Run Tampa

Women's Half Marathon, 2011

Wow! Congratulations, everyone! The slide show below may take a few moments to load. Double click on the slide show to see it in a larger mode. 

Run Tampa Really Performed at Richard's Run!

Wow! What a night! I kept hearing PR, PR, PR, over and over and, no, the course was not short, our runners were just fast, fast, fast. Congratulations to everyone! Lots of new bling! Lots of smiles!

A special high five to Tracy Reed! He broke 20 minutes for the first time and won his age group! I know I'll leave someone off if I try to list all the PR's, and it was so crowded that I didn't get to see everyone after the race, but I know we had at least 14 PR's. 14! That's amazing! 

Then some people went out and raced again this morning, some at the Northdale Pumpkin Run and at least one at the Antioch 5k. Kudos for those people for doing two races in 14 hours! I'll have those pics posted in a separate slide show tomorrow. 

The slide show is below, but it may take a few moments to load.

Richard's Run for Life 5k TONIGHT

This weekend's Run Tampa event is the Richard's Run for Life 5k TONIGHT in Ybor City.

David, my husband, is coming along to be our own Run Tampa paparazzi! Be sure to wear your Run Tampa shirt so he'll know who to photograph.

We should have at least 50 people there. We'll take a group pic adjacent to the starting line 30 minutes before the race start.

You can register tonight from 5:00, so it's not too late to decide. Check back here for a slide show tomorrow.

This event is well known because it supports a great cause, cancer research, has a history of being well organized, and boasts one of the best post race parties around. Bring your non-runner friends, too. They can participate in the festivities for a $20 donation. $10 for kids under 12. This is a kid friendly, family friendly event. 

We've already got 46 confirmed attending. Should be great fun!

If you aren't yet registered, you can still late register, but you won't get a t-shirt. Online registration ends Nov. 2nd, but you can register at the race site on race day, Friday, from 5:00 p.m.

Packet pickup is at the Ybor City Columbia Restaurant on Thursday, November 3rd, from 10 to 6. There will be no race registration at that time.

Check out the post race menu:

• The Columbia Restaurant's "1905 Salad," paella, and black beans and rice
• Cha Cha's Guava BBQ Ribs
• Moe's Tacos
• Michelob Ultra Beer

From their website: Over 2,000 people participated in last year's event which raised over $75,000 for cancer research. 100% of money raised goes to cancer research.

As usual, I'll get lots of photos of Run Tampa members, and you'll find the slide show right here next week. Be sure to wear your Run Tampa shirt. We'll take a group photo adjacent to the starting line 30 minutes before the race, as usual.

I hope you'll join us. This is a great opportunity to get in a 5k for speed work to prepare for a half marathon in the weeks ahead.

Richard's Run for Life event website. 

Rattlesnake 2011

Over 370 runners - including about 30 from Run Tampa - took to the streets of San Antonio this morning for the 33rd Annual Rattlesnake 5 mi. Run and 1 mile Fun Run. It's a quirky, crazy, hilly on road and off road course that everyone seems to love. Great, great fun in slightly cooler temps, a sign of things to come.

Both Diane Bennett and Sherry Scallon beat last year's time by . . . wait for it . . . 5 minutes. It's been a good year :)

Bridget Hahm dropped well over two minutes, and many other people rocked this race.

Nick Fusco and Claudia Isom took home medals, and I think I can speak for everyone when I say it was a blast. We'll be back!

The first place male was James Osborne of Lutz, time 27:57, and the first place female was Shelby Hayes of Orlando, time, 29:52.

Double click on the slide show to see full size pics.

Tomorrow? Aces 5k and 15k in Clearwater.

Police Memorial Race, 2011

Congrats to the all the Run Tampa members who raced today. We had many at the Police Memorial Race and still others in Withlacoochee National Forest doing the John Holmes Trail 50k or 16 mi. Unfortunately, I don't have pics from that race. If anyone took any, I'll post them here if you send them along.

The winner of the $60 Feet First gift certificate is . . . . . .  Justin Porth! Congratulations, Justin! I'll drop it in the mail!

