Run Tampa

Green Iguana Trivia Night Photos

Once again Run Tampa rocked the Stadium Green Iguana. Congratulations to the winning team of Tori, Cristina, Orisi, Pat, Traci, Bryan, and Rick! Nice work! Thanks to Tracy Reed for coming up with some great questions. Lots of variety, not too easy, not too hard, well, except for this one: How much of Anticarctica's ice is comprised of penguin urine? And how, how, how did the winning team get that right? It's 3% by the way. We'll do trivia night again soon.

Next month, Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Director Susan Harmeling will be on hand to give us the scoop on this year's Gasparilla festivies. That will be on February 9th.

January 7th Tampa Bayshore Group Run!

If you don't run on the Bayshore, you'll want to when you see these pictures. It's worth getting up early to share a view like this with your running buddies. We'll be running on the Bayshore again on February 19th.

Great COLD Group Run at Flatwoods

It was 47 degrees when we rolled out at Flatwoods this morning, but we were peeling off layers soon after, enjoying a spectacular day. As many times as I've run Flatwoods, I have never before seen an owl, and I would have missed this one if Johanne Caglianone hadn't spotted it. Cinthya Martinez and Eunice Hutto even shared the trail with a family of deer for a ways. Wow!

10 Reasons to Join Us for the Flatwoods Run Tomorrow

Here is a link to a map. The park is at 14071 Morris Bridge Road. By the way, Fletcher becomes Morris Bridge east of where you go under I-75.

1. You'll get to hang with some of the best people in the world.

2. You'll find yourself repeating, "I can't believe how beautiful it is today," over and over.

3. You'll enjoy temps that will make the hot summer months seem a distant memory.

4. You'll run on spectacular single track trails - if you choose to run through the center of the paved loop - which strengthens your ankles, works on your balance, tests your concentration, forces you to pick up your knees to avoid roots, and startles your senses as you appreciate what Mother Nature is serving.

5. You'll run on a 7-mile paved loop - if you choose the loop - which offers water kiosks, a respite from car exhaust and pot holes, and a deer sighting or two.

6. You'll be in the group picture.

7. You'll find that the camaraderie and the scenery so distract you that the distance is hardly noticable, whatever distance you run.

 

8. You'll earn your breakfast.

9. You'll share the trail with wild turkeys, deer, and armadillos.

10. You'll be glad you came, guaranteed, and you'll plan to run with Run Tampa from now on. When people run the trails at Flatwoods or Trout Creek for they first time, invariably, they are so impressed that they pledge to come to as many future runs as possible. 

We meet at the Flatwoods parking lot that is a quarter mile inside the park from the Morris Bridge Road entrance. Do not go to the Bruce B. Downs entrance. If you have trouble finding us, call 813-416-4638. Everyone is invited. There is no fee for the run besides the $2 per car park fee; however, if you regularly enjoy the Run Tampa group runs, membership in the club is appreciated.

As always, you go as far as you want and you fall in with whomever is going your pace. We will have people walking, we will have people running a 7 minute pace, and we will have people running almost every pace in between. Some will be on the off road trails, and some will be on the paved loop; all well be having a wonderful morning. That I can guarantee.

Trout Creek Group Run

Wow! The weather for Sunday's Run Tampa Group Run could not have been better. We met at Trout Creek Wilderness Park, which is on Morris Bridge Road, but, as usual, we ran north from there into Flatwoods. There were 26 of us, including a couple who arrived late and missed the picture.

One group took the berm to Clay Gully to 4 Corners to the paved loop and back. Another took the berm to Squiggy, to Clay Gully, to 4 Corners, to the paved loop, back to the Main and back, and a third group took the berm to the Main to the paved loop, crossed it, and ran on the trails through the middle of the loop to the Y Kiosk and then back to the Main on the paved loop. Two deer sightings and one snake, a harmless black racer. By my count we did a total of 194 miles. Not a bad way to start the day. 

Join us next Sunday for a run on the Bayshore. The run will start later due to the days getting shorter. Check back for the time.

 

 

Join Run Tampa for the Price of a Single Race!

Run Tampa is like no other running club. Besides our weekend group runs that rotate among five different awesome venues, we get together for a party once a month (every 2nd Thursday) at the Stadium Green Iguana, and this is the agenda:

Eat, drink, visit with old friends, make new friends, share race stories, plan new running adventures, laugh hard, feel good.

Oh, and then there are giveaways, great giveaways. At our social last week, I gave away:

A $100 gift certificate to Feet First*
Two nice Adidas aluminum water bottles from Feet First*
Two $20 gift certificates for the Green Iguana*
A massage gift certificate from massage therapist Jeff Livesay, LMT*

And Tia Pettygrue was there representing the St. Pete Rock n Roll Half Marathon. Tia gave away t-shirts, answered questions, and announced a discount code for Run Tampa members that will save them $10!

*Only Run Tampa members and coaching clients are eligible for giveaways, but anyone is invited to attend. Individual membership is only $25 per year, $40 per couple. For that you get a 15% discount on all purchases at Feet First, 10% off all purchases at all Green Iguanas, a sticker for your car that identifies you as a member of Run Tampa, eligibility for prizes at the monthly social AND the knowledge that you are helping Run Tampa continue to grow, support, and encourage the whole Tampa Bay area running community via this website, free weekend group runs, the Run Tampa Facebook group and much more.

