In celebration of national travel and tourism week, the Rochester Trolley and Tour Company is offering free trolley tours. Rides started Wednesday, May 9th and continue through Thursday, May 10th in Rochester. The tours feature some of Rochester's most famous sights including the Plummer House and Mayowood Mansion. Times and pick-up locations vary. For more information go to http://www.rochestermntours.com/.

The annual "Bikes for Everybody" event in Rochester is set for Monday, May 7th from 5:30 to 8:00 P.M. at the Graham Arena located at the Olmsted County Fairgrounds. It will be an open house style event and those interested are invited to ride demonstration bikes, get fitted properly to a bike, and speak to representatives about specialized equipment needs. The event is for anyone with either has a mobility and/or cognitive impairment who would like to ride a bike, but requires special fittings, equipment, or specially designed bikes to be able to do so. There's a bike for everybody! If you have any questions, contact Karen Meyer with the Parks and Recreation Department of Rochester at 507-328-2539.

Journal of a Distance Runner (Thursday April 26th 2012)

Hill Runs:

Have you ever tried to run up a hill? It’s not as easy as it looks.

At first, you think, “yeah, I can totally do this.”

After a few feet, you suddenly realize how steep you’re actually climbing.

I was surprised last week when my trainer told me to not only run up a 600 meter hill, but do it 7 times.

Let me tell you one things about hill runs, they stink. 

They’re terrible.

But everyone tells me their worth it.

At first I thought, “you guys are crazy. No way in heck can this be worth it.”

I soon realized how beneficial they can be.

Just a few days ago I was handed a map of the marathon route.

On race day I’m set to encounter a handful of nasty looking monoliths of destruction.

My knees are trembling already.