Chipotle Night for GOFA!

Chipotle Night for GOFA is Tuesday, December 2, 2014!  Stop by Chipotle between 5:00-8:00 pm and bring in the flyer or show it on your phone and 50% of the proceeds will go to the Dorothy Day House and the Women's Shelter!

Also...these items were left at the Banquet.  Please contact Marianne Couser if any of these are yours!
marianne@productivementality.com

Coaches' Gifts and Banquet

Hey there!

Quick reminder about the banquet on Tuesday!

Captains have sent me a message asking me to spread the word...they are collecting donations for Coaches' gifts.  Suggested donation is $5.  Donations can be given to any of the captains on Monday or Tuesday at school or at the banquet.  They can also be left in the athletic office for the captains to be picked up there.

For the banquet...from Brett's notice (a week or so ago):
7th & 8th:  Dessert
9th:  Salad
10th:  Bread
11th:  Beverage
12th:  Guests of honor!

Also, don't forget to turn in singlets to the Athletic Office (with your name on it!!) or at the banquet!

Thanks!  See you Tuesday!

PTSA Program

Dear Mayo Running Families,

Just a quick reminder regarding the PTSA sponsored program "Social Aggression through the Social Media in our Teen Population" which will be held Monday evening in room 2-254/257 at 6:30 pm. 

We are excited to welcome a panel of contributors from the Olmsted County Sheriff's Department, the Rochester Police Department, and the Olmsted County Community Service.  Their presentation is fascinating...and eye-opening!  You won't want to miss it!

Thanks!

Kristin Sorenson, PTSA President

Marianne Couser, PTSA Programs

State Meet and Housekeeping

Okay...too many days have gone by and I apologize to Chad for that.  This post should have happened several days ago!
Warmest congratulations to Chad Couser for his performance at the State Meet this past Saturday!  It is a tough position to run at State without any teammates beside you...Chad did an awesome job and finished at 16:44.8.  This was 82nd out of a field of 176 runners...at a pace of 5:24...this is a fantastic finish to the season!  IM-PRESS-IVE!
Congrats also the the Century team who finished 9th and to Emma Christensen (15th!) and Aly Welch from Century (44th).  An exciting opportunity for all of the Rochester runners!

An interesting bit that I found while I was looking for State Meet results:  http://www.startribune.com/local/281415471.html.  This article is what we love about Cross Country and the kids that run it.  Although the title starts out "2 runners disqualified," look how it ends:  "for helping rival finish the race."  Please note that the girls KNEW that they would be disqualified...
These are not unusual Cross Country stories.  I love this sport.

Housekeeping:  Two awesome water bottles left at the Spartan 5K on Saturday.  One is a Camelback and the other is a Contigo.  Please let me know if you think they are yours!

Spartan 5K Success!

Good morning!  (Hard to believe that it is still morning!)

Great thanks to all who came out to participate/help/support the Spartan 5K this morning!  It was a chilly, windy morning but at least the sun was shining!

We had a very nice event today, collecting about $1400 in donations.  It was a low-key event and great to see so many families out to support the Cross Country and Track and Field programs.

Thank you to Doreen Ryan for taking pictures today.  They can be found here:
http://s1082.photobucket.com/user/doreenryan/library/2014%20Cross%20Country/Spartan%205K

Thank you to the banana donors:  Marianne Couser, Lisa Luetmer, Kelly Turner, Michele Bleskan, Allison Benike, Angela Cramer.

Thank you to the volunteers:  Kate Mallmann, DeAnna Schleusner, Angela Cramer, Allison Benike, Marianne Couser, Jaime Gathje, Tamara McBane, Erin Truesdale, Katherine Moore, Jeff Werning, Nancy Werning, Elizabeth Sorenson, Nell Pennington, Macie McKinley, Elizabeth Parney, Joel Poppen, Peter Luetmer, Jacob Gathje, Ethan Couser, Steve Sine, Toby Mallmann, Norm Turner, Kay Kushwaha, Michele Bleskan.

Thanks to Coach Brett for the timing and organizing of the event!

If you were not able to participate today but you would still like to donate to support the Mayo Running programs, we would love to have your donation!  Please send your tax-deductible donation to Friends of Mayo Running, Cross Country program, Mayo High School, 1420 11th Ave SE, Rochester, MN  55904.

See you at the banquet on the 18th!

Spartan 5K is almost here!

Thank you so much to all of you who have signed up to volunteer, donate or run this Sunday!  The Spartan 5K is almost here and we are very excited!

Although we waited a little long to get going on this, things are falling into place nicely :).  A very special thanks to Great Harvest Bread Company, who agreed to provide race rolls with very short notice!  Please thank them if you get a chance!

A special plea to please not wait until the last minute to register to run!  It will be much easier if Brett can have that information ahead of time to get everything into the computer for the chips.  Sign up right away so that there is not much left to do on Saturday morning!

Register to run here:  http://tinyurl.com/2014Spartan5K
Volunteer here:  www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E054EA9AD2BA57-20141

Rochester Nordic Ski Team

Usually I mention this earlier in the season... but now is as good a time as any!  There is a good chance that your runner has talked about joining the Nordic Ski Team this winter season.  This is the direction that many XC runners (and others) go for a fun sport in the winter.  Here is a little bit about this team/sport:  The Rochester Nordic Ski Team is an All-City team under the umbrella of the Rochester Active Sports Club.  It is run by volunteer coaches who have a wonderful focus of teaching kids the lifelong sport of XC skate skiing.  Skate skiing is very different from classic skiing, which is what many people think of when they think of XC skiing.  Skate skiing uses more of a skating motion, is faster (once you know what you're doing), and is a great workout!

The team meets Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from the end of November through February.  Attendance is taken but the atmosphere is relaxed.  If there is not snow or the temperature is too cold to be outside (usually below 0), dryland practices are usually scheduled.  Some winters this happens too often but hopefully this season will be a good  one for skiing!

It is possible to letter in XC skiing through participation in practices, meets, technique proficiency, and service hours.

Because the team is an All-City team, the kids will meet lots of new people from other schools-many of them are also XC runners for their school.  Fun to ski with the same kids that they run against at a different time of year!

For more information about this year's program and for registration information, visit www.rasc-mn.org.  If you have questions, send me an email!  Registration night is Monday, November 3 at Century High School.  It is recommended that you register online ahead of time if possible and then attend the registration for all of the information!

Spartan 5K

Moving right along to the Spartan 5K on Sunday, November 2.  We hope that your family will  participate!  (I see that some of you have already begun to sign up!  Hurray!)  There will be race-day registration available but we are hoping that as many people as possible will sign up ahead of time.  This will make race morning much simpler!
Runner/walkers sign up here:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1UAwSYSNCgv1QIvAIPirF_VgdclSY9WclNyxYLysMwPo/viewform

Volunteers sign up here (please note that Brett is hoping that those who can do the run/walk will choose that option!):
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e054ea9ad2ba57-20141

This event has a suggested donation of $10/participant (remember, this is our team fundraiser!  We never sold cookie dough!).  Current potential plans for donations include the addition of a shed on the track dedicated specifically to XC/Track and Field Equipment.

If you are not able to make the event but would like to make a donation, mail it or drop it off at the Activities Office:  Spartan 5K, 1420 11th Ave SE, Rochester, MN  55902.

It would be super-fun to have the runners recruit their non-XC friends to participate in this activity as well!  Encourage them to spread the word!

