Minnesota runners are a dedicated bunch, but even the most determined who went out in today's drizzle looked pretty miserable in the rain. Running on a cold, calm winter day with enough layers to keep warm is a fine way to get exercise, but running in the cold, snow, rain or wind is much less enjoyable.
So from today, Minnesota runners can take their evening runs inside from Tuesday November 24, when the Minnesota Distance Runners Association's bi-weekly running nights at the Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis start for the winter. The MDRA and the Metrodome open the dome for running between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday evening, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, until March 11. Entrance costs $1 and parking is free in the upper Metrodome parking lot.
Rollerblades were invented in Minnesota, and by the looks of most paved trails and scenic paths in the summer, Minnesotans love their home grown invention. And, thanks again to the Metrodome, inline skaters, and rollerskaters and rollerskiiers, can skate around the Metrodomes' upper and lower concourses without snagging their wheels on the ice at Rollerdome events.
The upper level of the Metrodome is for advanced and fitness skaters, and the lower levels is for families and beginners. The Rollerdome opened at the beginning of November and will continue until the end of March. The dome is opened to skaters an average of three days a week, fitting around other events at the dome. Entry to the Rollerdome is $6.50, with discounts for children, seniors and students. Skate rental is $5, safety gear is free to borrow, parking is free, and there's a free coat check.
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