednesday’s 6pm practice!!! We haven’t seen many of you this summer so why not come down on Wednesday and say hello!

We will have grills hot and ready after the 6pm run! Please bring a dish to pass, your own meat and beverages. We are hoping for a big turn out for our last practice before school starts!

The RTC newsletter should be ready for assembly starting Tuesday. If you're interested in help put it together some evening this week at my house, please let me know your preference: Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. 6:30 or so. Thanks!

There are still plenty of volunteer and race entry spots for TreadMan duathlon September 27. If you can volunteer, please email me. If you want to try it out, please register! Also, if you're a runner looking for a biker you can also email me or post on the RASC site or track club site. Think about it!

Heard on a PSA on the radio: Children are supposed to use car booster seats until they're 4'9". Olympic gymnast Shaun Johnson is 4'8" ...

"There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure." --Colin Powell

See 'ya!

Ragnar Recap, Renee's Rendition

And we had fun, fun, fun
'til our Tommy drove the 'burban away ...
(sung to Fun, Fun, Fun by the Beach Boys. Tom Williamson provided his Suburban as our vehicle)
What a great event! Even with the massive sleep deprivation, I'd do it again in a Ragnar minute. Lionel Cheng provided a great write-up of the event on his blog. He's also got lots of wonderful, creative photos to share. I will try to provide a recap from my point of view without reiterating what Lionel has on his blog...

Here's a bit of a Billy Joel song that came to Tom Williamson's mind during the event:

But I made it home alive

So you said that only proves that I'm insane

You may be right, I may be crazy

But it just may be a lunatic you're looking for

Turn out the light, don't try to save me

You may be wrong for all I know, but you may be right ...

(You May Be Right --Billy Joel)

Were we crazy to attempt to run as a team from LaCrosse, WI to Minneapolis, MN? Without a guaranteed place to slumber other than our seats in the car? Without a shower when we really wanted and needed one? Eating granola bars and bananas and whatever else we brought along in our food bags? Perhaps. But we wanted to find out for sure. And the only way to find that out was to give it a try. So we signed up. I was 'runner 9' with runs of 7.9 miles, 5 miles and 4.5 on my 'race card'. We weren't doing this for time, but I wanted to get in a good workout so I told Mike Schmitt, our team captain, my goal pace overall was 8:00 minute miles. And I wanted to keep that promise.

Our vehicle (Judy Weller-runner 7, Suzanne LaPalm-8, Renee Saxman-9, Paul Christian-10, Tom Williamson-11, Lionel Cheng-12) started our adventure just north of Fountain City, WI.

When we disembarked from the cool and comfortable Suburban, a blast of very warm, humid, windy air hit us. We knew pretty quickly that hydration was going to be key during the first several legs of this running experience. I'd heard the forecast and was concerned even before we'd left Rochester. We quickly met up with Reggie Oeltjen and team, also from Rochester.



They were at exchange 6 waiting for their runner to come in. We didn't have our registration materials from the other van, so the park service was kind enough to let us into the park anyway where we made our way to the rest area and sampled Prolytes (electrolytes), Myomed (pain relief gel) and something that looked all-to-much like bird seed (amaranth seeds, mixed with dried fruit) but tasted OK. We were a little nervous trying all these new things right before a race. A short time later, we left the park and made our way back to highway 35 to wait for our (van 2's) first exchange.

Laura Lenz from van 1 cruised into the exchange zone looking pretty warm and handed off the wristband to Judy. I'd heard some folks in the crowd mention that the exchange wasn't quite in the right place, so the next leg would be 2.5 miles rather than the projected 3 miles. I'm not sure whether Laura or Suzanne, who followed Judy, got to enjoy the extra half mile. :-) Both Laura and Lin said it was 'really hot out there' and 'hydrate, hydrate, hydrate'. This wasn't making me feel any better. I wanted to run 8:00 my pace if that was possible and plausible given the weather.


The event provides no support on the course other than signage and portable toilets. The sponsors had Prolytes and Myomed at the major exchanges (multiples of 6). So all the support was up to the teams. I carried my waist pack/water bottle and was very thankful that I did. My first leg commenced at 4:57 pm and it was still plenty hot and humid. The van would leapfrog the runners, going on down the road after the runner started, stopping and asking how you were doing, then going on for more of the same. I asked for a bag of ice two times during that first leg. I dumped some of it in my water bottle (which I also refilled at least once), mopped my forehead with the bag then tucked it into my sports bra for some cooling effect. It eventually melted and I stopped and got a refill. It helped A LOT as I was able to finish that run in 1:04:14. I passed 10 or 11 runners, and didn't get passed. I was very pleased. And wet as a dish rag. I felt bad having to get in the vehicle in such condition, but I mopped off as best as I could, sat on a beach towel, and then we were off to leap frog runner 10, Paul Christian.

Pictured below is Tom Williamson, the first in our group to run after 7 pm, after which time reflective gear was required.