If you can't see the below slide show (and I think there is a problem viewing it with Chrome as your browser), you can click here to see it.

If you double click on the photo, you see them all in a much larger form.

 

Police Memorial Race 2011

Pics From 2010 Police Memorial Race

Let's do this!

Come out and celebrate the beauty, the weather, and the people of Tampa, but most importantly, help us pay homage to the people who have given their lives to keep it a safe place for us to call home. Excellent event for the kids, too.

Run Tampa has 64 people from the Facebook group confirmed attending and 66 maybe's, so it's likely we'll have close to a hundred people there. 

We'll  meet on the grass south of the starting line at 7:30 for a group photo. Wear your Run Tampa shirt to be eligible to win a $60 Feet First gift certificate. To be eligible, you must get your pic taken in your shirt. I will be wearing my orange hat and shoes to make me easier to find :)  :)  :)

Don't have a Run Tampa shirt? Stop by Feet First, 3401 Bay to Bay Blvd. to purchase one.

Register here.

Check out these photos from last year's race:

 

Join Run Tampa's Women's Half Marathon Team

There's still time to join the Run Tampa Women's Half Marathon Team. Even if you're already registered, you can let me know (deb@runtampa.com), and I'll get your name switched to the team. 

I'm planning for us to all meet for brunch the day before the race before we head over to packet pickup. Should be great fun! Call with questions 813-416-4638.

Here is the logo for our shirts. The shirts are a deeper pink than this, though:

 

Everybody gets their own shirt at Target. They have sleeveless and short sleeve moisture-wicking running shirts in deep pink, and they are very reasonably priced. This way everyone gets the style they prefer and can try it on as well. Then you just need to get it to me by Saturday, October 29th. Then I'll have them screen printed, which I will pay for. You do not have to be a member of the club or the coaching group to be on the team, and there is no extra cost. 

You can drop off the shirt at my house in the Carrollwood area. Or just call me and we'll work something out. 

It's so much more fun to participate in an event like this with a group!

Run Tampa Rocks at the Ranch Run 5k and Air Force Marathon

Great, great morning for Run Tampa. Jen Lanterman was the first overall female, and Linda Rush was second. Linda also took first place in the female master's division. Jenni Salemi took 5th overall and won her age group, and Christina Chabrier took 6th overall and won her age group. Of course, they all set PR's, too.
The PR's didn't stop there, though. Carla Cervantes dropped time again after setting a 2 minute PR just last week. And Pat Bunce also PR'ed as well.

Mark Davis took 2nd in his age group, Denis Karaijac took third in his age group, and Mark Radulich and Bruce Le both PR'd.

Oh, and while we ran through Temple Terrace, Run Tampa's Tori Williams and Dan Moss represented in Ohio at the Air Force Marathon. Good job, gentlemen!

 
 
 

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.

4th of July Weekend Race Info

The first race on the Run Tampa agenda is the Kiwanis Morton Plant Mease Midnight Run. While this is not our official weekend event, we will have upwards of 70 people at the race. If you haven't experienced this race, you're in for a treat, especially if you're running the second race of the evening, the 10k. That route takes you over the Dunedin Causeway, and it will be lit by luminaries. In a word, beautiful! Check out the photos here: http://www.kiwanismidnightrun.com/pictures.htm

Normally, we take a group photo adjacent to the starting line about 30 minutes before the race, but due to lighting that's a challenge at this race. Therefore, I'll meet you in the brightest area of the parking lot where you pickup your number at 11:00. 

Lutz Independence Day 5k: It's almost race day! Are you ready to start your 4th with a little sweat, a lot of smiles, old friends, new friends, and fast feet? This is a fun race on a fast flat course.

There is no pre race day packet pickup. Arrive anytime after 6:15 a.m. and pickup your packet in the Community Center on race morning. I'll be there about 6:15, myself, and I'll have a table setup with our banner. 

I'll be taking lots of candid photos throughout the morning, and then we'll take our group photo at 7:40 adjacent to the start line.

Call me with any questions 813-416-4638.

 Check out THESE PHOTOS of last year's 4th of July weekend!

Loved RAP River Run!

