Summer Road Races

Hello,

I get asked often about summer road races...which ones are good, where they are, how to find information, etc.

Here's list of road races that I like throughout the summer months.  There should be at least one option each weekend, many trail races, and mostly in the metro area.  Also, links to the MDRA and Minnesota Runner running calendars are listed for more options.

Take a look at some of the race information and go experience it!  Please drag a friend, teammate, sibiling, etc. along with you as well.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,
Jesse

Minnesota Distance Running Association Calendar/Schedule:
http://www.raceberryjam.com/mdraschedule.php

Minnesota Runner Calendar:
http://www.minnesotarunner.com/run?page=Calendar

Suburban Adventure 5k/10k - Saturday, June 11, 2016
Spirit of Brandtjen Farms - 16965 Brandtjen Farm Drive Lakeville, MN 55044
registration starts at 8:00am, 9:00am race start
Register here:
http://www.andersonraces.com/new-events/2016/6/11/suburban-adventure-10k-5k-and-walk

Farmington Dew Run 4-mile - Saturday, June 18th, 2016
Rambling River Center - 325 Oak Street Farmington, MN 55024
registration starts at 7:00am, 8:30am race start
Register here:
http://www.active.com/farmington-mn/running/distance-running-races/37th-annual-dew-run-2016?int=

Run for the Roses - Saturday, June 25th, 2016
Roseville Skating Center - 2660 Civic Center Drive, Roseville, MN 55113
registration starts at 6:45am, 8:00am race start
race flier:
http://www.cityofroseville.com/DocumentCenter/View/20166
Register here:
http://www.active.com/roseville-mn/running/distance-running-races/run-for-the-roses-2016

Apple Valley Freedom Days 5-mile - Monday, July 4th, 2016
Hayes Park - 14603 Hayes Road Apple Valley, MN
registration starts at 6:30am, 8:00am race start
Information here:
http://www.cityofapplevalley.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/651
Register here:
https://apm.activecommunities.com/applevalleyrecreation/Activity_Search/freedom-days-fun-run-5m-race-t-shirt/2975

4th of July Firecracker Run 5k/10k - Monday, July 4th, 2016
Chamber Welcome Center - 37 Water Street, Excelsior, MN 55331
registration starts at 6:15am, 7:30am race start
Register here:
http://www.minnetonka.k12.mn.us/excelsiorfirecrackerrun/pages/default.aspx

Challenge Diabetes 5k - Saturday, July 9th, 2016
Bunker Hills Activity Center - 550 Bunker Lake Blvd NW Andover, MN 55304
registration starts at 7:00am, 8:00am race start
Information here:
http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/challenge_diabetes.html
Register here:
http://www.raceit.com/search/event.aspx?id=33735

Scholarship 5k - Saturday, July 9th, 2016
Eastview High School - 6200 140th Street Apple Valley, MN
registration starts at 7:00am, 8:15am race starts
Information here:
https://eastviewnhs.wordpress.com/5k-run/
Registration form here:
http://www.active.com/apple-valley-mn/running/distance-running-races/scholarship-5k-and-kids-run-2016?int=

Lakeville Pan-O-Prog 4-mile - Saturday, July 9th, 2016
Casperson Park - 19720 Juno Trail Lakeville, MN
registration starts at 6:45am, 7:45am race start
Information here:
http://www.panoprog.org/event/run-4-1-mile/
Register here:
https://webtrac.lakevillemn.gov/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search.html?display=detail&module=AR&primarycode=152501

Lebanon Hills 7-mile Trail Race - Wednesday, July 13th, 2016
Lebanon Hills Regional Park - Jensen Lake 1350 Carriage Hills Drive Eagan, MN 55122
registration starts at 5:00pm, 6:30pm race start
Information here:
http://www.estrs.com/lebanon-7mi/
Register here:
http://www.estrs.com/registration-info/

Hastings YMCA Glow Run 4-mile - Thursday, July 14th, 2016
Hastings YMCA - 85 Pleasant Drive, Hastings, MN 55033
registration starts at 6:30pm, 8:30pm race start
Information here:
http://www.minnesotarunner.com/run?page=Race&raceId=3551
Registration here:
http://www.active.com/hastings-mn/running/distance-running-races/3rd-annual-ymca-glow-run-2016?int

Tonka Mud Run Obstacle Course 3.5-mile - Saturday, July 16th, 2016
Lake Minnwashta Regional Park - 6900 Hazeltine Blvd, Chanhassen, MN 55331
registration starts at 8:00am, 9:30am race start
Information and registration here:
http://tonkamudrun4.mh-mm.org/race-details/

