Run Tampa

MADD Dash Resolution 5K Run

Well, the 2008 MADD Dash Resolution Run at Tampa's Al Lopez Park is history, and what an awesome event. Race Director Dana Felice, once again, put on a wonderful event with the help of a cadre of Take the First Step Club volunteers and many generous sponsors.

Runners were encouraged to create a resolution sign proclaiming their New Year's Resolution to wear on their back during the race. Some of the signs read 'Eat Better,' 'Lose 10 lbs.,' 'Get More Rest,' 'Smile More, Frown Less,' 'Run Every Day,' and 'Eat More Veggies.'

Last Minute Gift Ideas for Runners

Okay, if you are like me and haven't finished your shopping, like me, you are probably getting a bit stressed. I hope not. I thought this would be a good time to provide some ideas of gifts for runners, so here is my list.

• At the more expensive end, every runner enjoys buying running shoes, and anyone who does a lot of running will go through a pair in only three months, maybe less. Also, consider that experts recommend having at least two pair and swapping them out for a variety of reasons.
• If the person you're buying for ever runs off road, then a pair of trail shoes might be just the ticket. If you don't know what kind, just get the off road version of the model they wear on road.
• If the person likes to be different or  is the person who already 'has everything,' try a pair of Vibrum Five Fingers shoes. They are the closest thing to barefoot I've ever seen, and while they probably don't have the necessary cushioning for running, they would be fun to have - a great conversation piece - for yoga classes and the like. Locally, Tampa Bay Outfitters carries them in South Tampa. Google them to get a description.

Say No to Drugs '08

Say No to Drugs photos are posted here. Over a thousand runners participated in either the 5K or 10K. The 5K and 10K were followed by a pancake breakfast. Click on the link above to see all 37 photos in high resolution.
 

So Many Simultaneous Races

There are no fewer than four races this coming Saturday morning and nary a race on Sunday, at least not any that are in the same vicinity. If you click on 'Calendar' above, you will discover races in Tarpon Springs, Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg. How does that happen? There are no races Friday night, either.
A night race at this time of year seems like a great idea with such beautiful light displays all over town. Could be a huge hit. I'd love to see a race along Bayshore or through downtown Tampa or through a residential area. People would go out of their  way to decorate if they knew a race would be passing by. The Boley Run in St. Pete is at night, winding along the waterfront, leaving from the Pier. What a good idea.

Tampa Bay Lightning Reindeer Run

Hundreds if not thousands of people converged on downtown Tampa Saturday for the Tampa Bay Lightning  Reindeer Run. There was a competition among schools to see which could get the most entries. I don't  know who won, but there were a lot of young people in the races wearing their school shirts.

The photos from the race are now posted. Go to the PHOTOS link in the menu bar above. More information to come.

Still looking for information about the results, etc., and will post when I locate that information. In the meantime, enjoy the pictures.

Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis at Lowry Park

On December 6th, several hundred runners competed in the Jingle Bell 5K Run and Santa Chase at Lowry Park Zoo. I saw lots of happy faces, many wearing Santa hats or reindeer ears.

The award for most money raised, went to Mandy Tyler-Sedlund, who raised $1,340 from 29 participants. Congratulations Mandy!

Click here to see 70 photos.

As an ex-teacher, I am so pleased to see so many families competing together. There seems to be a move afoot among some wonderful parents to include the whole family in this great sport. As I go from race to race, I keep seeing the same families.