TC Fieldhouse Kids Fun Run - 2015

On 7 Feb Saturday morning we went to UofM Fieldhouse for TCKids Fun Run. This was a very formal experience to introduce Kids into the world of Racing. For that matter, it’s was a first exposure for me too as I was new to racing even though an adult. The Fieldhouse is a huge indoor stadium with looped tracks. Location and parking directions on the TC website were right on the mark.

We waited in the indoor stadium for the races to start at 9am. They were planned by each grade, one after the other, beginning with Pre-K for ½ mile or 4 loops. Directions for the kids & parents for waiting, guided stretching class and finally running were impeccable. There were 100s of us, yet the fieldhouse was spacious without cluttering us.

The mascots were a hit with kids in each race. It was a diverse crowd of different ages, nationality origin and different capabilities. Yet each kids knew they were doing something important and none threw a tantrum.

It was great to watch all parents cheers kids.

I would strongly recommend such experience to all young parents.

Polar Dash 15 mile 2015 Race Review

I welcomed the New Year with a 15 mile run for Polar DashRace. I registered on a whim. I was not sure how our New Year’s Eve would be; what time I would go to bed; things like that. But the regular facebook updates were too tempting and I gave in, like it was a sale. After that I planned a relaxed NYEve and went to bed at regular time.

Packet pickup was different. They had scheduled it at 4 different weekends in 4 different SPA stores. Because I registered last minute, I went to the one in St Paul on 31^st Dec. That rush alone is good reminder for future, to register early. Bib, chip, Fleece jacket & woolen Penguin hat – good quality. I also checked out route to start point at Shriner Hospital and a car-park location since the road around it would be closed next day for the event.

Predicted temp for the day of race was around 15F. But it was 20F on average for the duration of the race. I wore:

1.       Columbia puff jacket to shield the wind, full-sleeve technical shirt, half sleeve technical shirt and racer sports bra.

2.       Good thing I skipped a fleece shirt below the wind-jacket. It would have been needed for temps around 10F & below. After a few miles did not miss it at all.

3.       My head was covered in Skimask & neck gaiter. Ski mask – it turned out too warm for me after an hour. And kept my stiff from moving turning my head around. Next time, I will use my cap, headband and neck-gaiter.

4.       I did not need sun-glasses because it was cloudy, not sunny and not windy.

5.       My hands were covered in thin woolen gloves and thick mittens. After a few miles when it grew warmer, I could discard the gloves and keep the mittens alone, which I took off & put on when needed. Next time I will wear it till starting point and pack it in my check-in bag.
6.       Lower half was protected by C9 compression pants and track pants.

7.       Shoes were usual running shoes with thick soles and tread patterns which prevented any slipping. I did not use Yak-track because the roads were clear and there was no ice.

I was in the same clothes while I walked from my car parking spot to the Start area, which was almost a mile walk. The snow and my anxiety froze my toes on the way. Thankfully they had a warming area with fire. It was a blessing to defrost my toes and other extremities. Warming area was in the Shriner car park, along with bag check and other stalls. Along with bag check were changing tents. It is crucial to get out of the sweat-drench clothes immediately after the run in these winter conditions.

Start point was Shriner hospital and the 15 mile race was 2 loops of E River Parkway.

Volunteers at every point were superb. Inspite of the dreaded winter, there were numerous volunteers at every water stops, medical stops, turnarounds and milestone, cheering the runner at every stop. Many rode the snow bikes carrying medical help. 

There were frequent water-stops with water & powerade. Since it was an average of 20F that day, water only froze a tad bit. I am always too anxious, so I fill-up at every water stop. This usually slows me down, with the extra water sloshing inside. But I refuse to learn and I would rather over-drink then be dry. I need to work on this area; try & learn how far I can run without water.

The race course planning was meticulously done. Same route was used by 10K runners and 5K runners, but at different hours. Finish point had usual supply of food and hot chocolate.