Also...random comment...Great Harvest made my day today when they agreed to donate race rolls.  I did not expect to get them as a donation because ordinarily businesses expect at least a month in order to consider the request!  Shout out to Great Harvest!!

State Meet

First of all, a warm congratulations to Chad Couser for qualifying for the State Meet!  A quick explanation:  These teams are in our section 1AA:  Albert Lea, Austin, Century, Faribault, Farmington, Hastings, JM, Kasson-Mantorville, Lakeville North, Lakeville South, Mayo, Northfield, Owatonna, Red Wing, Winona, and Zumbrota-Mazeppa/Kenyon-Wanamingo.  Our Section is determined by the size (AA) and geographical location (1) of the schools.  Some of these teams we see often during the season and some we see very little.  It is worth noting that we are up against the top competition in our area -and remember, you essentially have to finish in the top 8 to qualify for State!

Regarding State...November 1 at St. Olaf in Northfield.  This is a fantastic day!  If you have the time, take a run up to the campus and enjoy this huge event.  It is super-fun and Chad will love to have your support!  (You can also cheer for Century Boys, Aly Welch from Century Girls, and Emma Christensen from JM Girls while you are there, congrats to them!)
In the past, there have been years when they have taken a fan bus up to the meet.  I am not aware what this year's status is but I do believe that interest is a huge part of the reason that this would happen.  More information should be available about this soon!

Team Photos

Cross Country Team Photos??
Click here!
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152710744636823.1073741967.66751116822&type=1

Sections

Hey, everyone!!
Pasta feed Wednesday at Noodles immediately following practice!

Sections is back in Owatonna...the race times (from the Owatonna Big 9 site):
3:00 Girls JV
3:30 Boys Varsity
4:00 Girls Varsity
4:30 Boys JV

Who qualifies for state?  (From the MSHSL Rules and Regulations)
The top 2 teams from each section
The top 8 finishers...who are NOT from the top 2 teams...in other words, if you qualify as a team member, you have already qualified.  8 unattached runners from each section also get to run at State.

State XC Meet will be Saturday, November 1 at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN.

New with Friends of Mayo Running

Hi, all,

This is Greg again (i.e., rather than Kristin Sorenson), the president of Friends of Mayo Running, a 501c3 organization that is set up to financially support Mayo High School’s running programs.  We’re doing some new and exciting things that will support our programs in other ways:

1) New website and logo at http://www.mayorunning.com .  Currently this is a very simple site that has our vision and mission as well as links to the blog for the latest information and to the boys and girls cross country teams.  It’s easy to remember “mayorunning”, so we’d like to make it functional.  If you have any ideas, please feel free to contact me at president@mayorunning.com .

2) Off-season running.  Many boys did this with me last year.  I hope to get more students of all ability levels including girls.  This can make a huge difference for confidence and fitness level, and more importantly it’s fun!  Many of the parents last year also used this as an opportunity to run together.

3) Amazon Smile.  If you so choose, you can have Amazon donate 0.5% of the price of eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Friends of Mayo Running whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.  It’s easy to set up and at no cost to you.  For more information, please visit http://smile.amazon.com/ch/27-2990272 .

4) Finally if anyone has ideas about fun offseason activities, please let me know.  I’d like to continue to build our running community and have fun.

Thanks and have a great week.

Greg Couser

Pasta feeds and Subway and Volunteer T-Shirts...Also State Meet and Spartan 5K/Team Recognition

A huge thank you to Marybeth Kasperski, who hosted our last pasta feed in the pouring rain!  And a huge thank you to those athletes that braved the weather to attend!  Thanks also goes out to the following people who supported Marybeth with food and assistance:  Lisa Luetmer, Melissa Brandt, Marianne Couser, DeAnna Schleusner, Hilal Maradit Kremers, Michele Bleskan, Erin Truesdale, and Haley Vold.

A shout-out also to all of those athletes who participated in their last race of the season at Big 9!  Cross Country is such a celebration of participation and personal goals.  Hopefully your athlete has felt satisfaction in one of these areas this season!

All athletes are welcome to the last pasta feed at Noodles!

If your athlete ordered Subway for Sections and it is not needed, please let me know and I will pull that order.  krsorenson6@gmail.com

If you happen to have a Mayo Invitational Volunteer t-shirt still hanging around your house, please drop it off in the Activities Office as soon as you can.  We will save it for you to wear again next year :)!

Upcoming Events:
State XC Meet for those who qualify based on Section results is Saturday, November 1 in Northfield.  There are often many team members and families who go up to support those who make it.  It is a great fun day!

And then to cap off the weekend...hopefully you are planning on the Spartan 5K and Team Recognition on Sunday, November 2!  If you are not planning to run/walk at this event, hopefully you can help!
More information will be coming very soon!

This Week in XC

These Tuesday meets sneak up on me!

Pasta Feed is at the Kasperski home on Monday:  6204 Townsview Ln SE
Last one of the season at a team member's home.

Marybeth will be happy to have your help!  Here is the signup:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090a48a5a622aa8-pasta2

Big 9 is already here!  Hard to believe.  Meet is in Owatonna again.  I understand that there was some construction throwing off the route that I shared last time.  Does anyone have any information about this?  Please feel free to comment and let us know if the construction is still there and/or a better route.

Message from Greg Couser about Nike Cross Nationals Deadline

Hi all,

Nike Cross Nationals (NXN) is fast approaching.  We had two teams of guys go last year, and we had a blast.  We're looking for guys and gals of all ability levels, 8th grade and older (a meet requirement), to join us for some fun.

We need to get organized NOW, however.  If you want to go please sign up at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1B3fTp-XNmXa0Ipq_a5ZNPOKMF9Zmx4GM4dzRN-7Zn9s/viewform by Friday or let me know in person on Saturday at the pancake run at the Mallmanns.  Below I have reposted details from Kristin's 9/27 posting.

Great meet today and hope to see you in Sioux Falls!

Greg Couser

Introducing NXN

A small group of MHS runners have been going to the race called the NXN for the last several years. It has been a word-of-mouth opportunity in the past...but this year the group is determined to get the word out and recruit some more runners!
Please note that this event is a 5K race after the high school cross country season is over and has no affiliation with the Mayo Cross Country team!
Please note also that this event is for ANY LEVEL RUNNER!

Here are some of the details:
What:  Nike Cross Nationals Heartland 5K race
When:  November 8-9, 2014 (Leaving Saturday around 9am and returning late afternoon on Sunday)
Where:  Sioux Falls, SD
Why:  Because it's a great way to cap off the season!

Those who have gone speak so highly of this race...it is for all levels of runners and is a fun adventure!
Here is the website:  http://www.runnerspace.com/nxnhl .

The race is most fun when the runners register as teams.  Each team can have 5-7 members at ANY LEVEL.  I believe that we have taken 2 teams in the past.  We would love to take more this year...including a girls' team!
Also note:  participants do not have to have been running Cross Country this season!  If you know someone or there is a sibling that would also like to participate, they are welcome!

Keep in mind that drivers are needed for this opportunity and parents are encouraged to attend!  We will do our best to accommodate everyone we can within a carpool but we need parents to come along as well!