One thing that really deserves mention is Lionel's first run (7.9 miles). It was dark, and about as soon as Lionel took off, the heavens opened up and it started raining. Hard. It let up, but then started up again. And again. Poor guy. We really felt bad for him. But he's so good-natured that he didn't let on how miserable it was out there. He said he thinks he swallowed about 10 bugs. The next morning, Lionel had perhaps the most profoundly funny quote from the whole trip: "And after dinner, I coughed up a (bug) wing." We just laughed. Poor guy--had to eat bugs. Anyway, after Lionel handed off to Todd, we ate a late dinner at Gelly's in Stockholm, WI (we were starving by then--10 or 11 pm I think). In the parking area who should we run into but Andy Shulha who was running with another team that had parked right next to us! We made plans to meet up with him after the event and get him back to Rochester in one of our vehicles.

After dinner, we drove 30+ miles to Prescott, WI where we knew that showers ($3) and possibly some sleep?($2) would be waiting at the high school. The (communal) shower felt wonderful. (One thing about Ragnar: if you're a highly regimented and/or modest person, this might be the event for you. You really have to be able to go with the flow on this one ...!) It was nice to be provided a towel, but it was about the size of a hand towel and covered little of nothing on this body! Sleep was supposedly available on a wrestling mat in one of two gyms or a hallway, the first two of which were full. We managed to find some random spots in the large gym and laid down to rest, and sleep if we were lucky. The school and gym were not air conditioned. The doors to the brightly lit hallway were opened and banged shut about every 30 seconds and people were using flashlights (some of which were shone right in my face) in the dark gym looking for sleeping spots. I'll be optimistic and say that I got 15 minutes sleep. I know I looked at the time on my cell phone well after 1 and we got a call to depart for the exchange point before 2:00 am.

After rousting myself out of my sleepy stupor, we made our way to the exchange point which was just on the edge of the high school property. We noticed people sleeping outside, right on the high school track. It was dark, but it was probably an all weather track, and not cinders. ;-) People were trying to grap some sleep wherever and whenever they could. Again, Laura was the one to provide the hand off to van 2. She seemed to really enjoy her run in the dark, save for the drunk who ran up behind her then off into a field or yard only to be caught by the cops! We leapfrogged Judy and Suzanne, then it was my turn. My course was a straight shot down highway 35. It was 4:11 am and still very, very dark with no lights on the road, but the stars were out and the temperature and humidity much lower. Pete Schommer had mentioned that the night run was the best run--he was right. Nothing but me, my headlamp and LED, the road, and the van driving by with cheering teammates a couple of times. It was fantastic. Peace. Quiet. Loved every second of it. Even climbing 5 hills wasn't all that bad after the miserable conditions of the first run. This leg made the event seem memorable, as we never have road races in the pitch black early mornings. Definitely a run to remember. One weird sighting ... a female doing a back bend right on the road, right in the middle of the night. Hmmm...

Lionel had a good run this time, enjoying a sunrise and run down the hill and across the lift bridge into Stillwater.

Poor Lionel ... at the end of his run, after cruising down that nice long hill into the exchange zone I had to tell him that there was a delay in the other van getting there and he'd have to wait in the chute until they got there. It seemed like Lionel was getting more than has fair share of bad breaks here! After van 1 arrived in Stillwater, van 2 was off to Suzanne's home for clean-up and some blueberry pancakes, scrambled eggs, and juice/coffee compliments of her fiance Pete. Thank you, Pete! What a wonderful treat. Then some of us even caught a few more minutes of shut-eye (I probably got about 10-15 minutes once again).

We met up for another van-to-van exchange at a park in Lake Elmo where we encountered Kevin Torgerson from team "Bad Yoga" ...

and Madison and Jodi Bates ...


My last run was 4.5 miles along Shepard Road, part of the Securian Frozen Half Marathon course along the river. The temps were more pleasant on Saturday than Friday, but I ran into a stiff headwind the whole way which was very discouraging. Also, the signage on the last legs seems to have gotten sparse. There were no '1 mile to go' signs for us and there was a point where I could have veered left or right on the path along Shepard Road and there was a runner ahead of me on both those paths. But I remembered the map indicated the van route was the same as the run route and as the left option would have continued right along the river, I chose to stay close to Shepard Road. Luckily, this was the right choice. I was tired during this run. I'd been treating all of them somewhat like races so I was essentially running my third race in 24 hours. So I was pleased with my 34:14 finish time, even though it was a couple tenths short of 4.5 miles. I was happy to let Paul, or whoever, run those for me. :-) During Judy's final run, we met up with a guy who missed the turn into the Lake Elmo park and was now 4 miles into the next run, so he ended up turning around and running back, for an extra 8 miles. ;-(

Then it was time to wait for Lionel at the finish line for our group run into the finish for our finishers medals.

In the finish area we saw RTC member Brandon Bungum (right)!