Only aspect the organizers seem to be lacking, is in their internet communications:

1.       Website does not mention their race time-limits

2.       Website did not share the PDF of the course map. It’s just a tiny image which does not show the route clearly. Google map link shows the start point location. And the course-map link goes to a page which either needs a login or technical expertise to decode.

3.       Photo-upload and race results uploads where done immediately on the day of the race. But it was partial. After that the organizers have not done the remaining updates. I can see other runners asking the same question on facebook, but even after a week I am yet to see any response

There is this interesting thing, that happens to me every single race. In the last 1-2 mile of every race, when I am just dying to get it done and even crawl if needed, some or more senior ladies creep-up and steadily overtake me. As much I admire these badass ladies, I can only but suffer from benign-envy at that very moment. I try to increase my speed, then slip into walk mode cause that’s how the situation at end mile is. Meanwhile they continue at their steady pace, have conversations. Hubby calls it the hare-tortoise situation.

When I rolled to the finish point, the 5K race had just started and the clock showed 3:07:15. It’s nothing to be proud of. But it’s my first long run for the spring marathon training. So I am happy to get it out of my way. Plus it was on the New Year’s morning, in Minnesota winter. So well ,  now I have earned Bragging rights !

My Running Report for 2014

I ran a total of 677 miles in the year 2014. I did start with more dedication in the first half of the year. I stuck to minimum 4 runs per week. The miles per run were less at that time. My run:walk ratio was also leaning a lot on walk. There was some lag in the Summer months, because that's when rest-of-the-life happens.

It is better now, at the end of the year. But I do walk and sometime I lapse into some mind-mode and walk more; only to have something jerk me awake and I start running again. Earlier it were my body limitations - breathing, pains, snot-breaks etc. Now I need to clear my mind limitations.

What got me started running was all the glamor that is Marathon. For years I had watched runners run around Lake Calhoun every summer. I loved the way SRK ran in most of the pictures; with the slow-mo and rousing music - what's not to love. Only thing left was to get started.

I was already biking for 2 summers. Bike is something I enjoyed a lot because of the speed and the toy, which is the bike. So that had built my stamina much better than when I was leading a workout-free life. So I took the leap in Dec-2013 and started with a loop of 1.5 miles lake. Boy was that tough. Here is how some of my early runs went:
11/30 Sat - 3.2 miles - 2 rounds around Centenial - 32F (0C)
11/28 Thurs - 1.5 miles - 1 round around Centenial - 323F (-5C)
11/27 Sat - 3 miles - 2 rounds around Centenial - 43F (6C)
With 4-5 runs per week, I was able to complete 5k (3mile) run/walks. Registering for Races added to the thrill. With 1 race every month, it showed me where I stood in comparison with others and most importantly with myself from previous race.

I was reading a lot as well. There are numerous running magazines that a big help. They share training plans for different capacities and they are a great resources to get started. They also answer many niggling questions that can only comeup with actual field experience.  I have shared most of the articles in a "How to get started with Running - 101" post.

The other useful tool was Facebook app. Most of the runner bloggers post their daily updates on Facebook. Their runs, gears, challenges, Q&A, their past experience, some motivational or fun posters. Each runner is a different personality; I found something that I could connect with and some whom I aspired to become like. Each of their updates helped me learn new things about the sport and get inspired, when I did not feel so . Facebook has the feature of ‘interest lists’. I bunched runners, running magazines, fitness magazines in different interest groups. Just flipping through the runner interest group, helped give me reason to get ready and go out. Refer my post "How to get started with Running - 101" for step-by-step tutorial on this. You can do similar on your favorite app like Instagram, Twitter etc. Nowadays writers are on all social media.

When I ran with someone who did, that’s what opened my eyes to the level of detail that is running  and that too in winter. What was a challenge for me, others did it for warm-up. Running with experienced runner showed me what else was possible.