Expected/estimated costs:
Race:  $150 per team or $30 per individual.  Therefore individual cost is $30 or less
Accommodations:  $150 plus tax for a room for 4.  If we are able to put 4 runners in each room, cost per runner is approximately $40.  Obviously this is different if parents have a room.  This is the hotel that we are planning to stay at:   http://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/south-dakota/hilton-garden-inn-sioux-falls-south-FSDSFGI/index.html .
Team Singlet:  $30.  The kids may have noticed some of the singlets that they have worn in the past. They are often much-coveted.  Cole Geschwind is working on this year's design and it promises to be super-cool!
Gas Money:  We may ask for a small contribution to help with gas
Food Money:  Meals will be Saturday lunch on the road and dinner in Sioux Falls and Sunday breakfast at Panera and lunch on the way home.

So this is the preliminary information!  Great thanks to Greg and Marianne Couser for spearheading this opportunity and to those experienced parents who are lending their expertise:  Nancy Werning, Katherine Moore and Ellen McPhail.

If you are interested, DO NOT REGISTER at the NXN website!  Greg will put together teams based on PR times and do the registration all together.  Fill out the form below to indicate your interest!

We would like to get an idea of who is interested in order to begin planning.  If this is something that you and/or any runners in your house are interested in participating in, sign up here:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1B3fTp-XNmXa0Ipq_a5ZNPOKMF9Zmx4GM4dzRN-7Zn9s/viewform
Please sign up by Friday, October 2!
If we do not get enough parent drivers, runners will be accepted in the order that they signed up!

If this is something that you would like more information about, contact Greg (greg@productivementality.com).

Saturday Morning Run/Pancake Breakfast

Mallmanns are hosting a pancake breakfast on Saturday, October 11.
Run at 9:00 am and pancakes, ping pong and frisbee to follow.
1906 Stonewall Ln SW
All are welcome!

All-City Pasta Feed and All-City Meet

I am hoping that the post that I did a couple of days ago about this didn't get lost so am going to reiterate some of what I had put there...

Here is the link to the Pasta Feed info.  Please note that each person is expected to bring a dish to pass!  This is a potluck.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HGCWwmGUGQl7RvEzolb4cMLvtaOmwswKG1pcQjKLhSo/edit?usp=sharing
Since the pasta feed doesn't start until 5:30, usually kids go home and grab their food before heading out to the pasta feed.

For the meet on Tuesday, the website says that the athletes are excused at 2:35 but please note...there is NO transportation to Century!  There are many drivers going-so one of the things to do is have your athlete try to drum up a ride by checking with the upperclassmen.

Don't want to forget to thank Lisa Luetmer for hosting and all of the volunteers that pulled together last week's pasta feed:  Marianne Couser, Anne Colby, Cathy Anderson Benscoter, Allison Benike, Michele Bleskan, Mary Sirian Peterson, Erin Truesdale, Nancy Werning, Carolyn Sedlack, Kelly Turner, Cindy Pauley and Marybeth Kasperski.

Hoping that we will have some more runners for NXN!  Don't forget that we are hoping to hear from anyone who is interested by Friday.

Also...I am hearing that there is a run and pancake breakfast planned for Saturday...stay tuned for more information about this to come!

Thanks for volunteering!

A note from the 5K coordinator this past weekend:
A big thanks to Cole and the Mayo Cross Country team for volunteering at Erin's 5K!  Your fun music and enthusiasm at the water station was really appreciated.  We raised over $3000 Saturday which was donated to the Neurological Recovery House.
Tammy, event coordinator

All-City Pasta Feed

All-City Pasta Feed on Monday, October 6, 2014 at CENTURY CAFETERIA (please note location)
Here is more information:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HGCWwmGUGQl7RvEzolb4cMLvtaOmwswKG1pcQjKLhSo/edit?usp=sharing

Also, volunteers are needed!  Here is a sign up:
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/4090A48A5A622AA8-allcity 

Pasta Feed and Directions to Owatonna

Pasta Feed at the Luetmer's on Wednesday (5530 Heather Drive SW).  Sign up here to help!
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090a48a5a622aa8-pasta2

This week's meet is at Owatonna...the first of 3 meets at this location.  If you search directions to Brooktree Golfcourse, you will likely be taken to the clubhouse, which is not actually where you want to be.  Take Hwy 14 West.  Turn off Hwy 14 at County Rd 43 (44th Ave SE).  This is shortly after the railroad tracks (by the farmhouse with the windmill).  Go north a couple of miles to a stop sign.  Turn left onto County Road 19 (Rose Street).  This brings you in to Owatonna from the east (right by the golf course).  Turn north on Crestview Lane.  Follow Crestview Lane around until you see school buses parked.  There is no parking lot-park on the street in the closest spot you can find.  If you get there close to the start of the meet, you will probably be walking a little ways.

This is a fun meet-there are lots of places to watch from without having to overdo it :).

Owatonna also has delicious homemade goodies at their concession stand-the rice krispie treats filled with caramel are wonderful :)!

Introducing NXN

A small group of MHS runners have been going to the race called the NXN for the last several years. It has been a word-of-mouth opportunity in the past...but this year the group is determined to get the word out and recruit some more runners!
Please note that this event is a 5K race after the high school cross country season is over and has no affiliation with the Mayo Cross Country team!
Please note also that this event is for ANY LEVEL RUNNER!

Here are some of the details:
What:  Nike Cross Nationals Heartland 5K race
When:  November 8-9, 2014 (Leaving Saturday around 9am and returning late afternoon on Sunday)
Where:  Sioux Falls, SD
Why:  Because it's a great way to cap off the season!

Those who have gone speak so highly of this race...it is for all levels of runners and is a fun adventure!
Here is the website:  http://www.runnerspace.com/nxnhl .

The race is most fun when the runners register as teams.  Each team can have 5-7 members at ANY LEVEL.  I believe that we have taken 2 teams in the past.  We would love to take more this year...including a girls' team!
Also note:  participants do not have to have been running Cross Country this season!  If you know someone or there is a sibling that would also like to participate, they are welcome!

Keep in mind that drivers are needed for this opportunity and parents are encouraged to attend!  We will do our best to accommodate everyone we can within a carpool but we need parents to come along as well!

Expected/estimated costs:
Race:  $150 per team or $30 per individual.  Therefore individual cost is $30 or less
Accommodations:  $150 plus tax for a room for 4.  If we are able to put 4 runners in each room, cost per runner is approximately $40.  Obviously this is different if parents have a room.  This is the hotel that we are planning to stay at:   http://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/south-dakota/hilton-garden-inn-sioux-falls-south-FSDSFGI/index.html .
Team Singlet:  $30.  The kids may have noticed some of the singlets that they have worn in the past. They are often much-coveted.  Cole Geschwind is working on this year's design and it promises to be super-cool!
Gas Money:  We may ask for a small contribution to help with gas
Food Money:  Meals will be Saturday lunch on the road and dinner in Sioux Falls and Sunday breakfast at Panera and lunch on the way home.

So this is the preliminary information!  Great thanks to Greg and Marianne Couser for spearheading this opportunity and to those experienced parents who are lending their expertise:  Nancy Werning, Katherine Moore and Ellen McPhail.

If you are interested, DO NOT REGISTER at the NXN website!  Greg will put together teams based on PR times and do the registration all together.  Fill out the form below to indicate your interest!

We would like to get an idea of who is interested in order to begin planning.  If this is something that you and/or any runners in your house are interested in participating in, sign up here:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1B3fTp-XNmXa0Ipq_a5ZNPOKMF9Zmx4GM4dzRN-7Zn9s/viewform
Please sign up by Friday, October 2!
If we do not get enough parent drivers, runners will be accepted in the order that they signed up!