Thank you from van 2 for Karen Williamson who not only volunteered in Alma, WI at an exchange point, but then served as our driver for the remainder of the run. She wins the 'Most Excellent Chauffeur Award'. Tom wins the 'Best Sleeper Award'. Judy and Suzanne win the 'Most Busted' award for leaving the 'beer tent' with their beer. Twice. John Shonyo, also a volunteer for our team, wins the 'Most Interesting Bystander' Award ...

After a late lunch/early dinner at Longfellow Grille in South Minneapolis, it was time to bid farewell to Ragnar 2008 and head back to Rochester and try to catch some of the men's marathon. After I cleaned up and sat down to watch, Ted called to me from the office. 'I need your help in here.' He'd super-glued two fingers together. Again. Previously, acetone nail polish remover would do the trick, but this time that didn't work. He eventually cut through them with a razor blade. I couldn't watch. Luckily, no blood was shed. :-)

Well, I'm going to bring this post to a close. Here's my slideshow.



TTFN.

Oh What Fun It Is To Run!!

This will be a very brief post, but suffice it to say that Ragnar Relay was a BLAST!! The first run was a definite challenge with the oppressive heat and more than that, the humidity. But the most awe-inspiring and memorable run was the 3:30 am (or whatever ... I seemed to not be making my way through the day by clock time, but by where were were in the cycle of running legs) leg. Pitch black sky lit only by stars and an occasional farm light or passing vehicle. One or two other runners that I passed were the only signs of life. Quiet. The strong winds we'd experienced earlier in the day had subsided and all I could hear were my own breath and footstrikes. Memorable to be sure.

Other Rochester-ites spotted at various Ragnar relay excanges ... Andy Shulha, Jodi and Madison Bates, Brandon Bungum, Kevin Torgerson.

More tomorrow. Time for more much needed sleep.

Busy, busy, busy

So much to do. So little time. The story of my life! I thought I'd do a (hopefully quick!) post while I'm baking our Ragnar Relay cookies. Our first runner will head out momentarily (it's 9:20 and she leaves about 9:40--Laura Lenz). Our car pulls out from my house at 1 pm. Then the adventure begins! I won't be able to maintain my projected pace for the first 8-mile leg late this afternoon with the dew points already pushing 70 and the high projected at 85. And 3 hours sleep last night. Sigh. I really must get packing. And the lawn needs mowing. And Matt needs a desk before Sunday. And ... Sigh.

Though it was a pretty dreary evening, there was a pretty good turnout (40-ish?) for the Rochester Track Club picnic last night at Slatterly Park. Photos:

Spotted on the way to the picnic, running in the drizzle, P.K., Peggy and Mr. Peabody!

I did get my tomatoes turned into salsa the other day. Here's the before ...

and after ...

Don't forget that the RTC's premiere races are tomorrow, Saturday, beginning at the Holiday Inn downtown ... the Rochester Half Marathon and 5K. You can still register this evening at Running Room or tomorrow morning at the hotel.

I'd best get busy. Talk to you Sunday!

Rochester Half Marathon Packet Stuffing ...

... will be taking place at Slatterly Park, at the same time as the picnic. If you can help, please stop by, even if you're not going to attend the picnic. Approximately 5:30 until finished.

Summer is winding down

Well, it's back to school for Matt this week, so we know the end of summer is just around the corner. One thing I won't miss is the 3:00 am phone calls ... 'Where ARE you?' The air was thick and heavy for this morning's run. I do look forward to a lessening of the humidity that comes with the fall months.

Congrats to Judy Weller (who's running, or has ran, 100K today...see yesterday's post) who ran a 5 minute P.R. marathon Sunday at Leading Ladies Marathon in Spearfish, SD on Sunday!! Our 30K running buddy, Betsy Baartman, also ran her first marathon at Leading Ladies and finished very well, right in the middle of the pack.

Tomorrow, Thursday, is the RTC Picnic. You can still RSVP to president@rochestertrackclub.com if you're planning to attend. 6:00 at Slatterly Park shelter. Bring a dish to pass.

From Carlo Biondolillo: Type in your name at athlinks and you can get a list of the generally available race results for yourself out on the web. I see my race times steadily getting slower and slower and slower ...

Well, I wrapped up the newsletter (finally) and just got back from dropping it off at the printer. It should be printed and ready for assembly next week. Look for info here and the RTC website as to when it will be assembled. My house, but the day and time are TBD.


It's time to start thinking about nominations for RTC Runner of the Year. Qualities we look for: someone who is an inspiration, cheerleader, motivator. Someone who achieved a goal or overcame adversity in their running. It is not a volunteer award, however. We have other awards for our wonderful and faithful volunteers. Runner of the Year nominations can be sent to president@rochestertrackclub.com

Well, Ragnar Relay commences on Friday morning. With everything else I need to get done, I haven't had much of a chance to think about it or start packing. There is another team in town consisting of: Jay Gatzlaff, Jody Weckwerth, Ann Peter, Dave Peter, Craig Weckwerth, Kevin Lenz, Reggie Oeltjen, Patty Gerber, Brenda Clarey, Mona Geise, Tim Geise, Tim Gerber. Their team name is 'Ragnar? I thought you said “Ray’s Bar”'. Reggie does not claim ownership of the name. :) Our team consists of (first 6 ride in one vehicle, second 6 ride in the other): Laura Lenz, Mike Schmitt, Lin Gentling, Angie Haugen, Pete Schommer, Todd Rowekamp, Judy Weller, Suzanne LaPalm, Renee Saxman, Paul Christian, Tom Williamson, Lionel Cheng. Our name is "Lost in Pace".