Along the way I improved my running gear. Now I have a suitcase full of tech shirts, compression pants, sports bras, and winter gear like neck gaiter, ski-mask, caps, head-bands, gloves, mittens, compression socks; handkerchiefs. I must have spent loads of time shopping running gear then party dresses. But these are an investment. They help improve running form and also get you excited to do the drudgery. Same applies to other forms of workouts - get great yoga gear or swim-gear & toys and it will make that workout interesting.

It’s not all hahahehe. There have been up’s & down’s. When you try it for the first time, it seems almost impossible. I questioned the whole sport when the weighing scale stuck at the same number inspite of running regularly for 3-4 months. I have been riddled with self-doubt, on when can I complete x distance in y time. Where was the improvement ? Would there be any or I am going to be stuck in the same speed all my life ? Now I have made my peace, that the speed improvement is going to be as slow & gradual as the grass growing. I may notice the difference only in my race results across time. I also accept that I can lapse back to slower speed, if I lag behind in my training.

All these race experience have been so enriching, I should document them for my own future refrences. I can't bank on my memory to tell me how the exact weather conditions were ? What I wore in such a morning ? What the organisers excelled in ? What they lacked, if that did affect the race experience ? It will benefit anyone else interested in participating in these races for the first time. Plus they were too much fun for me to not revisit them, in photos & text :) I will start blogging my backlog of all races I enjoyed in 2014.

Temp	Name	Date	Distance	2014 Time
10F	Securian Winter Run	25-Jan-2014	5K	48:19 min
-4F	TCM Valentine	8-Feb-2014	5K	44 min
53F	Get in the Gear	26-Apr-2014	10k	1:14 hour
55F + Rain	Lola Half Marathon	7-Jun-2014	Half-Mara	2:50:35 hour
82F	Minnesota Half Marathon	2-Aug-2014	Half-Mara	2:49:05 hour
79F	Minneapolis Duathlon	24-Aug-2014	5K run - 14.5-mile bike - 5K run
64F	Women Run The Cities	28-Sep-2014	10Mile	2:09 hour
58F-65F	Monster Dash	25-Oct-2014	Half-Mara	2:38:41 hour

All of my yearly Run Reports are here.

Parks by Pen

Lake Centennial Park
Sketch with Black Gel Pen

Blue Mountain
Acrylic

 Lake Centennial Park - Fall
Sketch with Black Gel

Monster Dash - 2014 - Race Recap

Monster Dash was not in my list of planned races. I had not even planned so much ahead in the first half of the year. I had registered for Half-Mara at Minneapolis Marathon. And I did show-up at the start line. But the organizers cancelled it. It caused lot of controversy. Lot of disappointment, as it was supposed to be the first Half Marathon Race of my life. No refund of registration fee also hurt. I spent the next few days monitoring the growing comments on their Facebook page. There I learnt about the Lola Half coming up next weekend and quickly went for it. Eventually the organizers came back with some relief offer - $20 to register among their other races of this year. That's how I picked Monster Dash.

Eventually I learnt this was a costumed race, timed right with Halloween. I am not much of a risk taker. I don't think I have even worn a costume for a costume party. So I did not plan to wear any costume. If anyone asked, I planned to say, I was dressed as a runner. Haha.  After finishing the race, I did feel the pinch of missed opportunity, like I often do. But I definitely wanted to see other costumes.

Race morning was the usual rush. Starting point was at the Cathedral at St Paul. The traffic had backed-up on 35E, much before the Exit 106B. It was obvious everyone was going for the race, but there was nothing else to do. The start time was getting close and there was no other option but to get out and start running. I had that luxury as my hubby was driving me. I feel for runners who had driven on their own and obviously could not abandon the car. Some folks in the cars ahead clapped for me as I ran away uphill. Later, I added an extra mile in my training log :)

The sight at the starting point was overwhelming. Huge huge crowd. And majority of them in costumes. I had dragged my family for this race cause I wanted them to see the costumed runners. Eventually I learnt that I was the one who had most fun. They were bored, hungry and cold being in one area. I meanwhile got to see mind-blowing variety of costumes. One in Nun costume and a paper tacked on back saying "Habitual Runner". I figured the pun after an hour maybe. Couples as Hot-dog and Ketchup. Princesses and Superheroes. I so wish I had carried my iPod for pictures, but I did not have any pocket or pouch for it.