Why? The temp was in the - you won't believe this - low 70's, no kidding, the 5k course ran along a tree-lined street beside a picturesque river, the post race food was far better than usual, there was plenty of water, the race results were posted very quickly at the race and on Cool Running, there was a delightful misting tent, and I could go on.

Check out these pics (41). To see them full size, just click.

 

Oldsmar Taphouse 5k

It was sizzling out there tonight, but everyone seemed to have a good run. Congratulations! Hopefully, some of you will be bat at it bright and early tomorrow for the RAP River Run at 8:00 a.m. at Sims Park in New Port Richey. Watch for that slideshow tomorrow. Busy weekend!

Click to see full size photos.

Run Tampa's First Travel Race Will be the Jax Bank Marathon and Half

While we suffer through the hot summer months, here's something cooler to think about:

The first Run Tampa Travel Race will be the Jacksonville Bank Marathon, Half and 5k on December 18th. It's a nice, medium-sized flat, fast race, which starts at the Bolles School and finishes in the stadium. This race has an excellent reputation, and since I've done it, I can vouch for that.

I already know of several Run Tampa people doing it as their first full, and I'm sure there will be some doing it as their first half. Register now and gtive direction to all your training between now and then.

More details to come.

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Join us tomorrow, Saturday, at Trout Creek at 7 a.m. for a lovely trail run. Mother Nature is calling your name. If you haven't done any trail running, you will be amazed at how much cooler it is on the trails, even at that time of the morning. Details were in the weekly newsletter. If you're not receiving it, register in the blue box. That always provides directions to the group runs and all the particulars.

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Join the Run Tampa Women's Half Marathon Team. Register by May 31st and use the coupon code

TEAMSAVEFL (case sensitive) to register as a team member and receive $10 off half marathon registration. This offer expires on May 31, 2011.  Registration prices increase on May 31 as well.  If you use the team code before the deadline and registration increase, you will save $15!

Go to Active.com to register. Click the 'Team' category, and then click Run Tampa in the drop-down menu. Let's have the biggest team. All speeds are invited, even if it's your first half, that's fine. The bigger the group, the better.

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!

Checking 50k Off the Bucket List

Back in October, a group of us were at the John Holmes Run in Withlacoochee National Forest, and someone - I don't know who said it first - said something like "The Croom Fools Run will be my first 50k." Then someone else said, "Well, if you're doing it, so will I," and that's how it went. I'm not sure if the conversation occurred while we were there or whether it occurred during the ensuing days on Facebook. Eileen Boyle decided to do the 50k to commemorate her 50th birthday. I like her style. Some people dread those birthdays that end in 0's. I agree with Eileen, they should be celebrated with great gusto.

The group making the commitment included Sean Kendrick, Robin Patterson, and Eileen, but there may have been others. I could not resist jumping in as well. As I often say, running is as much a social experience as a physical one, and I knew I would enjoy sharing the challenge with these friends.

Fast forward six months. First of all, let me say that my philosophy is that if you run long enough, you will have enough adventures to fill a book. I'm not sure if anyone would want to read it, but you get the idea. Some adventures are intentional; some are not. I knew the Croom Fools Run 50k, my first 50k, would be an adventure, but the day held many surprises.

Saturday's Croom Fool's Run 50k was to be my first foray into ultra running. Now that it is behind me, I can say that I am not becoming an ultra runner in the sense that I won't be doing mostly ultras, but I know I will do more; however, I won't be running another in the near future. No, next year's Fool's Run may be my next ultra. If you'd asked me Saturday afternoon after the race, I would have likely said, "No, once is enough," but I looked at the race from a different perspective 24 hours later, and by that point I was pretty sure I'd be back, if only to stay on course and see what time I could do without putting in an extra mile or so. Oh, and then there was that other five minute delay. Well, let me start at the beginning.

Friday, April 8th, the day before the race, I started preparations early in the day. I planned my ice chest contents, bagged ice cubes, so my ice maker could be making more, washed my race day attire, stretched, mixed my post race beverage of chocolate milk and coffee, and then spent the customary thirty minutes playing around with my shoes and insoles.