If this is something that you would like more information about, contact Greg (greg@productivementality.com).

Runners who are planning to go as of 9/28/14:  Chad and Ethan Couser, Andrew and David Werning, Spencer Moore, Kendall Pfrimmer, Haley Vold, Diana and Elizabeth Sorenson

Photos from Winona

Courtesy of Doreen Ryan:
http://s1082.photobucket.com/user/doreenryan/library/2014%20Cross%20Country

Saturday's Events including OUR FUNDRAISER!! PLEASE SUPPORT FRIENDS OF MAYO RUNNING!

Big doings on Saturday this week!

First:  Cole Geschwind has organized a volunteer opportunity and would love to have some help!  On Saturday morning, there is a run being done in the memory of a Mayo Clinic nurse who died of brain cancer this past year.  Cole and friends will be staffing a water stop at McQuillan softball field to support this event. The plan is to go for a run following the volunteer commitment.  Please contact Cole if there are questions!

Second:  Our fundraiser!  Coach Andrea has arranged a Barnes and Noble fundraiser on Saturday, September 27 to benefit the Friends of Mayo Running.  Each runner is encouraged to get 2 people to head on over to Barnes and Noble to spend some money in support of our team!  Here are some of the details of the fundraiser:
1.  Barnes and Noble members will receive DOUBLE the discount (20% instead of 10%) on purchases made on Saturday!
2.  Fundraiser dollars can be earned in the cafe as well as the regular merchandise (return is a sliding scale and is dependent on the amount of sales that we earn-between 10 and 20%)
3.  Nook sales earn 5%
4.  Online sales during the week of 9/27-10/2 will earn 10%.  Use code 11434099 at checkout.

All you have to do is mention Friends of Mayo Running at checkout!  We will have flyers available at practice to hand out.  Please support this event!
Flyer is available here:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzDN-suWIJfBZDlVUHpVZWM3MnlwbFJIWE0xVjcxOUdpZHpj/edit?usp=sharing
Coupons are available here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzDN-suWIJfBZ01WcWhzaTdnbVpfODFBa09oUjBwVWF3cXRR/edit?usp=sharing

Also...there will be time slots available for students and parents to sign up to help promote the event.  Students can read to children who come in to the store.  Students and parents can be at a table in the store to encourage shoppers to support our fundraiser!  We are allowed to give flyers to anyone who approaches are table (we can't approach them, they have to come to us) so any ideas that you may have to get people to visit the table are welcome!
Look for the sign up to be coming at practice and online!

Pasta Feed and Friday's Meet

Pasta Feed this week at Noodles South immediately after practice.  We have one more pasta feed on October 1 that is available for someone to host if there is an interest!  Go to http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090a48a5a622aa8-pasta2 to take a look!

Red Wing coming up this week on Friday.  The meet is located at the high school and is a great course to be able to watch the runners because they loop around the same area more than once.  Probably the easiest course to watch without having to move!

Bus leaves MHS at 1:50.  Website indicates Friedell and Lincoln students should be ready to be picked up at 1:40 and WC students should be ready at 1:55.

Also according to the website, the races are the following:  4:00 Girls JV, 4:30 Girls Varsity, 5:00 Boys Varsity, 5:30 Boys JV.  The course maps are also posted on the website if you are interested!

Looks like race results are also up-to-date on the website...check it out!  www.mayospartans.org.

Please remember to get a Travel Release Form signed by the Activities Office at least a day ahead if you are planning for your student to not ride the bus home!

Monday's practice

Sounds like Monday's practice is starting at 4:10 this week due to the coaches' commitment to teaching responsibilities (their day job...).  I don't have any additional information but will update this post if I get any!

More Homecoming Details plus KLM t-shirts

If you are signed up for Remind Me, you have already seen the message from Captain Peter Luetmer that float decorating will be at his house Thursday after practice.  5530 Heather Drive SW.  Bring poster board, markers, old tennis shoes and any other supplies that you can think of to make the float look fantastic!

Girls will be meeting at Panera South for breakfast on Friday at 6:30 am.

Everyone can meet at Mayo at 2:40pm to walk to DQ and from there to the fairgrounds to finish up decorating the float and to prepare for the parade!

If you haven't watched the parade before, it runs from the fairgrounds to the high school straight down 16th Street SE starting at 4:00 pm.  There is tailgating at the stadium with Mac's menu of hamburgers, chili, and greek salads.  There is also the traditional concession stand food of pizza, popcorn, nachos, etc.  The Spartan Shack will be open before and during the game for you to add to your green and gold wardrobe...

KLM T-shirt orders are due Friday.  These t-shirts are super-fun because they have the names of the XC runners from all the Rochester teams on the back of the shirt.  A very fun memento of the season...plus 100% of the proceeds benefit the Kevin Langlie Memorial Cross Country Scholarship Fund, which all seniors are eligible to apply for if they intend to pursue running in college...so a great cause!

The order form says that the shirts will be sapphire blue with gold and white printing.  Long-sleeve are available in cotton ($15) and performance ($20).  Sizes are Youth large, Adult Small, Med, Large, or XL.  If you didn't get an order form and you want to order a t-shirt, include the athlete's name, school, shirt type (cotton or dry-fit) and size on a piece of paper and turn it in by Friday.  Checks should be made out to JM High School.

Boys Breakfast at Perkins and Homecoming Float

Information starting to come in from the captains regarding Homecoming week activities!

Boys can meet at 6:00 am at Perkins on South Broadway to enjoy breakfast before the big day of events!  Perkins has been informed by the captains that there will be a large group coming in that morning.  The boys have often received positive comments about their conduct and courtesy from Perkins and their patrons during this tradition.

Homecoming float is also in the planning.  All XC runners are welcome to meet at the Fairgrounds to ride on or walk beside the float in the parade!  Wear your favorite XC t-shirt...if you don't have one yet, put on some green and gold!  Also...be sure to bring lots of candy to distribute during the parade!

Captains are planning these activities so have your athlete check in with them if they have questions!

Side note:  Homecoming T-Shirts are for sale this week in the Spartan Store.  Short-sleeve t-shirts are $10 and long-sleeve are $14.

Thank you and Thank you and Suggestions and Leftover Concessions

Okay!  Whew!  That's over...
What a great day!  Nice for the runners to have such cool weather to run in!

So...I'm a little behind here with all of the commotion so let's back up:

1.  Thank you to the Cousers and the McBane's for hosting the pasta feed!  In addition, great thanks goes out to all of those who brought additional food and help along.  Going by the Sign Up Genius, that would be: Carolyn Sedlack, Lia Ulrich, Allison Benike, Erin Truesdale, Michele Bleskan, Memy Vile, Lisa Luetmer, Lisa Luetmer, Susan Poppen, Pamela Netzel, Kate Mallmann, Kelly Turner, Diann Schmid, Catherine Benscoter, Laura Lenz, Melissa Brandt, Martha McClees, and Nancy Werning

2.  Thank you as well to all of the volunteers who helped with the meet.  The list is long.  Here goes:  Marianne Couser; Kelly Turner; Janis Evers; Paul and Laura Ehling; Dan and Pam Pennington; Scott Rud; Jaime and Shelby Gathje; Katherine Moore; Doreen Ryan; Cathy Nagler; Lisa Osmon; Lisa Luetmer; Katy Ericson; Lia Ulrich; Diann Schmid; Aaron, Haley, and Dwight Vold; Melissa Brandt; Hilal Maradit-Kremers; Bart and Kari Grafstrom; Erin Truesdale; Amyu Boyer; Scott Kaese; Steve Sine and Michele Bleskan; Tamara McBane; Mary Sirian Peterson; John Black; Kate Mallmann; Angela Cramer; Allison Benike; Carolyn Sedlack; Bruce and Cindy Hansel; Joel and Susan Poppen; Leah Holmes; Marybeth Kasperski; Megan Pfrimmer; Ellen McPhail; and Cindy Pauley

2a:  A special note to recognize volunteers Roger Spee and John Modry, who come back every year to work the chute, even though they have no connection to the XC program.  They just like to help us!  Also former XC parents Dave and Jane Brandt, who returned to help because they just can't get enough!