Finally the race started. But it was so so crowded, I must have taken 15 minutes to actually start. The route was very picturesque. First along the Summit Avenue, then along the Mississippi River and then on my ever favorite Shepard Road ending at Upper Landing Park in St. Paul. The direction towards end is great - St Paul downtown is constantly looming ahead and the end never seems near. At no point in the race, was I lonely. That's a rarity, because I am always in the back-burner and trudging along alone. This race was that crowded.

I finished the race at 2:38:41 which is my PR :) Maybe the crowds worked for me and pushed me when I could have walked if I was alone. This race was right at the peak of Fall and the temps were pleasant 58F-65F.

Volunteers and water-stops were perfect. Since this was offered in-lieu of Minneapolis Marathon cancellation, I got no additional gear. The medal was exciting enough.

How to get started with Running - 101

I started running in this year and here is all that I learnt in 2014.

1. There is lot of material on running on the internet. And a great place to start is about.com.
2. And here is the great glossary for the running catchwords: http://greatist.com/fitness/ultimate-guide-running-lingo



Training plans:

3. Once you start running, it makes sense to fix a goal and train for it. Every running site provides it own training plan and guidance, for free or fee. Here is one I used. It has a variety from Couch to 5K to 10K to Half and then Marathan. http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
4. Hal Higdon - Marathon Training Guide - Novice 2
5. In general all training plans suggest workout for 4-5 days a week, with other days being rest days. And if you want to up your level, target a weekly increase by 10%. So the guideline is always your own capacity.
6. Many runners and running websites have created Facebook pages. They are great to follow for daily dose of Motivation, Inspiration and Information. Just create a Running interest page on facebook and add them. It won't clutter your regular newsfeed. On a mobile device, I find this a very powerful tool.
  

Stretching:

7. If you plan to run 2-3 times in a  month, then not-stretching is not an issue. But if you want to run the day-after as well, its better you stretch before and after every run. Otherwise the shin pain, maybe hip pain won't let you go again. And that is discouraging. Stretching videos I would recommend:
   
   • How To Stretch for Beginners, Safe Stretches for Full Body Yoga - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZFJpaOD3Cc
   • Pre run stretch  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2q_0qQcBZw
   • Post run stretch - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgu6poYC-lk
   
   

   Cross-training:

8. Practically every training plan accounts for rest days. And those are the days to cross-train. Chose your favorite. Here is a list to help you with that: http://www.runnersworld.com/photos/16-cross-training-activities-to-try



Run gear:

9. Once running catches up, nothing can stop from spurlging on the running gear.
10. Fit: Its better to have comfort fit shirts & pants. That good old image of loose cotton t-shirts and slack pants are best left out. All those loose clothing will flop over our head in case of yoga and provide added resistance incase of running. No use. 
11. And cotton is a sin, go for wick-dry stuff. See next section for details. I haven't run in summer yet, but I plan to use wick-dry, 1 layer with shortest possible sleeve.
12. Yoga mat - awesome for stretching or doing shavaasan (i.e. legit way to nap; just don't snore). Links: Flipkart, Amazon
13. Sport bra for ladies. Stock up on those and get the right match. Guys use bandaid I think, if they need really really long run. I won't write the details, please google.
14. Rash cream - for chaffing that will happen after you try anything new (new speed or distance or new clothes or shoes)
15. Chapstick or lip-balm 
16. Hankerchief or Kleenex - for the snot
17. Phone, ipod, water bottle - depending on your needs.
18. Shoes - this shouldn't be the last in the list, but .... Get running shoe which fit correctly, maybe with a gap in the front. Try out a run in the store. And it needs replacement every 300-400 miles in general.