Our next event is a group run at Trout Creek next Sunday, October the 23rd, at 7 a.m. As always, all speeds and abilities are welcome. No pressure to "stay with the group." Everyone is encouraged to fall in with other people going their speed/pace. No distance requirement, either. Some people will go 10 to 15 miles, but others will go as little as 2 or 3. Free event, except for $2 park fee. No rules, just fun!

Run Tampa shirts are currently available at Feet First, visors are on order, and 90 more shirts (3 styles) are currently being printed.

Scroll down to see photos from many Run Tampa events.

Join Us for a Beautiful Run on the Bayshore this Saturday

This Saturday, October 1st, the Run Tampa Group Run will be on the Bayshore. Meet at Patriot's Park (intersection of Bay to Bay and Bayshore Blvd.) at 7 a.m. We'll run down to Ballast Point Park, out to the end of the pier and back, always a beautiful run, and the temps are predicted to be in the high 60's! Ooooh-la-la!

Everyone is welcome, all speeds. The run described above is about 5 miles, but if you want to go farther, just continue in the other direction on the Bayshore after you get back to Patriot's Park.

You do not have to be a Run Tampa member to participate; however, if you enjoy running with us on a regular basis, I do appreciate your membership. It's just $25 per year :)

 

Sunday's Clearwater Bridge Group Run

This morning's group run over Clearwater bridges was about as hot as we've experienced all summer, but the view was amazing and the camaraderie was even better. All total, the 30 members of Run Tampa ran over 200 miles. Then most headed over to the Beach Shanty Cafe for a well earned hearty breakfast.

Next week's Run Tampa Group Run will be on the Bayshore. We'll meet at Patriot's Park at 7 a.m. and run down to Ballast Point, out to the end of the pier, and back. People looking for more miles may decide to put in five or ten miles at 5:00 or 6:00 and then return to the park to meet the rest of the group at 7. If you would like to do that, please email Deb or post your plan on the Run Tampa Group Facebook Wall.

Pics From Group Run on 9/11

 
 

Andres Valentin carried the flag throughout the Run Tampa Group Run on the Upper Tampa Bay Trail, on 9/11, receiving many cheers along the way. 
 

 

Dophins, Sunrise, Bayshore, Run Tampa, Oh Yeah!

Easy to see the dolphins at play this morning because the water off the Bayshore was like glass. Great run, everyone!

Michele managed to steer clear of children on bikes, today, or was it vice versa? Johanne's shins gave her five good miles, Rocket Rob and George returned, Laurie put in big miles, Chance showed his speed, Jen shared the story of last weekend's National Triathlon Championship experience, Mandy, Nick and Tiwana made their inaugural appearances, Edwin actually took it a little easier than usual, per his coach's instructions, Kevin shared his remarkable 'before' photos, and Deanna, back from the disabled list, put in an easy five that was supposed to be two or three.  

 
The only thing that could have made the morning better would have been if I could have simultaneously been at the Zoo Run to see the Run Tampa runners there. As I've said before, we need fewer weekdays and long weekends. Then there wouldn't be so many overlaps.

Wet and Wild Trout Creek Run

One of the best things about running in the woods is that it always changes. It was wet out there, today, but Run Tampa had a blast, partly because of the outstanding company, partly because it was cooooooooler out there, 74 degrees when we started!

Next week's group run will be Saturday, on the Bayshore, meeting at Patriot's Park, at 7 a.m.

Double click for larger photo.

 

 

Flatwoods Group Run

The heat index was 105 degrees today. Still, 35 tough runners (not all made it in time for the photo) filled the Flatwoods parking lot and then the trails; some ran the off road trails, some did the paved loop, and some did some of both. You can't really ignore the severe heat at this time of the year, but when you're hanging out with your running friends, at least you can distract each other long enough and well enough to finish your run. Thanks for coming, everyone! You are amazing! And thanks to Mix1 for providing a cooler of ice cold recovery drinks. They were both popular and welcome. Double click the photo to see a larger version.Next week we'll be at Upper Tampa Bay Trail on Saturday. We'll meet at the Channel Park Trail Head on Waters just west of Sheldon. BUT, I hope to see you before that, this Thursday night, at the Stadium Green Iguana, at 7:30, for the monthly Run Tampa party, a refreshing opportunity to hang out with your running friends when you're not running and simultaneously melting.

Great Group Run on Bayshore Sunday

Not sure what the heat index was out on the Bayshore Sunday, but I do know you are all brave, tough, dedicated, committed runners. Thanks for coming! Two people didn't make it to the picture, Madeline, and Jeff. And thanks to Whit Lasseter for providing Mix1 samples for us! See you all next week at Flatwoods. I promise it'll be cooler on the trails.

As Alice Biship said, " It was HOT, but as usual, wonderful company makes up for the heat :-)

Agreed!

Like always, we ran from Patriot's Park to Ballast Point Park, out to the end of the pier, around the park, and back. Some people, in need of more miles, then headed out in the other direction for another five. Nice run, everyone!

Half Marathon Training Program at Al Lopez Park

Most Run Tampa members are deep into half marathon and marathon training. Join Run Tampa's Half Marathon Training Program and take your training to a new level!

• 6 p.m.

