Real Purpose of Full Moon Frozen River Run

Ok. The truth slipped out. Thanks Robyn Reed...
The real reason I put on this run every year is for the food and fun after the run. And this year, the emphasis can really be on the food and fun rather than the run. This is because the condition of the river dictates that we will only be running on the river from Hudson to Stillwater, and not even from Hudson, but from North Hudson.
So, if you are coming this Saturday night, don't forget to bring your headlamp. But more importantly, bring food and drink to share liberally after the run. In fact, if space is tight and you have to choose between food/drink and the headlamp, choose the food/drink!

Full Moon Frozen River Update

Kyle Palmer and I ran a section of the St Croix River this morning just north of Hudson. 
At one point, we stopped to talk with a guy ice fishing.
18" of ice underneath directly underneath us.
Flowing water 200 yards away.
Uncanny but definitely safe.

Details:
• February 7
• 8 miles & 4.5 miles Options
• 7pm at my office in Stillwater. 421 Main Street S - in the southern-most brick building in Stillwater.
• Drive to starting points in Bayport (4.5 miles) & Hudson (8 miles)

Conditions:
•  The section we will be running is very stable. You will see trucks and houses out on the ice. You will be able to run almost anywhere across the width of the river in this section.
• The river has very little snow on it; the surface is very icy. Sheet metal screws are recommended.
• Prepare for wind.
• While the surface is presently VERY runnable, it is still treacherous in sections. This is not like running on the road. In fact, there are so many ice fishing holes that it is like running through a battlefield in some sections. 

Could Use:
• crew person to drive runners to start and be at halfway point with hot soup.

Disclaimer
We will be running the less scenic section of the Frozen St. Croix. I am sad that we can't see the most stunning sections north of Stillwater.  However, there are still sections of open water up there. I am also sad that we can't get in more miles. Because I don;t want to take people north of the Stillwater Lift Bridge this year, the most miles I can map on the river are 8.

Please email me if you have questions or plan to attend: joelbutton@mac.com

Full Moon Frozen River Run - February 7, 2015

The chances look slim...the liquid river is defeating the solid river. It would be crazy to run from Marine on St Croix to Stillwater on the river right now. There are only 11 days available for massive amounts of moving liquid to solidify into a structurally sound running surface. When it comes to solid water, I tend to be a pessimist about such possibilities.
So, what does one do?
February 7 at 7pm. We will convene at my office prepared to run. But where? I have some ideas that DO involve the river. A hint? Think ice-fishing.
Details: self-supporting; horrible terrain; cold, dark; must bring own lighting; must pack hydration.
Distance: undetermined yet. Expect 2-4 hours.

Good Coffee

North Shore training

It's 7am. We've been on the road since 5. Our goal: 20-22 miles on the Superior Hiking Trail. Glorious miles. 

Jason and Amy are my companions. 

Superior

I've been running and walking stairs. Many. 

Superior, to me, is 80% about climbing. 

Espresso Quest

This morning I had one of the finest Macchiatos I have ever had in the Twin Cities. I had to take it in a paper cup. Nonetheless, it was absolutely delicious. On Thursday I am returning to have one in a ceramic cup. Angry Catfish on 28th and 42nd.