3.  Extra thanks to those who were the Leads for the different areas:  Nancy Werning, Tara Maier, Greg Couser, Nikki Anglin, Kris Ihrke, Michele Taylor, Kelly Turner, and Laura Lenz

4.  Extra extra thanks to Kris Ihrke and Rob Anglin, who waited with me in the growing dusk until Mr. Whitney could come and unlock the Coke trailer...where I had locked my car keys...

5.  Here's a good opportunity to give a shout-out to Coaches Brett, Andrea, and Steve...Managers Toby, Alec, and Morgan.  They put in a lot of extra time for this event since we host it.  Lots of planning goes into this for them!  Also want to recognize former coach Matt Wittman and Andrea's husband Mike for their work behind the scenes with the timing system!

5.  Okay, enough thanks!  Here's an action item:  If you used a volunteer t-shirt and did not yet return it, please leave it in the Activities Office at your earliest convenience!  We will get those stored away until next year's festivities :)  Also:  Missing many of the Course Marshal course maps.  If you have a laminated course map, please return it to Activities Office

6.  Please let me know if you have suggestions for next year!  Obviously there is a tremendous amount happening in many different places...you all are the eyes and ears.  Very important for us to continue to improve our process!  Email me at mayorunning@gmail.com if you have something to share...or call me at 507-269-1855 if it's easier!

7.  There is leftover water (15 cents each), gatorade (50 cents each), and power bars (75 cents each).  Would love to sell some of those to you!  Let me know if you would like some :)

Homecoming this week!  There will be lots of extra activity!

Shorter pre-meet days and Mayo Invite Volunteers and Faribault photos

Regarding today:  Pre-meet days are usually shorter/easier workouts...plan to pick the athletes up about a half hour early (4:30-ish)

Regarding tomorrow!  The Big Show!
Thank you to everyone who has signed up to help!

It is not too late!

I can still use some volunteers-please let me know ASAP if you are able to help out on Thursday!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19EVOOhHbJMDb_f_L0DDPqo-T30HdnI-kdDtb1aytQr8/viewform

If you have signed up, I will send out a volunteer schedule to your email sometime today.  PLEASE check it!  Sometimes I double-book people and I am relying on you to catch me if I did that!

From the comments below:  Doreen Ryan posted photos from Faribault at http://s1082.photobucket.com/user/doreenryan/library/2014%20Cross%20Country

Mayo Invitational

Hey there!

1.  Sign up to help with the Pasta Feed here:  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090a48a5a622aa8-pasta2.  Some of you already have...thanks!

2.  Sign up to help volunteer at the Mayo Invitational:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19EVOOhHbJMDb_f_L0DDPqo-T30HdnI-kdDtb1aytQr8/viewform.  Will start working on slotting people into position tomorrow.  Please sign up ASAP!  We need everyone who is able!  Thanks so much :)!

3.  Over 1300 runners and their families will be at this meet!  It is huge!

4.  The meet is on the Hwy 14 side of Eastwood Golf Course.  There is NO PARKING up by the clubhouse.  Parking will be across Hwy 14 and there will be assistance to cross the Highway.  Be sure to allow an extra 15 minutes to get parked and across to the golf course.  Don't call it too close or you might miss the start!

4.  First race starts at 3:40.  Girls and Boys C, JV, and Varsity races.  Course will be a little different this year.

5.  Last I heard there will be a bus to transport all students FROM MAYO TO EASTWOOD.  This bus WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE TO TRANSPORT BACK!  It is assumed that parents can give rides back to Mayo to pick up cars.  All drivers are encouraged to ride the bus in order to leave as much parking as possible for others.

6.  It is forecast to be a chilly one!  Break out the green sweatshirts!!

Mayo Invitational and Faribault Results and Pictures

Hey, all!

Great race yesterday!  Fun to have such good conditions at Faribault...definitely unusual for it to not be a scorcher!

Just a couple of quick things...
1.  Sign up to volunteer for the Mayo Invitational!  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19EVOOhHbJMDb_f_L0DDPqo-T30HdnI-kdDtb1aytQr8/viewform

2.  My error-I forgot to ask for Email Address for volunteers for Mayo Invite!  I have fixed this for those of you who haven't signed up yet...but if you have already signed up, can you please send me a quick email with your name and email address (unless you are sure I already have it :))?  mayorunning@gmail.com

3.  Photos from Phil and Erin Truesdale from yesterday:  https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=litlmamae&target=ALBUM&id=6055956284279580705&authkey=Gv1sRgCObn9ISF0NyRtQE&feat=email

4.  From Marianne Couser:  Race results at raceberryjam.com

Thanks!

Mayo Invite Volunteer Sign Up

Here it is!  The long-awaited volunteer sign up for the Mayo Invite!

First of all, for those of you who are new to Mayo XC...the Mayo Invitational is one of the largest meets in the state with 28 girls teams and 27 boys teams that are planning to attend.  There will be well over 1,000 runners at this meet!  This is our home meet and is a HUGE undertaking for us!  Therefore, we really need everyone to pitch in to make it go smoothly!

The meet is located at Eastwood Golf Course on Thursday, September 11.  First race starts at 3:40.  There will be a C, JV, and Varsity race for both Boys and Girls.

Ordinarily I would not start talking about next week's meet before we have even run this week's meet...but it is really important that the collection of volunteer names begins...

1.  The main shift that we need the bulk of help is listed on the signup as 3:15-6:30.  If you can help but can't be there for the whole time, please just sign up and indicate in the comment section when you are available.  (Please remember to allow about 15 minutes to get from parking to the race location)

2.  YOU WILL BE SCHEDULED AROUND YOUR RUNNER!  Even though you have signed up for the entire shift, your volunteer schedule will take into consideration the race(s) that your child runs.  This becomes very complicated to try to cover all of the areas for all of the races while being sure that each person can step away from their area to see their runner.  Therefore...

3.  PLEASE SIGN UP EARLY!  It will help me tremendously if I can get started on the schedule as soon as possible.  Please sign up as soon as you can.

4.  Because this scheduling is complicated, it is impossible to honor each person's specific request as far as which job he/she would like to do.  If you want to make a request and get it in right away...I can certainly do my best to put you there.  However, please understand that it is a tremendous puzzle to piece together!  Your willingness to do whatever job comes your way will be appreciated beyond measure!  We will have Lead people in each area who can train and support all volunteers!

5.  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!  Please let me know if you have any questions!
Here is the signup (remember, sign up early!):
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19EVOOhHbJMDb_f_L0DDPqo-T30HdnI-kdDtb1aytQr8/viewform?usp=send_form

Carpool Signup and Faribault details!