• Meet other people training for half marathons and enjoy training with the group

• Weekend long run at varying locations (Trout Creek Park, Flatwoods Park, Upper Tampa Bay Trail, Bayshore, Clearwater Causeway, on and off road options)

• Includes Run Tampa shirt

• Program fee: $45 per month, payable to the City of Tampa

• Training for your first half? Great! It will be so much easier when you train with us. Running more miles is much easier when you are distracted by a great group and and you have an organized workout designed by an experienced coach. Veteran of many half marathons? Great! We will work on speed, endurance, form and injury prevention

• Includes membership in the Run Tampa Club including all member benefits (15% discount at Feet First and 10% discount at Green Iguana), plus monthly drawings at Green Iguana Party on the second Thursday of each month. Monthly drawing includes a gift from Feet First valued at $100

We meet by the flagpole in front of the Cordelia Hunt Rec Center.

When we get together, you'll meet many other people training for the same half marathon as you, and that will make training that much more fun. Look at all the half marathons coming in the next few montghs:

Jan. 15th - St. Pete Beach Classic

Jan 15th - Croom Zoom (trail race)

Jan 22nd - Clearwater Halfathon

Feb 5th - Melbourne & Beaches Half

Feb. 12th - Rock n Roll Half 

March 4th - Gasparilla Distance Classic Half

March 11th - Sarasota Half Marathon

March 18th - Florida Beach Halfathon

April 9th - Fools Run Half (trail race)

April 22nd - Iron Girl Half

Call with questions. Debbie Voiles 813.416.4638.

Group Run Survivors

This morning a hardy group put in some hot miles on the Upper Tampa Bay Trail. The humidity was about as high as it's ever been, but 25 tough Run Tampa souls got out there and, together, put in over 180 miles, not including the miles Deanna put in on her bike. Bill did 19 and was actually still looking strong at the end. Join us next Saturday at Trout Creek and Sunday, the 31st on the Bayshore. All levels are welcome, walkers, too.

Recent Run Tampa Group Runs

The photo below is from the Run Tampa Group Run on June 25th at Flatwoods Wilderness Park. Apologies to the other five people who were there but did not make the photo. Double click the photo to enlarge. These group runs are open to everyone. We meet at a different park each weekend unless we have a group race, which is the case next weekend. Most members of the group are doing either the Dunedin Midnight Run or the Lutz Independence Day 5k. The next weekend, on July  9th, we will run at Dover Trails in Brandon, and on Sunday, July 17th, we'll be running on the Upper Tampa Bay Trail.

For details on our free weekend runs, register in the blue box on the right side of this page (640 have registered already). Then, you will receive the weekly newsletter/invite. Or, join the Facebook Run Tampa Group (775 members). Then you will receive a weekly invite. Run Tampa is for runners of all levels. Never finished a 5k? That's just fine. We have many runners still building their endurance. Training for a half or marathon? Great, you'll find many people to run with. Walkers are welcome, too. 

Our group runs are completely unstructured. In other words, you go as far as you want, as fast as you want. We don't try to stay in a group because we have people of widely divergent ability levels and experience. Most of our runs are on beautiful off road trails, but we do run on the Bayshore and on the Upper Tampa Bay Trail. Got questions? Call 813-416-4638.

Interested in coaching? The Run Tampa Coaching Group meets at Al Lopez Park Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m. We took the month of June off, but we will resume on July 5th. That group includes different workouts appropriate for beginning runners through veterans. Beginning runners work on form, drills, and, most of all, endurance. The veteran group works mostly on speed, but form and drills are addressed as well. The fee is $45 per month or $10 drop-in payable to the City of Tampa.

Remember, though, the weekend group runs are free and everyone is welcome! Scroll down to see photos of many other weekend runs.

Below is the Run Tampa Group Run at Lake Park: The early group started at the Northdale entrance and ran through Northdale and into the back entrance of Lake Park.

This is the 8:00 Lake Park group.

Run Tampa Bayshore Run in June.

Speed Work or Just a Fun Run at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, UTBT

Join us for speed work or just a chance to run a few Run Tampa miles on the Upper Tampa Bay Trail followed by dinner someplace nearby. We'll meet at the kiosk that's just south of Ehrlich Road. Park in the public lot just east of where the trail crosses Ehrlich Road. Take the Veteran's Expressway to Ehrlich and travel west until you see the sign that says Public Parking on the left. Park there and walk along the Ehrlich sidewalk toward Ballyhoo's Restaurant. The trail is next to the restaurant. Then we'll grab a bite to eat someplace nearby :)

Run With a Group and Enhance the Experience

Do you run with a group?

If you don't, I wish you'd give it a try. For many years, I ran alone, enjoyed it and benefited from the exercise and the relaxation, but once I started running with other people, I discovered a whole new experience.  

If you establish the habit of running with a group, it will bring you into a community of positive, cheerful people.

 

My runners go home with the satisfaction
of knowing they've nurtured their bodies with exercise, but I wonder if they recognize the equally important benefit of time spent laughing and chatting with friends, supporting and encouraging each other, not just in their running accomplishments, but in the events of their daily lives, shared over the weeks and months spent together. 

They become friends that share a bond, developing an empowering camaraderie. The energy of the group, mental and physical, is much greater than each individual within it.