My next door neighbor, a neurologist, contacted the folks in communications in the Dept. of Public Affairs at Mayo Clinic about me running Boston after having back surgery at Mayo (and pancreas surgery as well). They contacted me this week and I guess I'm going to be interviewed by Vivien Williams (former anchor on KTTC) for a story on Medical Edge Television.

Ran our usual 8-mile route this morning with Mark, Lisa, Bruce. 'Twas very sticky, heavy air. So it was just an OK run for me. Sightings: Ron Giles and Jason Sinnwell on Elton Hills Drive near 52, Joann Johnson near Slatterly on her bike and Pete Schommer at Soldier's Field.

"It is better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret." --Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Stay cool. I'm off to can some salsa. First batch of the season.

Third Annual 100K for Kids

Tonight (Tuesday, August 19) will be the 3rd Annual 100K for Kids.

I will start my run at the Rochester Athletic Club at midnight. I will run 59 miles on treadmill(s) there and then finish the trek with a 3.4 mile run to the Boys and Girls Club to complete the 62.4 miles or 100K. Over the past 2 years I have raised $30K. My hope this year is to raise $20K to get me half way to my goal of $100K.

If you would like to support me in this you can donate on line at http://www.bgclubroch.org/. There is a write up on the run along the left hand side of the page with a link to donate. In the notes field please write that this is for my run. Also, if you are a new donor – your dollars are matched 100% by Andy Chafoulias!

People can come and see me at the RAC where I will be probably from midnight until noon. If they come before 5 am they will find a cell phone number to call in the door so someone can let them in. Anyone who brings me a donation of $10 or more will get a 100K for Kids Tshirt. They don’t even have to run.

Thanks for helping me make kids GREAT!

Judy

Wow.

What more can you say. You'd have to be living in a cave to not know that Michael Phelps won his 8th gold medal of these games, a record. The 7th was pretty incredible ... won by .01 seconds. And Dara Torres lost the gold by .01 seconds. What a heartbreak to see Deana Kastor have to pull out with a foot injury at about 3 miles in the women's marathon. A great run by the winnerRomania's Constantina Tomescu Dita.

I'm fairly certain (pending no conflicts on his calendar) that RTC member Ed Creagan, M.D. will be the guest speaker at the RTC annual banquet January 10, 2009. The talk will tentatively be Managing Stress in the 21st Century, or something close to that. Thank you, Ed, for being willing to speak.

We have a last minute substitution on our Ragnar team. Kit Hawkins is injured and will not be able to run with us. :-( I am happy to report that Lionel Cheng will be running on our team! I'm sure this event will provide my fellow blogger and I much bloggin material. As Paul Christian is running with us, perhaps our merry band of runners will also get some Post-Bulletin coverage ... ???!!!

Speaking of Ragnar Relay, Andy Shulha's team is still in need of a female runner. If you are interested, see the forum on the RTC website for contact info. Let's help him complete his team!

Congratulations to Pete Gilman and Mary Chestolowski for wins at the Lace Up for Leaders 5K yesterday, and to Chris Koch (2nd) for running a 3-second P.R. We happened upon the race during the morning's marathon training run. And congratulations to Larry Pederson on the birth of a new granddaughter. Family and friends went out during the run looking for him and found him near Assissi Heights.

Yesterday's run wasn't a stellar one for me, but I knew that it would be kind of tough so I wasn't at all surprised. Wasn't well rested, watered or fed going into the run and kind of bonked about mile 14 where there was about a 5-6 mile gap between water stops. I'd debated bringing my own bottle, but decided not to. Wrong decision.

As I had to get to church by about 10:00 for a wedding, I ran to the RAC from home, joined up with the group there and ran the County 22/Fox Valley Drive hills for the second time that morning. :) We'd run this same route on the same weekend last year ... the weekend of August 18/19, 2007 and the terrible floods. It rained cats and dogs during that run, and was one of the best runs I'd ever had. :) Ran it with Laura Lenz. Anyway, the miles out on Mayowood trail left me feeling a bit woozy. When I got to Laura and Abby's water stop at the gardens, I sure had a hard time getting going again. I'm sure I was there more than 5 minutes. Then met up with the 5K runners and stopped to take photos. Then stopped again for a while at Soldier's Field before finally heading out for a cool down mile with Chris Koch (his cool down) on my way home. Ended up with 20.44 miles--a bit more than I'd planned. I remember the course being at least 19 miles last year as well. All's well that ends well as they say.



It easier to go down a hill than up, but the view is from the top.

Enjoy the beautiful day we've been given!!