Torchlight 5k - Wednesday, July 20th, 2016
Starts at Basilica of St. Mary in downtown Minneapolis
registration starts at 4:00pm, 7:30pm race start
Information here:
http://www.torchlight5k.com/
Register here:
https://register.chronotrack.com/r/17647

Rosemount Run For the Gold 4-mile - Saturday, July 23rd, 2016
Rosemount Community Center - 13885 South Robert Trail Rosemount, MN
registration starts at 7:00am, 8:25am race start
Information here:
http://www.ci.rosemount.mn.us/DocumentCenter/View/610
Register here:
http://www.maxsolutionsonline.com/rosemountparks/Customer/ActivityDetail.aspx

Ritter Farm Park 5k Trail Run - Tuesday, July 26th, 2016
Ritter Farm Park - 19300 Ritter Trail Lakeville, MN
registration starts at 5:30pm, 6:00pm race start
Information and Registration here:
https://webtrac.lakevillemn.gov/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/iteminfo.html?SessionID=a6b006d6-2e66-9b95-0b14-fee0b8e86b77&Module=AR&FMID=637914

Chaska River City Days 5k - Saturday, July 30th, 2016
Chaska City Square Park - 120 East 4th Street Chaska, MN
registration starts at 7:00am, 8:00am race start
Information here:
http://chaskarivercitydays.com/5k-fun-run/
Register here:
http://www.rivercityfunrun.zapevent.com

Urban Wildland Half Marathon/5k - Saturday, August 6th, 2016
Richfield Ice Arena - 636 East 66th Street Richfield, MN
pre-registration only, 7:00am Half Marathon race start, 7:15am 5k race start
Information and Registration here:
http://www.urbanwildland.com/

Hyland Park 7-mile Trail Race - Wednesday, August 10th, 2016
Hyland Lake Park Reserve - 10145 Bush Lake Rd Bloomington, MN 55438
...follow signs to Jan's Place
registration starts at 5:00pm, 6:30pm race start
Information here:
http://www.estrs.com/hyland-7mi/
Register here:
https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=37868

Twin Cities Lung Run - Saturday, August 13th, 2016
Lake Harriet Bandshell - 4135 West Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55419
8:00am race start
Information and registration here:
http://abreathofhope.org/event/10th-annual-twin-cities-lung-runwalk/

Summer Running Schedule 2016

2016 Trinity Cross Country Summer Running Session Schedule:

All summer running sessions are optional, they are on Mondays and Thursdays and they will run from 7:00-8:30pm unless noted. Bring your friends! The invitation to run is for any Trinity students, alumni and friends of CC team members.

Generally, Tuesday nights (also at 7:00-8:30pm) are unofficial group runs at Lebanon Hills Regional Park...meet at the Jensen Lake pavilion.  No coaches will be present, this just serves at a common spot to meet and run with other teammates if you are available to do so.

