What a great day! My morning started with the MSRC 6am run at the Gateway Trail in Oakdale. Shelley Novotny organized the morning run. Sarah Magnuson, Sonya Stylos, Rachel Franco, Shelley, and myself were able to make it work in our schedules. The weather was a bit chilly, probably 50 degrees but very sunny. The trail looked so beautiful with the sun shining through the leaves! We saw a snapping turtle on the way out. He just wanted to say hi as he was not there on our way back. Most of us ran 3-4 glorious miles! Here is a photo of 3 of us.
Kim, Sonya, and Sarah post run!
The highlight of the morning was the breakfast Shelley and her friend Jeanine made for us at Jeanine’s house in Lake Elmo. First of all, it was so nice of Jeanine to open up her house to us, she does not know any of us but Shelley. Side note here, it is Shelley’s 41st birthday today! They made us a scrumtious breakfast and I know I can speak for all of us, it was much better than any restuarant!! We had oatmeal pancakes, a fresh fruit compote for the topping, an egg bake, Swedish sausage, chocolate dipped strawberries, biscotti type biscuits, coffee, orange juice, etc. It was wonderful! Thank you so much Shelley and Jeanine! We each had a turn telling our tale of how we got into running which was so fun to hear, fitting for National Running Day!
At 7pm a big group of us met at the Longfellow Grill in MPLS for a run toward the Franklin hill. As I was driving over the Lake St. bridge I saw this huge party going on in the patio of Longfellow and I thought we were in for a huge stressful situation but it really turned out ok. No one complained about the parking! I put our name in for 8pm dinner and we were off on our run. It was a beautiful night and there was a guy running wishing everyone Happy National Running Day!! Let’s see if I can name who was all there: Kristin, Scott, Sue Fite, Vicki Henderson, Missy Richason, Belinda Manolis, Alissa Garcia, Caitlin Halmrast, Robin Paurus, Carrie Veitch, Jane Kline, Mary Gray, Ruth Roberson, Carol Featherstone, Karey Mason and her friend Christy.
I think the groups ran between 3-5 miles and most stayed for dinner. We ate inside because that was quicker seating which worked out well. The party was still going strong. It was a beer and brat type event and the public was welcome and they came out in droves! I have not seen it so busy on a Wednesday night before! The weather helped bring the people out too I am sure!
The conversation and the meal were all so good! I personally had a fantastic inaugural National Running Day and I feel so blessed that I was out there celebrating with you all instead of on my couch!!!
I just have to say it again, what a fun and amazing group we have here! The excitement over the run and the day were infectious! I sometimes refer to our club as magical and tonight was all of that and more! Something invisible in the air ignites each of us and the bond we all share in regards to running is so strong! Just awesome!
Keep on keeping on ladies! You are all inspiring and each of you has a special place in our group!
