TC 10 Miler

We officially found out today - Team Potts - was chosen from the lottery of runners to participate in the Twin Cities 10 Miler, "The Shortcut to the Capital." We are excited to both get in this year. The October 5 date is a big day for the 10 Miler as it is the decade mark of the race's existence. The race will also be the host of the USA women's 10 mile championship. Charlie and I need to pick up the training!

However most importantly, there is one big perk to the race being at its 10 year mark. The long sleeve shirts that have always been sweet shirts with great designs will be dri-fit to celebrate the event! Woohoo for the us snobby people, Charlie and I, who turn our noses up against 100% cotton!

Hamburger Rice Casserole

Wednesday night Charlie and I went to Cannon Falls to catch up with my grandparents. We hadn't seen them in awhile so it was fun to chat. Grandma and Grandpa made supper for us; a dinner from the old days - hamburger rice casserole! I am pretty sure it was Charlie's first time consuming this casserole but it was a staple food for me growing up on the farm.

Grandma and Grandpa prepared a feast - salad, bread, veggies, casserole, and ice cream for dessert. We chatted for awhile and got to know the life of the newly retired. Grandpa has been retired for awhile and is in a routine. His routine is now being altered as Grandma is easing into retirement. Even though she still works twice a week, the rest of the week is full time retirement.

It sounds like they are figuring out a wonderful retirement schedule. Grandpa has a routine 4 PM Diet Pepsi which he consumes after watching the 3 PM showing of Monk. The Price is Right with Drew Carey is a favorite TV show as well. My cousin, Tanner joins them after school too. So feeding and keeping up with him keeps them busy.

Beyond retirement, we talked about their road trip to Graceland with my Grandma's brother and wife. They toured Elvis's house, walked on Beale Street in Memphis, and explored Clinton's Presidential Library. They had great stories and enjoyed some time away.



It was a good visit and nice to see them. Thanks for the dinner Grandma and Grandpa!

Freezing Fourteen

Despite 20 degree temperatures, a chilly breeze, frozen water bottles, and congestitis phlemosis of the respiratory system (self-diagnosed), Charlie and I made it our furthest distance yet - 14 miles!

Charlie used Google Maps to find a good route for us because running 14 miles in Richfield would involve running around the entire city twice (boring)! He did an excellent job and his precision was amazing! We started in Minneapolis at Minnehaha Park, followed the river to the U of M (saw a close-up of the 35W bridge - amazing and scary site to see), and eventually back on Fairview to Ford Parkway and Minnehaha Park. We got back to our car at mile 13.55 so we did a quick down and back to finish up the last half mile. I think that was the hardest part.

Charlie got a little warm at mile 13 and took off his shirt.

We are now back at home trying to warm up and stretch out. Charlie is going to make Mr. Wolf's Italian Chicken - an excellent post run meal. Then it is off to the couch to curl up and watch Duke vs UNC! Go Duke (sorry E, E & H)!

Inappropriate Touch

Charlie and I took a trip to North Carolina to visit Evan, Elisabeth, and Hannah as well as run the Raleigh Half Marathon. Many of you have seen pictures and read about our trip via Charlie's blog.

It was a great trip and I wish we could back! I had a blast seeing Evan, Elisabeth and Hannah. Playing with Hannah was especially fun.


While we were there, the University of North Carolina campus was hopping due to the homecoming events. I would have never thought that I would have been on campus and able to watch a UNC football game, volleyball game, soccer match, and pre-season basketball game all in one weekend. Talk about seeing remarkably successful sports teams all in one weekend - it was sweet!




Beyond the sports and family time, Charlie and I ran the Raleigh Half Marathon. Personally it is much more fun and exciting to run a race in another state with new surroundings. Overall the race was great - good weather, no injuries, and a pretty good turn-out. The race was particularly successful with their volunteers. There were race volunteers at every road intersection and busy parking lot areas. The volunteers were so memorable that I will remember my personal interaction with one such volunteer at mile 11.



You see, at mile 11 the marathon and half marathon course split. This split begins down a steep downhill. As we approached the downhill, a volunteer stood on the side of the road cheering on runners. He was pretty fired up. As we ran by him he yelled (mind you Charlie was right next to me), "Go girl! Finish strong! Use this hill to kick it to the end!" Then charged with excitement, he slapped my ass. Not just a light little tap but one of those slaps you see football players give to their teammates. It was a solid slap, right on the cheek. I felt like I needed to suit up for the big game after that moment. Needless to say, I finished strong. :) Thanks Mr. Touchy Volunteer.

Don't worry Hannah's bottom was okay - she just worked on her future middle school image of saggy pants.

Just a side note, this butt slap situation reminded me immediately of our St. Peter conversation of naked PE swimming and scoliosis screening. Thankfully it hasn't reached "the itch" level of our conversation. :)

Running Opener - Guest Appearance

I am officially the last participant of the Running Opener to blog. However, I received some fan mail from the race that I would like to post. I received the following letter this morning.

Dear Angie and Charlie,

I am one of your biggest fans. I have this deep, long attachment to you and your running. I just can't let go. I need to be there to guide you. I have this slight obsession with all your running details. I have accompanied you on many runs and enjoy your company. It is because of this closeness that I had to write you.

I just wanted to applaude you for an excellent race choice. The scenery was gorgeous along the Mississippi River, the weather was wonderful, and the distance quite manageable. Plus it was perfect timing for a long run warm-up for the St. Cloud Half Marathon next weekend.

Speaking of the St. Cloud Half Marathon, I am very excited to accompany you to that run as well. According to wunderground.com, the weather looks favorable. I hope the course is as great as the Running Opener. I want to wish you the best of luck and I will be there to guide you always.

Your Faithful Follower,
Gertrude Garmin GPS

Steele County Free Fair Run

Minnesota fair time! The Steele County Fair (biggest county fair in Minnesota) seems like a great precursor to the Minnesota State Fair - greasy food, carnival rides, RVs, food on a stick, and fun runs. Charlie, Annie, and I ran the Steel County Fair 4 mile race on Saturday, August 20. It was a wonderful, cool morning for a run.

We have a break now in the race calendar. Our next run is on September 10 - Defeat of Jesse James Days. Charlie and I are going to try to run the 15K.

Urban Wildlife Run

Charlie and I ran the Urban Wildlife 5k on Saturday, August 5. It was a great morning for a run - cool and cloudy. We ran pretty fast (fast for us) and finished in 22:40. We ran so fast we each won a medal in our age group. Charlie hustled to a 3rd place finish and I took out a few women to sneak into first. We are now debating for next year's event - should we run in the popular and crowd favorite half marathon or defend our titles in the 5k? I guess we will just have to wait and see.

Despite the cool rain at the end, it was a great run. It was a well organized race. Plus it was a "no waste race," so everything was biodegradable. It was very eco-friendly. Oh, the shirts are really cool too.

Now we continue to train for the ever popular - Owatonna Rotary/Steele County Free Fair 4-Mile Run on August 19.