Winter running gear:

19. This video is the best resource I could find about the right clothing for cold weather running or snow running: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eC5toC0vms
20. 22 Genius Running Hacks For When It’s Cold AF Outside
21. Here is the list for running in sub 30F weather:
• Tech shirts - Layering tech shirts is very useful. In sub-30F, 2-3 shirts and in sub-10F, 3-4 shirts will be needed. What is different about tech shirts, is that they are made of synthetic material and designed to wick the sweat away from your skin. If the cloth touching you skin is wet, pretty soon it will freeze up and frostbite that area of your body. On those lines, cotton is sin in cold weather running. Because cotton absorbs the moisture and keeps it there. So always look for "wick dry". (Target Tech t-shirts)
• Wind-sheeter jacket - to stop wind from entering inside and cooling your core.
• Compression tights - those pants are a blessing to run outside in temps below 60F
• Neck gaiter - protects neck from cold wind. Also from breathing in that freezing air.
• Cap
• Chapstick or lipbalm
• Here is my updated list in new blog post.




Summer Running tips:









I totally love the outdoor runs in spring & fall; even winter. Its summer that I am scared of. The increased heat can tire us easily. Cloth choice should be using current temp + 10F as guideline. Water & electrolyte replacement is important. So is the time of day and location of run.
Both the below articles are very useful giving details to all these choices. Do read through them before start the summer runs.


• Running in the Heat | Runners World
• Tips for running in the Summer heat | Runner Unleashed



Running in Rain:

22. 10 Tips for Running in the Rain - How to Dress for Wet Weather Runs



Race info:

23. Race is such a moral-booster to participate in a race. Numerous website maintain the schedule location-wise. Find one for your location:


• http://www.runningintheusa.com/Race/
• http://www.roadracerunner.com/Races/RunningCalendar.aspx?state=mn
• http://www.halfmarathons.net/usa_half_marathons_minnesota.html
• http://indiarunning.com/marathon-calendar-2014.html


24. Race day gear should be as per the weather of the race day. Be prepared for all variations (like heat & rain on the same morning), coz it can be very unpredictable.
25. Likewise, ensure your cheering squad is dressed for the day. They may have to wait out in the open, exposed to all elements. So they should not forget their umbrellas, wind-jackets, caps and more.



Nutrition:

26. General rule is to have some nutrition if the run is last more than 1 hour. And then every 30-40 minutes. This will help sustain the run and not hit a wall, which pretty much makes us give-up on the long run. 
27. If you run in loops, then leave the food/nutrition with water at your rest stop. If its a no-repeat trail, numerous belts & backpaks are available to carry nutrition with you.
28. Nutrition choices are enormous. It can be locally available fruits (banana, figs, dates) and processed options (clif bars, Gu, beans, gels, electrolyte/gaterade/powerade).
29. The glucose-dense food will quickly nourish after the stores exhausted after 1 hr run. They gives the jump needed to go the extra mile.
30. Long Distance Nutrition Planning



Breathing & Posture:

31. Breathing: Inhale thru nose & exhale via mouth. Beginner tendency is to breathe from mouth. In the long run, it dries up the mouth & throat. So practice to inhale via nose & exhale via mouth.
32. Breathing: The recommended way to breathe is from diaphragm, and not just inflating chest. So the trick, is to tummy-out when inhale and tummy-in when exhale. This needs practice in 3 steps - in daily life, while practice runs and then graduating to when hard runs. 
33. Breathe Like A Pro
34. The Simple Technique That Will Help You Run Longer
35. Running form - in simple terms
36. And then there are whole lot of instructions about body posture. Numerous bloggers & run magazine write about them regularly. Here is a helpful pictorial:






Other tips:

37. While running watch the horizon. Not on the ground or sky. Helps keep the focus. In winter, snow or black ice made me watch the ground a lot and as much I loved the crunch of snow, in spring I realize it's so much freeing now to look away from ground.
38. Mucous generation increases. So carry tissue or hankie to clear nose when needed.
39. Race recovery .