Fabulous Friday

What a beautiful forecast we have for today and the weekend. Love it!

I’ve been waiting for my dreams

To turn into something I could believe in

And looking for that Magic rainbow

On the horizon ...

And I’ll taste every moment

And live it out loud

I know this is the time,

This is the time

To be more than a name

Or a face in the crowd

I know this is the time

This is the time of my life

Time of my life

The Time of My Life --David Cook

I think that must just about say it all for the Olympians competing in Beijing. I'm so enjoying the coverage, rooting for the favorites and the underdogs as well. I'm not able to watch much this week so I'll have lots of recorded coverage to enjoy when the games are over. This evening, late night, women's 10000m final. Tomorrow 6:30 pm, women's marathon.

In the photo above, Tom Woo is running on the left side of the road in a white shirt/black shorts behind someone wearing a white shirt/black shorts. It's Maribelle's 5K in Seabrook, TX. The leader in this picture is former New Zealand Olympian Sean Wade and the overall winner. Sean is the 2006 Running Times Masters Runner of the Year. He ran a 15:29 in this race. Tom took 2nd in his age group, 11th overall out of 362 finishers. Beer and Pizzas after the race before 8AM :)

Will the real Larry Pederson please stand up?? This picture just cracks me up. (Thank you Kevin Torgerson for taking it on your cell phone and sending it to me.) Both of the gentlemen in this photo are named Larry Pederson, and they both actually spell their last name the same way--'d', no 't'!! Larry on the left is 'ultra Larry', race director for In Yan Teopa and the Superior Trail races. Larry on the right is the just-retired All Comers, and Broadway Stair Climb Larry. :0)

Race notes: The Mayo Open cross country 5K race location is to be determined. Brett Carroll, high school meet director, spotted inline skating down 11th Ave SE on Wednesday morning!, is meeting with Park & Rec to see if it can be moved back to Eastwood. So stay tuned here and on the RTC website for race location information. The Beacons for Babies 8K race date has been moved out a week to Friday, October 17. This is an evening event.

Hopefully you're all busy planning your race strategies for the Rochester Half Marathon and 5K which takes place Saturday, August 23. K.C. Reed does a fantastic job directing the race and I'm sure he's ordered especially wonderful weather for all of you to enjoy! Be there!

Thank you to everyone that has come through with a story for the September issue of RTC News. I so appreciate your contributions. The newsletter is anything but a solo effort.

Thank you to Chris O'Brien for the following cartoon. I only run 2, maybe 3 days per week, and I look forward to those days, my 'cross training' days as I'm more of a gym rat if hours/week were tallied. I'd rather be out on the roads, truth be told ...

Things to think about: Why is it that people say they 'slept like a baby' when babies wake up like every two hours? Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat? Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride, he sticks his head out the window? HA!!

Well, it's off to do a wedding and another rehearsal. I'll be eating both lunch and dinner at church, I guess. And the RAC in the early am for an 18-miler. Then another wedding. :) Then watch Deena run a marathon.

Cheers.

Back in Business!!

As of this morning, and $250 later, I'm back in the baking business. Expensive little heating element burnout, 'twas ... Why they don't put a fuse of some sort between the heating element and the relay board, I'm not sure ...

From Paul Christian: Sunday's Outside the Lines (ESPN) Feature Two Topics: Kenya Violence Takes Toll on Elite Runners; MLB Looking at Broken-Bat Related Injuries, Use of Maple Wood Sunday's Outside the Lines (9:30 a.m. ET, ESPN; noon, 9 a.m. PT, ESPNEWS) will examine the impact recent violence has had on elite runners in Kenya, a country known for producing world champions in the sport, and the program will also look at the spate of broken-bat related injuries in Major League Baseball now that maple is the wood of choice. Kenyan Runners John Barr's report will focus on how elite runners in Kenya have dealt with the aftermath of the violence that broke out in December after a presidential election that some felt was rigged. Catherine Ndereba, who will compete in the Olympics women's marathon Sunday, Aug. 17, avoided attacks by hiding in her home for days following the violence that erupted after the election. Other runners were not spared, including former Olympic sprinter Lucas Sang, who was murdered in the violence. The International Crisis Group, a human-rights organization, concluded that Sang died while commanding a raiding party. "Initial reports portraying athletes as victims of the post-election violence eventually gave way to another, far-more controversial storyline," Barr reports. "According to one human rights group, some of Kenya's runners, the same athletes who brought this country so much acclaim, funded and even took part in the deadly attacks." But David Okeyo, Secretary General Athletics Kenya, disputes the report that blames Sang for being part of the violence, saying, "As far as we're concerned up to now, it was a very malicious report, very malicious indeed." Also in the piece, Catherine Ndereba, Kenyan Olympic marathoner, said of competing as a county despite tribal differences: "When we come to the Olympics, we will have to do the Olympics as a team, and we are not going to do it for one tribe or the other. We are just going to do it just for Kenya as Kenyans."

Tonight's TNT (Thursday Night Triathlon) has been cancelled.