Monday, June 13th - at former Trinity School Site (now Evergreen Community Church in Bloomington, MN)
Thursday, June 16th - at Minnehaha Falls - meet at parking lot by Sea Salt (4801 Minnehaha Ave Minneapolis, MN)
Monday, June 20th - at Thompson County Park - meet by Activity Center (1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul, MN)
Thursday, June 23rd - at Lebanon Hills Regional Park - Jensen Lake entrance (4601 120th St W, Apple Valley, MN)
Monday, June 27th - at Battle Creek Regional Park - meet by aquatic center (2401 Upper Afton Road, Newport, MN)
$Wednesday, June 29th - Ultimate Frisbee from 7:00-9:00pm at Trinity School
Thursday, June 30th - at former Trinity School Site (now Evergreen Community Church in Bloomington, MN)
*Tuesday, July 5th - at Minnehaha Falls - meet at parking lot by Sea Salt (4801 Minnehaha Ave Minneapolis, MN)
*Thursday, July 7th - at Thompson County Park - meet by Activity Center (1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul, MN)
$Saturday, July 9th - Cross Country Camp Night at Coach Schoen's house - 4:00-9:00pm
(USA Track & Field Olympic Trials viewing party with food and ultimate frisbee - 18173 Dunbury Ave Farmington, MN)
Monday, July 11th - at Trinity School (601 River Ridge Parkway, Eagan, MN)
Thursday, July 14th - at Lebanon Hills Regional Park - Jensen Lake entrance (4601 120th St W, Apple Valley, MN)
$Friday, July 15th - Ultimate Frisbee from 7:00-9:00pm at Trinity School
Monday, July 18th - at former Trinity School Site (now Evergreen Community Church in Bloomington, MN)
Thursday, July 21st - at Battle Creek Regional Park - meet by aquatic center (2401 Upper Afton Road, Newport, MN)
Monday, July 25th - at Minnehaha Falls - meet at parking lot by Sea Salt (4801 Minnehaha Ave Minneapolis, MN)
$Wednesday, July 27th - **late addition** - Ultimate Frisbee from 7:00-9:00pm at Trinity School
Thursday, July 28th - at Lebanon Hills Regional Park - Jensen Lake entrance (4601 120th St W, Apple Valley, MN)
$Friday, July 29th - Cross Country Camp Night at Trinity - 6:00-9:00pm
(open to all Trinity runners and potential runners - games, contests, running, introduction to cross country and snacks)
$Sunday, July 31st - Ultimate Frisbee from 7:00-9:00pm at Trinity School
*Monday, August 1st - at Thompson County Park - meet by Activity Center (1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul, MN)
*Thursday, August 4th - at Lebanon Hills Regional Park - Jensen Lake entrance (4601 120th St W, Apple Valley, MN)
*Monday, August 8th - at former Trinity School Site (now Evergreen Community Church in Bloomington, MN)
*Tuesday, August 9th - at Trinity School (601 River Ridge Parkway, Eagan, MN)
*Thursday, August 11th - at Minnehaha Falls - meet at parking lot bySea Salt (4801 Minnehaha Ave Minneapolis, MN)
*Friday, August 12th - at Lebanon Hills Regional Park - Jensen Lake entrance (4601 120th St W, Apple Valley, MN)
Monday, August 15th from 8:00-10:00am - Official High School Practice Begins - at Trinity School
--
* - denotes Summer Running Sessions that are led as Captains Practices (no coaches present)
$ - denotes special events that we hope cross country runners will participate in over the summer

Minnesota High School League rules prohibit coaching of students from July 2nd – July 8th and also from August 1st until official school season practices start on August 15th.

Also, don't forget to count your cross-training activity as miles. Here's the conversion chart:
Cross Training Mileage Conversions-
4 miles biking = 1 mile running
2 miles rollerblading = 1 mile running
1/2 mile swimming = 1 mile running
10 minutes pool running = 1 mile running
10 minutes stair climber = 1 mile running
15 minutes on an elliptical machine = 1 mile running
20 minutes of a soccer game = 1 mile running
45 minutes of a normal soccer practice = 1 mile running
10 minutes of row machine = 1 mile running
20 minutes of a basketball game = 1 mile running
45 minutes of normal basketball practice = 1 mile running

If you are a Trinity CC runner, I hope to see plenty of you throughout the summer!

Trinity 2016 Cross Country Schedule

Here's the 2016 Trinity Cross Country Schedule:

Monday, August 15th - Official Start of the Cross Country Season - practice at Trinity School in Eagan - 8:00am
Saturday, August 20th - Alumni, Family & Friends Run at Trinity School in Eagan - 9:00am
Saturday, August 27th - 4-Hour Relay of Miles at Blackhawk Middle School in Eagan - 8:00am
Saturday, September 10th - Ron Kretsch Invitational at Bassett Creek Park in Crystal - 10:00am
Thursday, September 15th - Private School Championships at St. Catherine's in St. Paul - 4:00pm
Saturday, September 24th - Milaca Mega Meet at Stones Throw Golf Course in Milaca - 10:00am
Saturday, October 1st - Swain Invitational (Varsity Only) at Enger Park Golf Course in Duluth - 12:00pm
Thursday, October 6th - Trinity Invitational at Dakota County Fairgrounds in Farmington - 4:30pm
Saturday, October 8th - CAA Junior High Meet (5th-8th Grades Only) at Wakefield Park in St. Paul - 8:00am
Tuesday, October 11th – MCAA Conference Meet at Bassett Creek Park in Crystal - 4:00pm
Tuesday, October 18th - Postal Nationals Race at Trinity School in Eagan - 4:00pm
Thursday, October 27th - Section 4A Meet at Battle Creek Park in Maplewood - 4:00pm
Saturday, November 5th - State Meet at St. Olaf College in Northfield - 10:00am