Research shows that people who have more friends live longer, and that the more time spent with friends and family, the longer they live. That’s not rocket science, is it? Yet, this topic seems to get little attention.

When you run with a group, it becomes your second family, your network, your extended support system. If you are a distance runner, then you cover lots of topics while out on long runs with your friends. Over the months and years, few topics will be off limits. 

Run Tampa meets at a different park each weekend. Why not establish the running-with-a-group habit? The weekend group run is free and the public is always invited. Just register in the blue box on this site to receive the weekly newsletter/invite with all the details. I do not make any effort to keep people together on the run because I don't want anyone to feel run at an uncomfortable pace. I introduce everyone before the run. No pressure, no stress, just friends out for a fun run! 

If you'd like to train with a group several days a week, my Coaching Group and Beginning Runner groups meet on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 6 p.m. We've been meeting at Al Lopez Park, but now, The City is requiring me to become a contractor; therefore, we are on a brief hiatus until that paperwork is processed. I hope to resume at the beginning of July, bigger and better. There is a $45 per month fee for that group because it is coached, by me of course. I break it up into four levels: Walkers, Walk-to-Runners, Beginning Runners, and Veteran Runners. The veteran runners do speed work; the others are mainly concerned with building endurance, and all work on form, overall fitness. There is a place for anyone. Check out this testimonial from Angela Myers.    

If you'd like more information about any of these group activies, email deb@runtampa.com or call 813-416-4638. I hope to be running with you soon.

 

 

Nothing Beats Running the Trout Creek and Flatwoods Trails With 32 Friends

It's always cooler on the trails, even early in the morning, and so it was for the Run Tampa Group Run today. The main group took the Main Trail from Trout Creek into Flatwoods, but Wendy lead a subgroup on the slightly more challenging Panther Trail. Some did three or four miles, while some did 10 or more.

Tori was our trail blazer, an important position because the first person down the trail has the not-so-great job of tackling any spider webs that formed overnight; I ran to and fro, as usual, and managed, somehow, to get myself into some very strange black goo (watch for a separate post on MojoforRunning.com), but we all returned safe and sound, albeit a bit dirty and sweaty, but the company was grand, that's for sure. We'll be back out that way for another run in a few weeks.

Click the photo to see full size version.

Come out and join us for our next Run Tampa Group Run on Bayshore Saturday, the 4th, at 7 a.m. We'll meet at Patriot's Park.

Run Tampa, Keepin' Busy

No point sitting around when we've got this much fun to be had. It's getting hot out there, but I find that hanging out with friends offsets many degrees, and you'll have plenty of opportunity for that in the next several weeks.

Next weekend: Saturday, Group Run at Trout Creek, also 7 a.m. It's always several degrees cooler on these beautiful, shaded off road trails, but you'll also have the option of running on the berm if you would prefer. It's all good.

June 4th: Saturday, Run Tampa Group Run on the Bayshore. Meet at 7 a.m. at Patriot's Park. There is a reason why this sidewalk is so famous. 

June 11th:  Saturday, Run Tampa's weekend event will be the RAP River Run in New Port Richey. We've already got 48 committed for this race. Are you registered? This is a very family friendly race, but you must sign up now to get the family discount.

June 18th:  Saturday, I'll be at the Champion's Mud Bash. Many people missed out on the Warrior Dash. To this day they are regretting not doing it. Well, there's still time to register for this one. I'll be in the 10:30 wave. We've already got 44 people committed. I'm starting to hear lots of chatter about this race. People are planning their costumes. No, you don't have to wear one, but many will. I know of a couple of people who will be sporting tutus. What are you planning?

Photos and Shirts: Lots of great photo opps at all these events. Do you have a Run Tampa shirt. They sure do help me find Run Tampa members, and you can order right here on this site. Click the 'Apparel' button in the menu bar. Come join us, have fun, make new friends, get in those miles, as fast as you want, as far as you want. You're the boss. There is just one rule:  Have fun!

Lake Rogers Park Group Run

The temperature was just right, the trail was perfect, and the camaraderie was even better. We met, we took a photo, and by 8:10, we were on the trail around Lake Rogers, 24 of us, compiling a total of around 140  miles. Next weekend our Run Tampa Group Run will be on the Upper Tampa Bay Trail at 8 a.m., on Sunday morning. We'll meet at the Channel Park Trail Head on Waters Avenue. Hope you can make it.

Group Run at Lake Rogers Park, 8 a.m., Sunday, April 3rd

Our Run Tampa Group Run will be at Lake Rogers Park in Odessa, tomorrow, at 8:00 a.m. Come one, come all, runners, walkers, all speeds, all distances. There is no drinking water at the park in the kiosk anymore; I guess that's due to budgetary cutbacks, so you may want to bring some.

If you want to google the park, the address is at 9586 N. Mobley Road. Here is a map. From Sickles High School on Gunn, travel north about two miles until you come to N. Mobley Road. You'll see a big sign on your left that says, "Fox's Corners." Turn there. The park is on your left less than half a mile down.

And just in case you're worried that the trail might be wet from all that rain, don't be. I just ran there, and the trail is in excellent condition. No water on the trail and no mud, either. The sandy areas are harder packed than usual, making conditions ideal.

I'll have a drawing for a massage gift certificate contributed by LMT Erin Howlett and coupons for The Yogurt Spot.