Running Room is staffing a water stop at City of Lakes 25K on September 7 and is in need of volunteers. We are needing volunteers to start arriving at 7am to help set up and prepare the waterstop. The time commitment is from 2 to 4 hours, as long or short as you want it to be! We had a great time last year and are expecting to have just as much fun this year! Please let me know via e-mail if you can help us out! My e-mail is Peg Arnold .

Olympics: The women's 10000m final will be shown during the 11:30 pm to 1 am time slot on Friday night. The women's marathon will be shown during the 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm time slot on Saturday. Lots of shorter distance track races beginning on Friday. Tune in!

Yesterday, Wednesday, was a running day. Ran with Bruce and Lisa at 5:15 am at the Y and we ran our usual 8.4 mile route. I ran from home which meant that my run was 12.4 miles. And for a change ... it was a great run. Despite the higher mileage of the past weekend and an hour on the Stairmaster and half hour on the elliptical both Mon and Tues. Go figure. My legs didn't feel 'shot'. I was able to run pick-ups and work the hills. Great feeling.

Well, I've got a wedding rehearsal both today and Friday and weddings Friday and Saturday. And an RTC board meeting tonight. And I'll try to work in a long run in there somewhere. ;-)

Oldest son, Eric, just called. They landed safely in Las Vegas (he and 3 friends) moments ago. He needs $400. :-)

Truths adults have learned

• Raising teenagers is like trying to nail Jell-O to a tree.
• Middle age is when you choose cereal for the fiber, not the toy.
• If you can remain calm, you don't have all the facts.
• You're getting old when you stoop to tie your shoes and wonder what else you can do while you're down there.
• You appreciate the fact that wrinkles don't hurt.

Have a wonderful day!

Still a fish out of water ...

Sigh. The appliance repairman came today and has to order a new relay board for my range. Sigh. That means at least another week without an oven. Sigh. The Ragnar Relay and long run troops may have to remain cookie-less. This could be ugly. Sigh. Unless I beg some oven time from a friend. Sigh.

Another beautiful sunrise this morning. These colors lasted just a few short minutes.


Congratulations to RTC members James and Kerry Rosane on the birth of son Bo in the wee hours of the morning today. Bo weighed in a healthy 9 lbs 5 oz. Mom and son (and father and brother!) are doing just fine.

From Kelly Lyndgaard: Study says runners live longer. What better reason to keep doing what we so enjoy doing!

From Mike Schmitt: Sweepstakes to win a chance to view the NYC marathon as a V.I.P. Now, wouldn't THAT be fun?

From Lionel Cheng: 10K in WI October 25, hosted by Dean Karnazes (Ultramarathon Man). It takes place on the Kettlemoraine Trail. There are other, longer, events the same weekend. Here's an active.com link.

Don't forget to respond to David Sletten if you're going to attend the picnic on August 21. More details on RTC website.

From RASC: ESSEX PARK Bruce Walk and others have started work this summer on the trails at Essex Park. You can see an update of the trail work at http://rasc.multisportsystems.com/page/show/41792. Bruce is looking for volunteers who may be able to spare a few evenings over the coming month to help with trail clearing. If you are interested, please contact him at bmwalk@aol.com

Here's a link to a the actual NBC footage of that fabulous 4 x 100 men's freestyle relay swim the other night. Excitement seems to be 'de rigueur' for the 10:30 pm time slot. Last night, the US men were performing some spectacular gymnastics, particularly on the high bar. Here's a link to a page containing the high bar finals.

From Runners' World: LEG CRAMPS. OUCH. Your muscles are seizing up big time. SCIENCE Electrical impulses in the muscles have gone haywire, causing rapid contractions. CURE Stop and stretch. Scientists are unsure of exactly what causes cramps, but it's not as simple as electrolyte imbalances or dehydration. Now that's an understatement!!!

Our dinner last night at Kelly Lyndgaard's home was delicious. I have no particular favorites as everything was a favorite. The chocolate marshallow cookies were a take-home item and I haven't tried it yet. But everything else was a keeper!

Tell me, and I'll forget. Show me, and I may not remember. Involve me, and I'll understand. --Native American Proverb

Happy trails.

un.be.lievable.

I just watched the 4 x 100 freestyle Olympic men's swim relay. One of the most exciting finishes I've ever seen in any sporting race. Ever. The American's pulled off a stunning upset of the French team, earning Michael Phelps his second gold medal of these games. Wow. Stunning.

A Beautiful Run

It was just too nice not to be out doing something. I had to go for a little run. A friend called and asked to borrow my cherry pitter, so I said I'd run it over to her. (Fox Hill.) Then I continued down to county 22 and headed north. As I was coming down the hill toward 2nd St SW, what did I see? A beautiful bald eagle, soaring above the road. Majestic. Beautiful. Glorious. No wonder it's a symbol of our country. It's just a spectacular bird. I continued watching until it went over by Cascade Lake. Another running coming by said that he too had noticed it. I'd seen it one other time this year in pretty much the same location.