Trinity CC Christmas Party

Hello,

I hope everyone has had a nice break from school so far and enjoyable time with family during the Christmas season! For any of the cross country runners (and alumni!) that are available at the end of project week, we have plans for the 8th annual Trinity CC Christmas Party. Here are the details:

What: Trinity Cross Country Christmas Party
Where: Oxboro Evangelical Free Church - 9431 Nicollet Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55420
Date: Saturday, January 9th, 2015
Time: 6:00-9:00pm
Who: All Trinity 2015 Cross Country Runners (...any high school-graduated Trinity cross country alumni are also welcome and encouraged to attend)
What To Bring: $3 for pizza supper and a white elephant gift (something you made, something to regift, or something that would cost under $5)

Schedule of Events:
6:00pm - Doors are open/Social Time
6:30pm - Pizza will be delivered/ready for supper (there will be vegetarian and gluten-free pizza available)
7:00pm - White Elephant gift exchange
7:30pm - Games/Hang Out Time/Open Gym

There will be a gym for dodgeball, basketball, floor hockey, etc...there will also be some games available to play...or you can just sit and catch up with your friends and teammates. If you can't stay until 9pm or can't arrive until 7pm, don't worry...just come join us for as long as you can.

We hope to see you on Saturday, January 9th! Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,
Jesse

2015 Season Awards

Our CC banquet seems so long ago now, but on Monday, November 9th we acknowledged these runners with well-deserved awards:

Boys-
Most Valuable - Henry Brink
Most Dedicated - Thomas Wilkin
Most Improved - Alex Baum
Spirit Award - Josiah Sommer
Junior High Runner of the Year - Kainoa Victor

Girls-
Most Valuable - Becca Wilkin
Most Dedicated - Anna Maunu
Most Improved - Gracie Carlson
Spirit Award - Katie Michalak
Junior High Runner of the Year - Kate Cunningham

Motivation for 2016 Season-
Summer and off-season training are the keys for any individual and team success in distance running...and it's no different at Trinity.

Many of you have had a chance to see what an improved summer of training has already done to establish a routine of running, which leads to faster times and better racing.  Let's keep the growth of this cross country program going by each doing our part to improve and have the patience to stick with training!

Every runner should evaluate their own situation and determine what the next step in their training should be to improve - it will be different for everyone based on experience, previous summer training, and age. If you have questions, please ask me...I would be glad to help.

There is no magic method to becoming a better and faster runner, but I can give you some important advice a previous coach of mine imparted on me:

Coach: "Do you know the secret to becoming a better runner? To run. And run some more. And do it often."

Seems simple doesn't it? ...but when the cold winter months or the busy summer months roll around, it gets harder and harder to be diligent in training...to keep the routine and remember that consistency in training is the best way to improve.

Thank you-
I want to say thanks again to the parents and families of the cross country runners for hosting events, providing transportation, working at meets, and for your support and patience throughout the season. It can be a big challenge for coaches with such a large group of athletes, but we are always impressed with the willingness of so many to chip in and help out as needed.  Our success comes from your involvement and the positive team atmosphere you help us instill in the program.

State Meet Results

Hello,

Saturday was a great day to be a Tri-Hawk runner. 

The girls team got off to a great start with two individual all-state medalists - Becca Wilkin (5th) and Grace Ennis (9th) - and the team earned a trip to the medal stand again in 2015 with a 3rd place team finish! 

The boys team followed that up with an individual all-state performance from Henry Brink (13th) and finishing 5th place as a team.  A top 5 team finish in our first boys team appearance at the State Meet is an outstanding achievement.

State Meet Results-

Class A Girls-
Trinity Team Time: 1:41:12.8 (20:14.6 average) - 3rd place of 16 teams (118 pts)
Team Range: 2:14.0
19:09.4 - Becca Wilkin (5:54, 6:17, 6:12, :46) - 5th place (1st team place)
19:23.4 - Grace Ennis (5:55, 6:28, 6:13, :47) - 9th place (3rd team place)
20:38.1 - Elizabeth Neil (6:27, 6:41, 6:30, :50) - 74th place (27th team place)
20:38.5 - Kate Cunningham (6:15, 6:53, 6:40, :50) - 76th place (28th team place)
21:23.4 - Charlotte Howland (6:28, 6:53, 7:10, :52) - 118th place (59th team place)
21:26.3 - Katie Michalak (6:38, 7:04, 6:53, :51) - 122nd place (62nd team place)
22:09.8 - Marie DeMarais (6:34, 7:11, 7:32, :54) - 151st place (88th team place)
(176 total girls runners)