Remember, there is a $2 Hillsborough County Parks fee.

Busy Run Tampa Running/Training Weekend

Run Tampa pics from a weekend of running. A group of us met at Croom Saturday to run the 14 mile orange loop, but most of us managed to do a bit more than that. That was our last Croom run prior to the Croom Fools Run on April 9th.

Then, Saturday night, I attended the Team Psyche Triathlon Club social. What a great group. If you are not only a runner, but also a triathlete, like me, I suggest you check out that group. If you are thinking about becomeing a triathlete, now is the time because we have a whole summer of sprint triathlons ahead of us.

Then, today, Sunday, was the official group activity for the weekend, a group run from Patriot's Park on the Bayshore to Ballast Point Park, out to the end of the pier, and back. 

As usual, we got to see the sunrise and watched dolphins at play. Spectacular. The next Run Tampa Group Run will be at Lake Rogers Park, in Odessa, Sunday, April 3rd, at 8:00. If you haven't checked out this running venue, I highly recommend it. It's a little chunk of wilderness just 10 minutes north of Citrus Park Mall in the northwest part of the county, easily accessible from the Veterans/Suncoast Expressway.

Let's Run Through the Woods

Sunday, at 8 a.m., we'll meet at Trout Creek Wilderness Park to run through the woods of Flatwoods Park. When was the last time you and Mother Nature were nose to nose?

When was the last time you felt the dampness of woods, trod over soft leaves, hopped over a root or two, caught sight of a deer, smelled pine needles, touched the rough bark of a lovely tree, surprised a group of wild turkeys? 

Isabel and I rounded a bend at Flatwoods in December to discover a large wild sheep. We watched it trot over the levee and out of sight.

Then, there was the huge buck that dashed across the trail in front of me a while back. I'd never seen such a big deer, but Andres tells me that one is legendary in the park. I felt honored to have seen his majesty.

" I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in." - John Muir

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived." - Henry David Thoreau

"Adopt the pace of nature:  her secret is patience."  -Ralph Waldo Emerson

"I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright."  Henry David Thoreau

"To me a lush carpet of pine needles or spongy grass is more welcome than the most luxurious Persian rug."  -Helen Keller

Join us for a beautiful trail run. Go as fast as you want, as far as you want, and turn around when you want. 

 

Voice is Almost Gone But Had Fun Losing It

From non-runners to seasoned runners, I feel like I made a hundred new friends today at a Health Fair at the Tampa General Hospital cafeteria. Lots of fun. I just love being a running evangelist. First I'd ask, "Are you a runner?" and if they said no, I said, "Do you want to be?"

It's amazing just how many people have always wanted to run and how many people used to run but have stopped at some point and want to return to that fitness level. I spent lots of time telling people about my Become a Runner program. We start out with just ten steps of running at a time. When I tell people that, virtually everyone says, "I could do that." It's an affirmation that might just be life changing. 

If you know anyone who would like to be a runner, please send them to me. I have Become a Runner classes Tuesdeay and Thursday mornings at 8:30 a.m. and Monday and Wednesday nights at 6 p.m. And, as I explained to many people, today, if I can get a class together, I'd like to start a Monday/Wednesday class at 4:30 p.m., too. Everyone and anyone is invited to come and join us for a week - no charge - to try it out.

I met some experienced, active runners, too, and you know how runners like to talk shop. Oh, yeah. My voice is almost gone, I admit, but I sure had fun losing it : )

I always say runners are the best, friendliest people on earth. That's how I knew those people should be runners, because they all had the personality for it. But they are in the business of caregiving, so it makes sense. They spend their days - or nights - or both nurturing other souls.

I met many walkers, too, and I encouraged them to join us for the weekend group run/walk. Walking is great exercise, too, and I know they would all enjoy basking in the beauty of Mother Nature with us as we explore beautiful off road trails.

I get to talking about running with these people and talking about Run Tampa people, and I feel an endorphin surge similar to what kicks about 5 miles into a run. Great fun!

Many of the people I met today are doing one of the Gasparilla races. If people do just one race per year in Tampa, it seems like that's the one they choose, and for good reason. I'll have a Run Tampa booth at the 8 On Your Side Fitness Expo, and hope everyone will drop by. Watch this site for news about a contest that will require stopping by my booth.

Whether you are a runner or walker. Whether you are one of the people I met today, or someone I hope to meet. I hope you'll join Run Tampa by either joining the Facebook group or registering in the blue box on this page. You'll then get invites to the weekly runs and it you come, you'll enjoy great camaraderie and improved fitness.

Next weekend the group will meet in Brandon at Dover Trails on Hwy 60. Watch for the invite to go out tomorrow.

Busy Running Weekend Ahead

Here's a preview just in case you're still in the planning stage:

Tomorrow is the Run Tampa Group Run on the Upper Tampa Bay Trail. You should have received an invite with all the details earlier this week. If you didn't, be sure to register (in the blue box to the right) to receive the weekly newsletter with the details of that week's event. I'm expecting 20 to 25 people of very varied levels, and they will be doing anywhere from 3 to at least 10 miles, maybe more.

Also tomorrow is Dances With Dirt, a trail race in the Green Swamp area of the Withlacoochee National Forest. I did this race last year. If you're doing it, be prepared to run through at least a couple of streams and be vigilant to keep track of the trail. There are five different race distances, 10k thru 50 mile. Depending on which race you do, you follow a ribbon that indicates which way to go. If your concentration fails you, you could end up going off course for many miles. It's a challenge, but then we love challenges!