I continued on to the west 52 frontage road and up Folwell Drive to home. I actually felt very good, except for the first dozen or so strides which were a little tentative, so that was a boost for my confidence. And what did my GPS read when I got home? 4.83 miles. Yesterday: 21.37 miles. What's 21.37 + 4.83? A marathon!! Kismet.

In the middle of the night, I go walking in my sleep ...

In the middle of the night
I go walking in my sleep
Through the valley of fear
To a river so deep ... (River of Dreams, --Billy Joel)

Of what do I speak? Ragnar Relay!! We've been given an approximation of our running times. I'm running the 9th, 21st and 33rd legs which are approximated to be at 5:09 pm, 4:01 am and 11:41 am if everyone runs their approximate 10K pace. Lots of approximations, here. Anyway, I don't think that's too bad. I can be semi-coherent at 4:01 am and I'm guessing that the folks running in the dark in the middle of the night won't be running their usual 10K pace so I could very well be running later than 4:01 am. I'd personally rather run at 4 am than 1 or 2 am. Speaking of Ragnar, a Rochester team still needs a male and a female runner. If you are interested in participating (and it sounds like a lot of fun!), contact Andy at 631-678-3053.

Well, the Olympics are under way as I'm sure you all know. Track & Field doesn't start until the 15th, but there's still plenty to watch. Even sports that I don't participate in (gymnastics (I was always about a foot too ball), swimming, volleyball (I did do that one for a couple years)) are so enjoyable to watch--seeing the best athletes in the world give their all in an attempt at winning a medal. And it's nice to be able to turn on the TV on and have something that's worth watching. ;-)

Went down to Running Room to try on the new Nike pink and black threads. Turns out I liked the top I thought I'd like the most, the least. But I bought the two other ones. And the tempo track shorts, which are my favorite. I bought the last size medium shorts, but did you know that if you don't see the size you need they can have it sent in from another store? Just ask! No extra charge.

Speaking of Running Room, the manager position is also available (in addition to assistant manager). Please send your resume to 711 S. Broadway if you're interested in applying. Spread the word.

The cinch bags and socks have arrived for TreadMan TreadMan (duathlon--5K run--32K bike--5k run on September 27). We still need volunteers and participants! Here's the bag:

Well, yesterday dawned a lot more humid than I'd anticipated. I wanted to get in a 20-miler as the next 2 weekends won't be conducive to doing that (two weddings next weekend, then Ragnar) and I want to get in at least 3 20-milers before TCM. So I started early at the RAC and ran 3 miles with Nacho (Ignacio), Tom and Greg.

I stopped at the corner to take a picture of a rainbow.

So. It was plenty humid even at 6:15 am or so, so I had my doubts about whether I'd get 20 in. I don't do well in the humidity. Turns out there were LOTS of people there for the 7:00 start.

From the RAC, we headed east on 19th St, then north on 18th Ave to 48th St NW, then east to the Watson soccer fields where we had our first of 4 water stops (15 mile route). As always, THANK YOU water stop volunteers.

From there it was south on West River Parkway toward Silver Lake. I met Candy and Barb running toward us, so I stopped and talked to them for a while. When we hugged, they told me I was very sweaty. How right they were. ;-) (That's Dan Strain on the right.)

After several minutes, they said I better keep running lest I lose my running buddies.

Our next water stop was at Jefferson School, 14th St NW and 11th Ave. A chance to fuel up before heading up Viola Hill. I ran down 14th St with Elisa Johnson and Roger Heil. Elisa was a 'guest' with us, living in Janesville, MN and camping with her family in Zumbro Falls. She's training for C.I.M (California International Marathon) which takes place in December. She's run Fetzer, SEMYO and Rochester Half in the past.

Then it was up Viola Hill and through Quarry Hill and back to Silver Lake for water stop 3. Water stop volunteer 1/3 was the winner for the wonderful treats she had for us:



After this, the next few miles were challenging. I started cramping (left calf), so had to back off. I'd taken 2 GUs and had a few chunks of bananas and plenty of Powerade and water, but stopped at Methodist hospital for 4 little glasses of water as I still felt thirsty (and I'd been sweating A LOT--my socks were soaked). On 11th Ave NW, I saw the smallest car I'd ever seen. I think there was room for only one person inside.

After the last water stop I perked up a bit and made another loop out 7th St NW, County 22 and back to the RAC for 20.03 miles. Had a bottle of G2 and then went out for just a couple more minutes for a total of 21.37 miles. After all was said and done, I felt good about the run. I thought I'd go home and collapse on the couch, but instead I went from the RAC to Sam's Club and then home to freeze 12 pints of green beans...

... then my brother and family came over for dinner. As I still don't have a functional oven, we had pizza from O'Neil's and a Sam's Club cake. My baby brother (about 8 years younger) turned 40 yesterday.