More Links:

40. Stepping Up The Pace: 19 Ways To Shave Down Your Race Time
41. Hal Koerner's Ultrarunning Commandments
42. The Hardest Parts About Being A New Runner
43. http://www.nytimes.com/well/guides/how-to-start-running



Mandatory Buzzfeed lists:

44. 19 Insanely Clever Hacks And Tricks To Improve Your Run
45. 21 Secrets Runners Won’t Tell You
46. 25 Things Non-Runners Don’t Get About Runners
47. 75 Thoughts Every Runner Has While Out For A Run
48. The 71 Stages Of Running A Half Marathon With Little To No Training
49. Watching People Have To Walk Down Stairs After Running A Marathon Is Surprisingly Hilarious
50. 22 Unexpected Things That Happen When You Run Your First Half Marathon
51. All The Worst Things That Happen Running
52. 26.2 Observations That Every First Time Marathon Runner Makes
53. 24 Clever Tips To Get In Shape That Lazy People Will Appreciate




  
 
 


 

Women Run The Cities - 2014 - Race Recap

I don't remember where I first heard about Women Run the Cities, but I liked that it was a Women only race and wanted to try it. It was not my favorite Half-Marathon, but it had a reasonable fee.

 Last Sunday of September was still pleasant beginning of Fall weather. My outfit was perfect for the 64F morning. Race route was starting from Minnehaha Falls park and on the road along the Missisippi river and back. I so wish I had carried my iPod for pictures. But all my summer races without jacket are without any route pictures. I did not train to run with the shoulder patch or belt to carry the iPod.

I finished at 2:09 hours. It was nice and sunny by then. Later spent a few hours in the park with family and taking picures.

The half zip jacket and medal was super-cool. I see myself using it in lot of other workout sessions.

All arrangements were awesome good - packet-pickup, food, water-stops, medals, enthusiatic and helpful volunteers. Only thing they can improve is their website. there is some issue with the way it loads on browser.

Minneapolis Duathlon - 2014 - Recap Plus Biking

I got into the fitness lifestyle via Biking. For few summers, I watched enviously as young crowds zipped around in their bikes, while I was stuck in car lugging grocery and protected from leftover  snow. I was still stuck in the thought, that bikes were for kids. It took me a leap, to believe that nothing was stopping me, except I me myself. I felt no shame about what onlookers thought of me; I was well past that. And I could afford the money needed for bike and accessories; I was no longer the young graduate working through loans. Plus I loved the thrill that came from zipping away on a bike.

That's it, now all that needed to be done, was research and buy. As usual, nothing is perfect. First summer, I bought a mountain bike. It was pretty much first time I had bought a bike. I enjoyed that summer. Due to relocation I had to get rid of it. Next summer I bought another mountain bike. It was faulty with substandard parts, so had to return. By this time, I knew that mountain bike was not for me. It's way bulky and no way I was going into trails. So I needed road bike. Of course its very very expensive, so I settled for a hybrid one.

All this time, my favorite procrastination activity was browsing bike trails in my city & around. Once I traversed all bike trails around lakes and neighborhood, my stamina improved enough for me to dream of running. Lake Calhoun-Harriet were my favorite loppety-loop bike trails. Eventually I did start running and to keep it interesting, signed up for races. And that's how I ended up at Minneapolis Duathlon. Bike and running - something this scary is bound to be enticing :)

Packet pickup was at the Depot hotel, usual one for all Team Ortho races. Its a good landmark to visit. Swag was a Biking shirt and a Pouch to attach to the bike. Pretty useful.

Duathlon was in the last week of August. Hubby dropped me at the start point near Depot Hotel around 6am. It was still dark and the road were lit under florescent street-light. It was not cold at all and later it rose to 80F.