Sunday is the Flatwoods Ramble 5k and 10 mile, which replaces the Flatwoods 4. If you go to the site, you can check out the new course. This is always a popular event. If you've been joining us for our Run Tampa Flatwoods group runs, you should be very familiar with the course.

The Chilly Willy Duathlon is at Ft. Desoto on Sunday. This is a run/bike/run event. Details here.

Also on Saturday: Honest Abe 5k, Wesley Chapel; Hero Run 5k, Starkey Park; Race for Red Cross Cupid Shuffle 5k/10k, Cory Lake Isles; Suncoast Classic 5k/10k, St. Pete.

Misc Run Tampa Photos from a Busy Running Week

Run Tampa was all over the place this weekend. One group did the FishHawk 5k,10k in Lithia, another ran at Trout Creek, and others ran the Melbourne & Beaches Music Marathon and Half. Lots of running, lots of fun. Next week's group event will be a Run Tampa Group Run on the Upper Tampa Bay Trail on Saturday at 7:00 a.m. 

 

Warrior Dash, Saturday, and Group Run, Sunday

I hope to see many Run Tampa runners at the Warrior Dash in Lake Wales on Saturday. Please be sure to find me so I can get your photo. After my 10:30 wave, I may be difficult to identify because, apparently, I'll be covered in mud, but I will have my trusty waterproof (mudproof?) camera, and I plan to have an awesome, muddy, slide show posted here next week. I want as many people in it as possible. Then join us for the Run Tampa group run on Sunday, and we'll swap 'warrior' stories :)

Lake Park Group Run, Sunday, the 30th:

Lake Park, not to be confused with Lake Rogers Park, is on the west side of North Dale Mabry Hwy (17302) just south of Van Dyke Road. There is a two mile hard packed dirt loop with water kiosks. Nice wide trail with no roots. We'll do at least two loops.

Map to Lake Park.

 If you want a much longer run, some of us will meet at the shopping center at the entrance to Northdale and run through Northdale to the soccer field and from there on the trail that goes to the back  entrance to the park on Whirley Road. Here is a map to show you that route. it is 3.15 miles one way, so would add 3.3 miles to whatever you do going around the 2 mile loop in the park. Those of us running from Northdale will leave from the Walgreens (15602 N. Dale Mabry) parking lot on the corner at 7:20.

Map of the route from the Walgreens in Northdale.

We'll all meet at the playground in the back of Lake Park. If you're coming in the front entrance, you'll take a right from the short entrance road, the the next left which will take you past a playground and picnic area on your right. Continue on until you come to a big clearing in front of you and another playground on the right. That's where we'll meet. It is near the bathroom and near the start of the 2 mile loop.

This park doesn't open until 8:00. Bring $2 park fee.

 

January 22nd Group Run on the Bayshore

We started our Run Tampa Group Run at Ballast Point Park this morning, and it worked out well. I had checked yesterday to make sure Ballast Point Park would be open this morning; I was worried that the City might be using it as a staging area for floats or something. No problem there, but we did find it challenging to get to the park due to road closures. The Bayshore was closed to traffic for example. That made it hard to get to the park, but it was nice to run on the street rather than the sidewalk for part of our run, and imagine our delight to discover many, many portajohns along the Bayshore. Now, they didn't exactly add to its beauty, but if you're a runner, and you run on the Bayshore, you know that we NEED bathrooms on the Bayshore. Indeed it is one of the most beautiful sidewalks in the country, but with no bathrooms for the public, it will never live up to its billing as a park.

It was colder than we had expected, but as usual, once we got moving, it was great weather for a run. 

Tomorrow, we'll have a group run at Croom. Should be freeeeeeeeeezing cold, in the 20's! Yikes!

Join us next weekend on Sunday, the 30th, at Lake Park on North Dale Mabry at 8:00. If you are not getting the weekly invites with all the details about our Run Tampa Group Runs, be sure to sign up by putting your email and name in the blue box in the column to the right. Then you'll receive an email each week with all the details about that week's group run.

Group Runs: Bayshore on Saturday and Croom on Sunday

This weekend, for the first time, we'll have two group runs, Saturday on the Bayshore and Sunday at Croom. If you're registered with this site, you should have received the newsletter with the details. Sunday's run will be any distance. Sunday's run will be a minimum of 8 miles. Something for everyone.Everybody in Tampa is familiar with the Bayshore, but I'm sure some people have never been to Croom. Check out the slide show below. It includes some pics of Sunday's Croom Zoom race as well as pics from the John Holmes Trail Race and Fun Run in October. Croom is in the Withlacoochee Forest about an hour north of Tampa. (Below is a flash slide show.)

New Year's Eve Morning Run in Brandon

No 'official' Run Tampa group run this weekend, but John Roosen and others from my coaching group will be running at Sydney Dover Trails in Brandon, at 8 a.m. tomorrow, New Year's Eve MORNING. Thanks, John. Have a great run!

If I positive feedback, I'll start including a run at that park in our group run rotation. 

Directions: Highway 60 east approx 1/2 mile past Dover Road. Parking lot for about 20 cars. 