Full Girls Results-
http://www.raceberryjam.com/2015/girlsa.html

Class A Boys-
Trinity Time Team: 1:27:39.2 (17:31.9 average) - 5th place of 16 teams (186 pts)
Team Range: 1:26.9
16:39.2 - Henry Brink (5:07, 5:31, 5:23, :38) - 13th place (8th team place)
17:26.9 - Dob Kintz (5:24, 5:44, 5:39, :39) - 67th place (31st team place)
17:33.6 - Thomas Wilkin (5:28, 5:46, 5:39, :40) - 76th place (36th team place)
17:53.4 - Henry Leighton (5:21, 5:50, 6:00, :42) - 106th place (51st team place)
18:06.1 - Raymond Tallarini (5:30, 6:00, 5:54, :42) - 116th place (60th team place)
18:23.9 - Alex Baum (5:30, 6:01, 6:09, :43) - 140th place (78th team place)
18:31.7 - Charlie Cruse (5:35, 6:07, 6:06, :43) - 145th place (83rd team place)
(176 total boys runners)

Full Boys Results-
http://www.raceberryjam.com/2015/boysa.html

State Individual Medalists-
Becca Wilkin (5th place)
Grace Ennis (9th place)

All-State Individuals-
Becca Wilkin (5th place)
Grace Ennis (9th place)
Henry Brink (13th place)

Academic All-State Teams-
Both the Trinity Boys and Girls Cross Country teams achieved the highest level of academic all-state honor - Gold Level. This means that the varsity runners listed on the Section 4A roster averaged a GPA level of 3.75 or higher. Congratulations to both squads!

Academic All-State Individuals-
Becca Wilkin (2nd place - senior)
Grace Ennis (4th place - junior)
Henry Brink (3rd place - senior)
Dob Kintz (9th place - junior)
Raymond Tallarini (13th place - senior)

If a runner is in grades 10-12, places in the top 15 at the Section meet, and has a GPA over 3.75 - they also are recognized as individual academic all-state student-athletes. Congratulations to these runners!

Lots of time, effort and hard work went into the 2015 season to make it a memorable one.  A special thanks to all of the family, friends and fans that supported our runners and made Saturday such a special day in Tri-Hawk history with both teams competing at the State Meet...first-ever for the boys, and first-time together.  Thanks to all for being a part of it!

State Meet Information

Race: State Meet
Date: Saturday, November 7th, 2015
Place: St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN - warmup/camp area for participating athletes is in the Tostrud Center on the old indoor track.
Driving:  Meet at Trinity School at 10:30am to drive down to the meet with teammates

Schedule:
Class A Girls Race: 1:00pm
Class A Boys Race: 2:00pm
Class A Awards: 3:00pm in Tostrud Center gymnasium

Directions from Trinity:
...on 35:
take 494 West to 35E South
take 35E South to 35 South
take 35 South to Hwy 19 going East
take Hwy 19 East for about 5-6 miles to St. Olaf College (spectator parking will be on the east side of campus)

...on Hwy 3:
take Argenta Trail to 70th Street W going East
take 70th Street W to Hwy 3/Robert Street going South (right)
take Hwy 3 through Rosemount, Farmington and into Northfield
take Hwy 3 to Hwy 19 and go West (right)
take Hwy 19 West for about a mile to St. Olaf College (spectator parking will be on the east side of campus)

Race Distances and Maps:
Boys Race 5000m Course Map:
http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/sports/CC_Course_Map_2015.pdf

Schedule for Boys and Girls teams:
10:30am - Leave Trinity
11:15-11:30am - arrive at Race Site/Tostrud Center indoor track
11:45-noon - setup camp, see the course
12:20pm - girls warmup, stretch, get to starting line 20 minutes early
1:00pm - Class A Girls Race (Lane 14)
1:20pm - boys warmup, stretch, get to starting line 20 minutes early
2:00pm - Class A Boys race (Lane 11)
2:40pm - go to auditorium for awards ceremony (we will go to the awards, even if we aren't involved)
3:00pm - Class A awards
3:40-4:00pm - pack up and leave St. Olaf
around 4:30pm - stop at Carbone's Pizzeria in Farmington (10 N. 8th St, Farmington, MN 55024) off of Hwy 3 on the way back to eat
around 6:00pm - arrive back to Trinity

Awards:
Top 3 Teams: Trophies and Team Medals
Top 10 Individuals: Medals
Top 25 Individuals: All-State