Speaking of food, tomorrow is Cooking Light cooking club at RTC member Kelly Lyndgaard's house. She's got a darling new short haircut. Kelly looks so cute no matter how long or short her hair is. ;-) Here's our menu:

Pam - Summer Squash Pizza
Renee - Chocolate Sandwich Cookies with Marshmallow Cream Filling
Kelly - Grilled Grouper with Basil Lime Pistou
Kathryn - fruit dessert of your choice
Barb - Angel Biscuits
Mary - wine, Peas and Pods
Margo - Spinach Salad with Stone Fruits and Maple-spiced Pecans
Barbara - Fingerling Potato Salad with Gremolata dressing

I'm switching with Mary as I can't bake. I'm SOOOOO lost without an oven. I have a service call scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. I sure hope they don't have to order more parts. Apparently the little meltdown of the heating element did more damage than just ruin the element.

Well, that's it for today. This got to be a long post! Enjoy this beautiful day. It's spectacular. I think I'll grab Marathon & Beyond and plunk down on the chaise on the patio.

"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."--Muriel Strode

Ciao.

Just like a fish out of water

My oven isn't working. I was preheating it yesterday, and hanging up my running clothes to dry on a rack in the basement, and I heard a popping sound for 3-4 seconds and I just knew what it was. It'd happened on my last range as well. Sure enough. The heating element blew. There was a little flame coming from the element when I looked inside. They don't have any in stock and they can't tell me whether it'll be days or weeks until the new one is available. Mama mia. I'm lost without it. ;-) So no cookies at the RAC training run on Saturday. Sorry.

I had a nice long run yesterday morning (by myself), even though my legs and I were tired. Another one of those nights where I just couldn't fall asleep. RTC members seen on the run: Mark Wernstrom in his truck on the 19th St bridge, Pete Gilman on West River Road and Elton Hills Drive and Joann Johnson on her bike near Silver Lake.

The RTC Potluck Picnic is Thursday, August 21 at Slatterly Park. Please RSVP to David Sletten if you will be in attendance. Friends and family are welcome. Please bring a dish to pass. The RTC will provide table service and beverages.

RTC member Fred Woolman is teaching Yoga, Pilates and an exercise ball class. There are daytime and after work classes available. Online registration is available. Priced very reasonably, I might add.

Our Ragnar Relay team has an official name as of today: Lost in Pace. Here were some of my other suggestions: Running Wild, Chipper by the Dozen , Will Run 4 Cookies, Kickin' Asphalt, Joggernauts, Rogue Runners, Old Soles, Burning Soles, Electrolyte Orchestra (you've got to be old enough to remember ELO--Electric Light Orchestra from the 70's and 80's--to appreciate that one. 8-) Thank you to Jessica Schmitt for being our third volunteer. We've now met our volunteer requirement.

Lopez Lomong, one of the Lost Boys of Sudan, has been chosen by the U.S. Olympic team to carry the U.S. flag at the opening ceremonies together. The last two track/field athletes to carry the flag were Francie Larrieu Smith (1992) and Evelyn Ashford (1988).

There's still time to submit a story for the September RTC News. Content is limited this month. Please consider submitting something!

Let's take a look back to 1993 and see what was happening in the RTC: The half marathon was called Guiseppi's Half Marathon. The race was the 1993 USATF state championship half marathon. 232 entered, 213 finished. There was a store (?) called Competitive Edge at 1107 7th St NW. Must have been a running store as they teamed with the RTC to offer a TCM training clinic. Class coordinators were Linda Gentling and Paul Soto. Steve DeBoer was the race director for the 5K Cross Country race (and still is!). Douglas Trail was postponed from July 31 to August 7 due to a lightning storm. Watermelons were given out as prizes (and still are!). John Haas and Paul Anderson were co-directors.

I ran with the guys at the Y at noon today. (Gary Malat, Jim Benike, Ross Hamernik, Dan Edwards, Jim Martinson. K.C. Reed is missing from the photo. He's to Jim M.'s right.)

I'm not having much success posting the MapMyRun maps to my blog, for some reason. Maybe someone more knowledgeable than me can help. When I save a run and select 'Post to my blog', the maps don't show up in the large, medium, small map windows and there's an error on the webpage (lower left). Anyway, here's a link to the 'modified Eastwood' run which we ran today, which is about 6 miles. My legs were shot today. Tomorrow will be an off day. Spotted riding by the Y after the run, fellow runner Judge Kevin Lund. He stopped for a Gary Malat Happy Birthday cookie. Then he was off to let a few more people out of jail, whereas K.C. was off to put a few more people in jail. A revolving door of sorts ...




K.C. thought I needed to blog a photo of me with my fair ribbons. So he took a photo. ;-)

Dug a few hills of potatoes this morning. I think freshly dug potatoes are pretty wonderful. They're Yukon Golds.

Well, I've run out of news. I hope you're enjoying this wonderful summer weather. I could take about 9 months of this.

"In running it is man against himself, the cruelest of opponents. The other runners are not the real enemies. His adversary lies within him, in his abilithy with brain and heart to master himself and his emotions." --Glenn Cunningham, American mile great of the 1930's despite severe burns that nearly cost him his legs in childhood