Info about the park here.

Next week we'll meet on Sunday, the 9th for a group run at Trout Creek at 8 a.m.

 

Wet But Wonderful Group Run, Many Miles, Many Smiles

It may have been a bit cool, and it was definitely wet, but 18 hardy Run Tampa runners (6 didn't make it in time for the photo) summoned the courage to leave the comfort of warm beds to put in their Saturday miles on the Upper Tampa Bay Trail.

We had a couple people do two miles today, and we had two people, Tia and Lisa, do 20 miles, their last long run before the Princess Half. It was all good. Left to right: Bob Meissner, Rob Reifert, Bryce Sutton, Lee Casteris, Michael Kimling, Ryan Dorrell, Tia Pettygrue, Rick Young, Kevin Cook, Lisa Benjamin, Diane Bennett, Sherry Scallon, Dario Vasquez.

It was cold and wet this morning, but between us, we probably put in 150 miles. Now, that's a morning well spent. It wasn't terribly cold and the rain, while steady, never turned into a downpour, actually, not bad weather for a run, and the camaraderie was top notch.

Next week we'll meet on Sunday at Lake Rogers Park on North Mobley Road at 8 a.m. for our Run Tampa Group Run.

Group Run on Upper Tampa Bay Trail Saturday

For this weekend's Run Tampa Group Run, we'll meet at 7 a.m. Saturday next to the south side of the Gunn Hwy pedestrian overpass of the Upper Tampa Bay Trail. If you are travelling on the Veterans Expressway, take the Gunn Hwy exit and go west. You'll immediately see the overpass. That's the trail. We'll meet on the east side of the base of the overpass.

This is a 7.5 mile paved linear trail; so to each end and back is 15 miles, but turn around anytime. We don't all try to stay together; everyone just falls in with someone else going their pace. We'll have people going various distances from 2 to 20 miles. It's easy to add miles by looping into adjacent neighborhoods. Everybody goes their own pace and whatever distance they choose. No rules, just fun!

Are You in One of These Group Photos? Join us Sunday at Flatwoods to be in the Next One

Meet Sunday, 7 a.m., at the Morris Bridge entrance. You will have the option of running through the center of the paved loop on beautiful wooded trails or staying on the paved 7 mile loop.

Play "Where in the world is 'fill in your name' and I've got a Run Tampa t-shirt for the person who appears in the most photos on this page, and I have cotton Run Tampa tees for 2nd and 3rd. I have lots more photos, so we'll play this again soon.

I'll have Run Tampa shirts with me Sunday, short sleeved technical $20 and cotton/poly $20.

 

Our Run Tampa group runs rotate among these Hillsborough County and City of Tampa parks: Trout Creek, Flatwoods, Lake Park, Bayshore, Lake Rogers and Upper Tampa Bay Trail. Soon, we will be adding a run in the Brandon area. Let me know if you have any suggestions regarding a good location for that run. Some weekends we have a designated group race instead of the group run. To receive the weekly group run invites, register in the blue box to the right or join the Run Tampa Facebook group. 

Join Us Saturday at Trout Creek Park

Check out the lovely sunrise we enjoyed at last weekend's group run on the Bayshore and make plans to be in the picture we take this week before we run at Trout Creek.

We'll meet in the main parking lot at Trout Creek Wilderness Park (12550 Morris Bridge Road, Thonotosassa 33592) on Saturday, Oct. 2nd, at 7 a.m. This time we'll explore a different trail. We'll run north on the levee, over the river, and down onto the Main trail into Flatwoods, but we'll then take the Panther trail, which skirts a lake before taking you to the paved trail. 

The distance is about 3.5 miles to that point. Then you'll have the choice of returning as you came, going left, and taking the levee trail all the way back, or going back to where we turned off of the Main Trail and then continuing on into the middle of the paved loop like last time.

This park is located a mile or so east of the junction of 56th Street and Fletcher. Fletcher becomes Morris Bridge Road along there. Once you pass under I-75, the park entrance will be on your left.

Map: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?client=safari&oe=UTF-8&ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&t=h&msid=103529447060954840677.000473519f7b9bac1a6fd&ll=28.087277,-82.342873&spn=0.034605,0.077162&z=14

This will be an entirely off road run, distances from a couple of miles to whatever. 

Go as far as you want, as fast as you want, turn around when you want. 

There is no water on the trail, so bring water with you AND bug spray.

This is a beautiful run. If you haven't joined us, please come. Shower, restrooms and water next to the parking lot.

$2 park entrance fee per car. Call with questions 813-416-4638. I'll also post a map on the Run Tampa group page.

 

Over the Bridge and Through the Woods

Today's Run Tampa Group Run took us up the levee, over the river and through the woods. We started at Trout Creek Park but did most of the running at Flatwoods Wilderness Park. About half of the group went all the way through the middle of the Flatwoods paved loop before heading back to Trout Creek.

Happy to welcome six new people today. Several runners did their longest run ever and came back tired but glowing after the experience. It was even starting to feel a bit like fall out there.

  

Join us for next week's Run Tampa Group Run on the Bayshore, on Sunday at 7 a.m. We'll start at Patriot's Park (intersection of Bayshore and Bay to Bay) and run to Ballast Point Park, out to the end of the pier and back, around 5 miles. Some of us may start around 5:00 to get in a really long run. If we do, we'll return to Patriot's Park at 7:00 to hook up with everyone else. But, even if you just want to do two or three miles, please come and join us.