Here is a sign up for a carpool to Faribault!  http://www.groupcarpool.com/t/uyoznc
No drivers yet but you can sign up to be on a waiting list if a driver doesn't sign up first!

It will take about an hour to get to Faribault.  Note that the meet is at North Alexander Park.  If you come in from the north side entrance, you will be charged a dollar to park (at least that happened to me many years ago, I haven't come in that way since so not sure if they are still doing this).

Meet starts at 4:00 pm.  Another important note is that the distances of the races are different.  The first year I went to see my oldest son run, I drove out there barely in time to see the race, ran to the spot on the course that someone led me to...and waited...and waited...turns out that the C race didn't go that far up the course because it is shorter!  So be sure that whoever you latch onto following this time knows what they are doing!

From the XC page:
4:00 Girls C (3200m)
4:25 Boys C (3200m)
4:55 Girls Varsity (4000m)
5:20 Boys Varsity (5000m)
5:50 Girls JV (4000m)
6:15 Boys JV (5000m)
6:40 Awards

Again, t-shirts and snacks will be for sale.

I will send out the Mayo Invite volunteer sign up tomorrow.  In the meantime, I am seeking a person who is interested in leading the Concessions area.  We have records from previous years that will make it easy to pull together.  It will mean shopping for the items to sell, pricing the items and making signs, and keeping records.

Team Pictures and Pasta Feed

According to Brett's "Remind Me" message yesterday, Team pictures are today after practice at 5:00 pm.  This is not something he's done before so I have no experience to give you any clues to how it will go...
Hopefully your athlete has their singlet and a pair of running shorts with them for the photo...if they don't, it looks like parents will have time to get it to them!
Ordering the photos is done online through a picture link posted on the website.  Matt Addington has done the photos the last few years and does a really nice job!  He usually does something super-cool for the team photo.  Bottom line is that you don't need a picture order form ahead of time (yeah!) but will order once the photos are posted.  I would expect that we will hear more about that when that happens.

Pasta feed this week is at Noodles South right after practice on Thursday!

Subway for Faribault, Buses, and Travel Release Forms

Subway news:  If you have not yet signed up for Subway but want to do so for the Faribault meet, you must do it tonight!  I have to finish up the orders tomorrow morning.  Here is the link:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1J0JcxU2FSXVYy40HdY_losvZU8-ubN3mlNaehzJ9yw0/viewform

Mayo Invite:  Sign up and more info will be available within the next few days!  We need everyone!

Regarding Buses:  Bus times are all listed in the Parent Athlete Handbook posted on the website.  For Faribault:  Bus leaves at 1:40 pm.  Excuse time is always 15 minutes ahead of the bus leave time.  High school athletes will automatically be excused from school.
Middle school students:  In the past, buses have driven from the high school to the middle schools for pick up.  Best for students to pay attention at practice to be sure this is the same plan!  Not a bad idea for at least one middle school athlete at each school to have the number of one of the high school athletes (a sibling?)...to check in with them about where the buses are.  It is not uncommon for the buses to leave late and it will ease the middle school kids to know that it didn't leave without them.  Also...middle school athletes will need to be excused from school with a note or phone call from their parents.

Travel Release Forms:  Athletes are encouraged to ride both ways on the buses.  If you have a legitimate reason for your athlete to get a ride home with you (or another adult), you must have a Travel Release form signed by the Activities Office BEFORE the event!  Do not wait until the last minute to get the form!  These forms are available on the website and in the Activities Office.

River Falls results...a lost sweatshirt...random thoughts

Whew!  River Falls under our belts...what a great meet!
If you get Brett's tweets, you know that the Boys Varsity and JV both got 1st place out of 11 teams!  Varsity scored 20 points with 5 runners in the top 6.  Congratulations to these boys!

If this is your first season, you will probably not know how unusual this is and how much hard work it has taken these athletes off-season to be this prepared!  I believe that the 2nd place Varsity team had over 70 points.  That means the boys steamrolled their competition!

The girls also did a nice job led by Savanah Vold who  started the season strong with a "podium" finish! (Can't remember what place, can anyone comment what it was?)

Great to see all the Mayo parents braving the weather to support the team!

If you don't get Brett's tweets, sign up!  @mayotfcc

Message from Brock Grafstrom:  Missing from the meet today... a gray hooded Mayo Spartans sweatshirt with a shoelace enclosure and Grafstrom on the inside tag.

Follow up from me:  Obviously I did not foresee the construction that threw us all off once we arrived at the parking lot!  Sorry about that snafu!

Also...had more than one person asked whether I got a ticket when I was pulled over two years ago...and the answer is no!  Not entirely sure why!

Have a great Labor Day weekend!  When we get back, will have to begin planning for the Mayo Invite in earnest.  DeAnna Schleusner reports that the day of the meet is National Volunteer Day...so just one more reason to be ready to pitch in!  We will need all hands on deck that day!

River Falls Odds and Ends/General Meet Guidelines

Thanks again to the Kremer family for hosting tonight's pasta feed!  And to all of you who donated food...thank you!  Marianne Couser, Allison Benike, Mary Beth Kasperski, DeAnna Schleusner, Bianca DeLone, Kelly Turner, Doreen Ryan, Michele Taylor, Kari Grafstrom, Michele Bleskan, Erin Truesdale, Mary Jo Williamson, Carolyn Sedlack, and Megan Pfrimmer.  I hope I didn't forget anyone!

On to the meet!  If you are planning to go to the meet...
Allow about 1 1/2 hours for the trip.  It shouldn't take quite that long but that is a good amount to give yourself.  If you are wondering exactly where to go, search google maps for the Kwik Trip on South Main Street.  This Kwik Trip is right outside the parking lot at River Falls and is a very good place to stop before you head in to the meet.

DROPPING OFF YOUR ATHLETE:  Bus will leave at 1:30 so the athletes should get there at least 15 minutes ahead to load the bus.  Sometimes they take the tents and that takes a little bit to get them loaded.

GENERAL MEET TIP:  Always stop at the Kwik Trip and go to the bathroom before you get to the meet.  There will only be portapotties available and the lines of runners will be long!

GENERAL MEET TIP:  For those of you newbies...you won't need a lawn chair!  Wear your running shoes.  Watching a XC meet means you will be moving most of the time.  XC parents have to stay in shape!

TENT GUIDELINE:  The tents are for the runners and parents are discouraged from being in this space.  Allow the runners to inhabit this space without us!  In the same way, parents and spectators should not be anywhere near the starting line.  The best view is down the line waiting for the runners to come running at you!

WATCHING THE MEET:  Find someone you recognize (wear your MAYO gear!!!  I will make fun of you if you are not at least wearing green and/or gold!) and follow them!  There are usually good places on the course to go to watch.  Find someone with experience and latch onto them!

PICKING UP YOUR ATHLETE AFTER THE MEET:  Usually Brett will text/tweet to give us an idea what time they will be pulling in.  The bus will make good time.  Be sure you know which door to pick up/drop off at!

EXPERIENCED PARENTS:  Do you have a tip?  Please add it in the comments below!

Spiritwear

Do you have Mayo gear to wear to the meet tomorrow? Pam Priebe has agreed to be available from 4:30-5:00 today for your shopping needs! She will be in the room across from the cafeteria.

Please let me know if you are interested so she will know whether she should open up!
Mayorunning@gmail.com

Pasta Feed and Carpooling to River Falls

We have a winner!
Runner Mete Kremer's mother Hilal has offered to host the pasta feed for Wednesday!  She is a brave woman to grab this and go so quickly...