The bike shirt had nice 3 pockets on the back. But I have never practiced running with iPod and don't like that jiggling. So I missed out on some good pictures. Anyway there was not a minute of rest.

Race start was while it was still dark. Transition area was a car lot next to Depot Hotel, where everyone parked bikes. The start corrals were not properly managed. It took a lot of time to start. No mikes were allowed due to sound restrictions. This spot is right in the downtown. From here, the 5K race went via 3rd Avenue Bridge and through the Stone Arch bridge back to the transition point. Bike race went from here through UofM hills (I hate them) to Minnehaha Falls entrance and looped back to start. Next 5K race was the same route as first one. The sights throughout the route was absolute beautiful; especially in the changing lights from dark to mid-morning.

Water points & Powerade were adequate. They even handed out towels at the 5K turnaround. There were photographers around.

I completed the  5K run (3.1 miles) - 14.5-mile bike - 5K run (3.1 miles) in 2:39:13 hours.

I was in the batch of last few finishers. They had started dismantling by the time I finished. And the whole place was cleaned out, by the time I got my bike back and waited for my ride. So I could not show the event stuff to my family, but we spent a relaxing time at the Stone Arch bridge, which was the finish point. This is yet another lovely landmark, to spend an evening with the family. Walk along the bridge and see interesting view of I35W bridge, Mill city museum and St Antony Falls below.

India Fest in StPaul, MN

India Independence Day was celebrated in Minnesota this weekend. It was hosted in Capitol Hills Ground in St Paul. This is the state headquarters.

There were display booth from many Minnesota based Fortune 500 companies like Target & Ameriprise. Twins (baseball team of Minnesota) and batting & bowling booth where kids got a chance to tryout. There were food stalls from many Indian restaurants. All guests, of India and American origin, enjoyed the colorful spread here. Many booths sold sparkly Indian ethnic-wear and kites, while some made henna patterns for the guests.

Talent show was hosted all day on a stage. Many youngsters and other age groups got a chance to showcase their dance, choreography, singing and event management skills. This “India Fest” event is organized every year by “Indian Association of Minnesota” every year (http://www.iamn.org/).

It was attended by more than 10000 people. Mr. B Jayananda Shetty from Udupi participated in the event this year, “It is amazing to watch the organized way of celebration Indian independence day so far from the country and the immense respect America has for India and its people.”

Governor Mark Dayton was the chief guest of honor. He proclaimed it official the “India fest Day”. 4 other senators also addressed the crowds. They acknowledged the contribution of Indian community and immigrants, benefiting USA and the community. Governor hoisted the American flag with American national anthem, followed by Indian flag and national anthem. All participants showed their immense respect for their motherland and the country they adopted to make a living.

Minnesota is known for its cold winter, so everyone is outside to enjoy the summer to its fullest. And Independence day coincided with the best weather day this summer.

Here is the link for coverage of this event in local media. 

Happy Independence Day 2014

1. Mars Mission should inpire us to create more. We should use this mission learnings and invent things to better our on-earth life – better toilet systems,  construction, better hinges , clothing, efficiencies from following a protocol. Like this list - NASA Technologies Benefit Our Lives
2. Dedicated Parks & Recreation department - to improve existing parks and convert existing wastelands or undeveloped areas to more parks. So families can go for picnic. Kids can play every evening.
Everyone can indulge in their health by runner, jogging, biking, soccer, in different park every evening and avoid boredom form killing their healthy pursuits.
Playgrounds for kids to play football/soccer, badminton, track field running
Parks with run trails for everyone to run/jog/walk/bike.
3. Toilet facility - in all areas, remote & populated. More power to Sulabh International.
4. Garbage Chute system to be incorporated across all new high-rises. This will reduce the inefficiencies & indignities of manual aspect of transporting garbage from flat home to outside. 

My I-Day wishes from 2008, 2005 & 2006. I did not realise, I was this behind in blogging my IDay wishlist !