Just want to walk? Hey, that's fine. No rules! There's nothing like watching the sun rise over the downtown skyline. Remember, these runs are completely unstructured. You go as far as you want, as fast as you want, and turn around when you want. All speeds and experience levels are always welcome. For Run Tampa information, call 813-416-4638 or email deb@runtampa.com.

Run Tampa is Doing the HCSO Ranch Run 5k on Saturday

This weekend Run Tampa will be doing the HCSO Ranch Run 5k at Temple Terrace Elementary School,124 Flotto Avenue, in Temple Terrace, on Saturday, for our weekend run. It starts at 8:00 a.m., and while pre-registration is closed, there will be race day registration. 

 

74 Degrees for Lake Rogers Park Group Run

I made special arrangements for 74 degree temperatures and lower humidity for Saturday's Run Tampa Group Run at Lake Rogers Park in Odessa, and I am happy to say that everyone appreciated it.

Important note about park hours: We started our run at 7 a.m., as usual, but when we arrived at the park, the ranger informed us that beginning today, Sunday, the 29th, the park would open at 8 a.m. as the result of cutbacks, which require cutting back on park hours. Unfortunately, that's just too late for us to schedule our group runs; so, we won't be able to have group runs at Lake Rogers Park in the foreseeable future.  Bummer :(

I understand about cutbacks, but the hours of 8 to 6 make it impossible for anyone to run before or after work. I wish they had just decided to close earlier, particularly since it's so often rainy at that time. Or, why not close one extra day during the week?

The Northwest EquestrianTrails, on South Mobley Road, across from Ed Radice Sports Complex, are open and that park has about 7 miles of trails, BUT they are not patroled by rangers. Perhaps we will schedule a group run there. Let me know what you think.

Next week we'll meet for our group run at Temple Terrace Elementary School and run the course route for the HCSO Ranch Run 5k which is the following Saturday. What better way to prepare for a great race?

Last Saturday's Group Run on Upper Tampa Bay Trail & Next Saturday's Run at Lake Rogers Park

Excellent group run yesterday. We had 22 people (not all arrived in time for the photo, though). Some went a few miles; others went many more. When we started, it was pretty hot, but eventually, the heavens opened up and cooled us off. Glad we got to enjoy one more run on the trail before that section closes for a couple of months. If you usually run on that part of the trail, between Gardner and Manhattan, maybe you'll make plans to join us for our weekly trail runs in the weeks to come. Next weekend, on Saturday, August 28th, we will run at beautiful Lake Rogers Park in Odessa, on North Mobley Road. The trail at the park is a 2.1 mile lovely, shaded, off road loop. Go around once, twice, or as many loops as you'd like. There are three water kiosks along the loop. Park in the main parking lot, which is the second you come to as you travel west from Gunn.

Many runners are looking for longer mileage at this time of the year as they prepare for marathons in the fall; therefore, a group of us will park at Northwest Elementary on Hutchison and run to Lake Rogers Park in Odessa. We will plan to be at Lake Rogers Park when it opens at 7 a.m., so we'll meet at the school at 6:15 a.m. That'll be around 8 miles with one loop around the park or 10 miles for two loops, etc. Some people may even plan to meet earlier and do even more miles before heading for the park. Contact me if you want to arrange that. But people who don't want to go that far can join us at the park at 7 a.m, and we'll run the loop together.

Here is a map of the run from Northwest Elementary to the park.

The run from the school to the park is north on the sidewalk along Hutchison to west on North Mobley, across Gunn, then 1/2 mi. to the park. It's a great, scenic run, especially in the early morning.

Run Tampa Group Run on Famous Bayshore Sidewalk, Sunday, August 15th, 7 a.m.

Join us S U N D A Y morning , August 15th, for a great Run Tampa group run on the famous Bayshore sidewalk, site of the acclaimed Gasparilla Distance Classic and 5k. It's not too early to start thinking about that race! If you've never done it before, now's the time to start training; make it your goal and train with us.

We'll depart from Patriot's Park at 7 a.m. and run to Ballast Point Park, which is about 2.5 miles. Beautiful run! We almost always see dolphins!

Patriot's Park is at the intersection of Bay to Bay and Bayshore Blvd.

If you have trouble finding the park or us, call Deb at 813-416-4638.

We'll run out to the end of the pier, then circle around on the jogging path in the park before returning to Patriot's Park. Bathrooms and water fountain at the park.

That's around 5 miles; however, don't feel like you have to go that far. Turn around at any point. No minimum distance, and walk if you want. That's fine, too.

No rules, here, just fun!

Runners in pursuit of more mileage will continue in the other direction towards downtown. Or, people wanting to do more miles might want to meet at 5:45 or 6 a.m. and return to the park at 7 to join everyone else for the last segment of their long run, a good option for people training for a marathon, but make sure you're in a group for safety before dawn.

All speeds, no rules, no fee; everyone is welcome. If you've never joined a group run, please give it a try. No one will push you to go farther than you want to go, and I always encourage everyone to go their own pace.

We will have some people walking the whole distance and others doing a walk/run. You do what you want to do. We'll just be glad you came! Good way to get started running and be inspired and encouraged by others!