It would be awesome if there are people who can help with pasta/fruit/salads/dessert...
Everything you need to know should be on the Sign Up:  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090a48a5a622aa8-pasta2

Usually the practice before a meet is an easy one and a little shorter...they will likely be done by 4:30 so if you are driving, you can plan on a little earlier pick up.  The pasta feed will begin as soon as practice is over-the kids can come directly to the pasta feed from practice.

I have also had some questions about carpooling to River Falls...if you are willing to give a ride or looking to get one, how about taking a look at this carpooling tool that I found online...never used it before so don't know if it will work.  Let's try it!
http://www.groupcarpool.com/t/w9sd2j

Let me know if it doesn't work!

Pasta Feeds and What to Bring to a Meet and Where is River Falls?

Pasta Feeds:
I am a little slow getting going on this!  If anyone wants to host the River Falls pasta feed (that means Wednesday!!), let me know right away!  I am assuming that this probably won't happen...which will mean pasta feed will be at Noodles...stay tuned!

Subway:
The River Falls order is ready to go in to Subway tomorrow morning.  If I have contacted you regarding a question about your order, please get ahold of me ASAP!

River Falls:
I received a question from a parent (thank you, Michele!) regarding what to bring to River Falls.  The athletes should be sure to pay attention at practice to see what the coaches and captains recommend about this...but here is my mom answer about what the kids might want to bring (don't pack it for them!):

• a change of clothes for before/after the race.  This is super-important at River Falls when they will get really dirty/wet during this race! (they should only be wearing their singlet when they are racing.  It is confusing for them to be wearing it when they are watching a race!)  
• water bottle (always bring a water bottle to practice and meets!)
• towel (specifically for River Falls!  they don't ordinarily need a towel)
• running shorts (green for boys and black for girls, if possible, but no worries if you don't unless you are varsity...then the coaches will provide what you need)
• I am assuming based on past years that the Coaches will hand out singlets on the way to the meet
• compression shorts for boys, optional (Boys are often more comfortable having these for under their running shorts because running shorts are pretty short.  You can get these at sporting goods stores or at TJ Maxx.  They should be completely black.  Any logo must be less than 1" and they should not have contrasting stitching.  None of this really matters unless they are running varsity but it is just good practice for everyone else, if possible.
• optional money for t-shirts (every race will have one) and/or snacks (most races will have a snack stand of some kind)
• snack for after running.  Subway will be passed out on the bus ride back to school.  If they are one of the first races, they will likely be hungry and won't want to wait so it is good to have some post-race snacks to tide them over
• running shoes/cleats (remember...old ones for River Falls!  They will get trashed!)

As always...whatever the Coach says trumps anything that I share here so please just use this as a guide!

River Falls Location:
Directions to most meets can be found at www.big9.org.  When you find the meet, click on the location and it should take you to a map of where you're going.  For River Falls, the meet is at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls  1100 S Main  River Falls, WI.
NOTE:  There is usually a bit of a walk from the parking lot to the meet location so always allow an extra 15 minutes to get to the course!
NOTE 2:  Two years ago I got pulled over coming home...the policeman asked me where I was coming from and I told him that we were coming back from a XC meet.  He said, "How interesting, I just pulled someone else over who was also coming from a XC meet!"  So you've been warned!

Reminder! Afternoon Practices Start Monday

Just a quick reminder that afternoon practices start Monday, August 25...3:30-5:00!

Subway and Communication

Good morning!

A few items regarding the Subway orders today:
1.  Thank you so much for the orders!  This is a new system and so I welcome your feedback as far as ease of use and any comments to make it better.  So far it is working pretty well on my end...

2.  Coolers needed!  I still need about 5 more large wheeled coolers.  It works best if I can keep these for the season so that I don't have to chase them down before each meet.  If you are able to share your cooler with me for this purpose, that would be great!  I can grab it from XC practice on Monday or it can be dropped off at 719 19th Ave SW or I can send a kid to run and get it from you!  Just let me know!  I plan to take the order to Subway on Tuesday morning bright and early so if I can get them sometime on Monday, that would be great!

3.  I received most of your checks...thank you!  I sent notes Sunday morning if I have not received your check yet or if the amount needs to be adjusted...but in some cases the emails that were used are kid emails...and I never know how often the kids check their emails!  If you have any questions, let me know.  If I can get checks by Monday evening, that would be great!  If I don't have your check by then, I will cancel the River Falls sandwich order for your athlete.

4.  If you haven't ordered yet but still want to do so, no problem!  Place your order here:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1J0JcxU2FSXVYy40HdY_losvZU8-ubN3mlNaehzJ9yw0/viewform and then get me a check by Monday night!

A few items regarding communication:
1.  How is this online newsletter format working?  Again, a new system and so I welcome your feedback regarding ease of use and comments to make it better.

2.  Let me know if there are things that would be good to address!  I am liking this new newsletter-style except that I feel like I don't hear back from people the same way I used to!  Feel free to comment on the posts and/or send me an email anytime!   Let me know what is helpful and/or if there are things that you need to know about.

You can always send an email to mayorunning@gmail.com!  Thanks!!  Kristin

Friends of Mayo Running

Hi, Friends of Mayo Runners,

I am greeting you as newly elected president of Friends of Mayo Running, starting with an excerpt from the inaugural board meeting minutes in 2010:  “Friends of Mayo Running was created in the summer of 2010 as a support group for the cross country and track and field programs, both boys and girls, at Rochester Mayo High School.  In part, the group was formed as a result of the economic stress that the Rochester Independent School District had experienced and to provide a financial base to buy equipment and supplies that otherwise would not be available to teams.”  Friends of Mayo Running is a 501c3 nonprofit organization (i.e., proceeds are tax-deductible).

As president, I have a vision for a family-oriented running community that is revered for fun, school spirit, and building future leaders at Mayo High School.  I would like to see Friends of Mayo Running extend its mission to include social activities and an official home for what many of us know as the Spartan Running Club.  The Spartan Running Club is the name of the team that a group of parents and students took last November to the Nike Cross Nationals (a.k.a., NXN) in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  (We had an awesome time and would like to bring even more people this year on 11/9!)  This club is also the natural place for our off-season family-led running programs.  As we build a more visible presence and include our friends and families at the feeder schools to Mayo High School, this will ultimately bolster the original fund-raising mission.  

As many of you know, I am passionate about running and working with the students.  I am excited by this opportunity to work with many talented individuals that collectively form our amazing community.  In order to pull off our mission, I’m looking for volunteers who share my enthusiasm and optimism.  Specifically I need people to help in the following roles or areas of expertise:

·      Board members (This is a new board that has completely turned over.  I have an immediate need to recruit five new board members with three-year terms.  Initially we may meet up to monthly, but I expect to meet quarterly or less once we settle into a rhythm.)

·      Marketing and fund-raising (We need to become more visible.)

·      Graphic Design (We need a logo and spirit wear.)

·      Website design (We need one place for information.  For a similar model that might inform our mission, please see http://www.waltontfxc.com/cinder.php )

·      Liaisons to the feeder schools (e.g., someone to connect with the running clubs and/or others at Folwell, Bamber, Willow, etc.)

·      Volunteer and activity coordinators (with an immediate need to plan for NXN)

If you are interested, please contact me at greg@productivementality.com or call me at 282-2610.  I plan to call a board meeting sometime after the River Falls meet on August 28.  Then it’s time to have some fun and complete our mission.

Thanks, and see you all next week at River Falls! 

 

Greg Couser

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Well...sounds like the Northfield XC Team has proposed the Ice Bucket Challenge to the Mayo Cross Country Team!  The kids have been asked to bring a bucket to practice on Wednesday...not sure what the plan is but they might come home wet!

If you are not aware of what this is...well, you must be sleeping, because it has been all over the media for the past few weeks.  I am actually as oblivious as they come with respect to news...but this one I know about since my husband is a neurologist specializing in ALS...(he took the challenge last week and was on KAAL-TV doing it, just saying).

Anyway, the point being...the purpose of the Ice Bucket Challenge is to raise awareness about ALS and to raise money to support ALS research.  They are encouraged to tweet/Facebook themselves while fulfilling of the challenge.  More information and an opportunity to donate available here:  http://www.alsa.org/fight-als/ice-bucket-challenge.html
#StrikeOutALS

River Falls Preview and Pancakes and Subway

For those of you who have not experienced River Falls, a little heads up may be helpful!

River Falls is an extreme cross country run-the athletes will ford more than one river during this event...some of the athletes feel that the competition is about how dirty they can be by the time they cross the finish line!

With that in mind, let's talk about what to wear...
1.  Singlets:  In the past, these have been handed out on the bus ride to River Falls
2.  Shorts:  a pair of running shorts-if possible, black for girls, green for boys
3.  Shoes:  this is the biggest reason for this post...super-important to not wear your best new running shoes for this race!  This is a great opportunity for one last wear out of last year's shoes...so wanted to post this before they find their way to the trash!

Other assorted comments:

• Be sure to bring a water bottle to every practice and meet!
• Today at practice, an invitation was distributed to the Senior Hosted Boys and Girls Pancake Breakfast at the Luetmer Home on Tuesday after practice.  The address is 5530 Heather Drive SW.
• If your athlete is planning on Subway for the River Falls meet, please get the order form filled out and money turned in by Thursday so that the orders can be coordinated.  The order form is available at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1J0JcxU2FSXVYy40HdY_losvZU8-ubN3mlNaehzJ9yw0/viewform.  Money can be dropped off or mailed to me at 719 19th Ave SW, 55902.  Thursday is the "drop-dead" date for River Falls Subway.  If you do not want Subway until Faribault, you have a little more time.

Pasta Feeds, Spiritwear, Volunteers and Chipotle Night!

Hey there, Cross Country Families!

A few items for today:
1.  I am a little behind giving you this information...the girls page was not up-to-date last week and unfortunately the packet had last year's information on it.  It is now current, so please go back and be sure that you have the most current information.  It is available at the www.mayospartans.org site or at this link:  http://assets.ngin.com/attachments/document/0060/4756/2014_CC_Schedule_Handout.pdf
If you have been checking the boys page, it has been correct since the PAC meeting.

2.  The pasta feed last week probably came as a surprise to those of you who are new...so here is something to know.  Once you put in all of the meets into your calendar, go back and write in "pasta feed" the day before each meet.  The question is not whether there will be one (because there always will be!) but where it will be!  Captains are working on confirming some preliminary information before we send out more information about pasta feeds.  Stay tuned!

3.  Info from the girls captains regarding spirit wear:  There will be t-shirt sizes to try on Monday at practice.  They are waiting on sizes of Jackets and Pants so that these can also be tried on to be sure that you can get the right size.  Stay tuned!

4.  Volunteer Opportunity:  Marianne Couser has arranged for the MHS XC runners to support the Healthy Human Race 1/2 Race by staffing a water stop!  Sign up here to help:   
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0B49AAAD2EA57-volunteer/4759998
5.  Monday from 5:00-8:00 is Chipotle Night supporting the PTSA!  Show the flyer on your phone or print it off for PTSA to get 50% of the proceeds!  

If the links for anything posted don't work, copy and paste them into your browser!

Pasta Feed Tonight!!

In case you haven't heard yet...
Captains would like me to let you know that

There is a pasta feed tonight at Noodles South!
5:30 for the girls
6:00 for the boys

This is an optional activity!  Hopefully many can make it!

Also...
Hope to see lots of parents at the Time Trial tomorrow morning!  I am hearing that kids were separated into teams based on grade.  They have been assigned a color to wear to identify themselves as that team.  This is super-fun to come out and watch.  Hope to see you there!

PAC Meeting Recap

I know that there are quite a few families out of town this week so will try to hit a few highlights from the PAC meeting that you may have missed (and a recap for those of us who were there!)

From Brett's handout:
Attendance:  
Practice day after each meet will be optional and run by the captains.  These will be "a student choice day such as game day or workout day (not an official practice)."  This is a great time to schedule necessary appointments (instead of missing regular practices).  These dates are August 22, 29, September 1, 12, 19, October 3, 8

Excusing your absence:
"Bring a written note and give to team manager the day before the absence.  Absences may result in missing out on participation in a meet.  Unexcused absences will result in missing out on a meet."

Meets:
Big 9 will be the last meet for most athletes.  Varsity and some JV runners will run at Sections.  Those who qualify based on their time/place can qualify for State.

My comment:  The coaches like to hear from the athletes (instead of the parents) as much as possible.  Encourage your son/daughter to be the one to communicate with the coaches.  

Have a great day!
Kristin

PAC Meeting...especially Subway Order Form

Great stuff today at the PAC Meeting!

If you didn't make it, there is much to catch you up on...but will not do it all at once.  I prefer to send out information in small doses in order to keep you on the edge of your seat!

If you are wondering about something in particular before I get to posting about it, here is what you can do:
1.  Check the website:  www.mayospartans.org  (Brett will keep this updated)
2.  Read the Parent/Athlete Handout (It has been updated to 2014-2015 information)
3.  Check Big 9:  www.big9.org (meet schedule information is here)
4.  Send me an email (mayorunning@gmail.com) or go ahead and comment on the blog (where appropriate).  

For today's topic:
Subway orders and money for away meets are due by Friday (if possible!).  Late orders and money will be taken but it must be turned in BY Monday, August 25 in order to be ordered for River Falls.  Please turn in the whole order at one time with one check.  Checks should be written to Subway (they will not be cashed until the end of the season) and can be dropped off in the Activities Office, dropped off or mailed to me at 719 19th Ave SW,  or given to me at the Time Trial.

Here is the online order form:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1J0JcxU2FSXVYy40HdY_losvZU8-ubN3mlNaehzJ9yw0/viewform

If you are able to donate a large cooler with wheels for the XC season, you can put that in the comment section of the order form.

Have a great day!  

Practice starts Monday at 9:00 am...and Volunteers still needed for upcoming MHS events!

Thanks to those of you who have already signed up!

One last effort for volunteers...and note the meeting time change!

1.  Mayo Booster Club Meeting on Monday, August 11 at 

​6​

:00 pm in the Outdoor Concession Stand

2.  XC PAC Meeting on Monday, August 11 at 7:00 pm in the Auditorium

3.  Schedule Pick Up on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 12&13:

  **Spiritwear Sales:  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f49aaa82fa31-spirit 

   **Guidance Office: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d48ada723a1f58-guidance2

  **General Schedule Pick Up Volunteer:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d48ada723a1f58-schedule

​  ​

**

​Media Center

 Volunteer

 ​  

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d48ada723a1f58-media

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  **

​PTSA

  Table:  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090a48a5a622aa8-schedule