Great, Great Strawberry Race!

Congratulations to the Tampa Bay Runners crew for putting on an awesome event! This is a great Tampa 5k and 10k race. If you didn't make it this year, start planning for next year's race.

Run Tampa shirts: I've got technical (moisture-wicking) sleeveless men's shirts and running singlets for women at screen printer now. Also, I was out of the short sleeve Adidas technical tees in men's and women's sizes, but more of those are being printed as well. You can order shirts here. I'll add the sleeveless ones as soon as I get them from the screenprinter. They will be $20.

Schedule for Run Tampa at the Strawberry Classic

Hi all. I just picked up my packet for tomorrow's Wish Farms Strawberry Classic in Temple Terrace, and my race number is my age ?!?!?! Wooooo! That's a first. I wonder what's the chance of that. Of course, race numbers often have three or four digits, but, rest assured, it's only two. Notice I said only. I fully expect to have a three-digit age one day. Hehe!

Tampa Bay Runners, the oldest running club in Tampa, has been putting on this race for 30 years, and it never disappoints. 

We'll meet on the north side of the starting line at 7:45 for a Run Tampa group photo. You don't have to have a Run Tampa shirt. I've got 48 confirmed attending, and I'm sure there are many more. Please find me and introduce yourself. I would love to get most of those 48 in the photo, but if you find yourself in the bathroom line at that time or off warming up, which happens a lot, don't worry; I'll be taking lots of mini group photos during the morning. I'll be the one in the orange shoes, by the way :)

If you haven't registered, rest assured, you can register tomorrow morning. Have fun and check back here for a slide show. Then mark your calendar for next year. This is one excellent Tampa 5k and 10k.

 

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. 

 

Mud, Sweat and Beer at Warrior Dash

Yesterday and today, the Warrior Dash brought thousands of people, including many Run Tampa members, to the Triple Canopy Ranch in Lake Wales to crawl through mud, jump over hay bales, balance across planks, climb cargo nets, traverse a few hundred tires, mount chest high walls, duck under barbed wire, bolt over old cars, and leap over fire. In all there were 12 obstacles on the 3 mile course.

Everyone was assigned to one of the 13 waves that started at 30 minute intervals throughout the day. While waiting for your wave a band played, people danced, drank beer, gnawed on - what else - turkey legs, and marveled at the bizarre costumes and muddied physiques crossing the finish line. There was a show in every direction.

Did I mention we paid to have to do this? Really, it was the most fun I've had in a long while, and I have a lot of fun! 

What follows is a flash slide show. If your computer does not support flash, click here to see the slide show on Picasa.

 

Miles for Hope 5k

Wow! That Was Some Exciting Jingle Bell Morning!

We had a blast today at the Jingle Bell Run 5k at International Plaza. Run Tampa was there in force with at least 40 participants. Great fun!. Run Tampa's official photographer, AKA my husband David, does his best to get many pics of Run Tampa runners, but unless you are wearing a Run Tampa shirt, he won't know you're in the group. I just picked up an order from the screen printer, so now I have plenty on hand. I'll have them at Flatwoods at our group run next Sunday, and I'll be creating a new 'Apparel' page on this site tomorrow to make it easier for you to order.

Enjoy the slide show. If you want to look at the individual photos, click on the link below the slide show. Results are posted HERE.

Click HERE to go to the Picasa page to view all these photos in full size.

This Weekend's Run Tampa Event Will Be the Jingle Bell Plaza Run

Don't miss this fun family event at International Plaza. It's a great way to kick off the holidays while raising money for the Arthritis Foundation. Check out this slide show from last year's race. Be there Saturday and be in this year's slide show. 

Click here to see a printable flyer with all the event details.

Autumn Fest 5k Fun!

This was my first Autumn Fest 5k in Safety Harbor, but it won't be my last. This race, put on by the Oldsmar Tap House, was lots of fun. Good food, great weather, perfect time of day - for me, 6 p.m. - and beer steins to the first 50 finishers. Nice. 

Women's Magazine Half & 5k

Emotions, endorphins, estrogen, excellence! Congratulations to those who participated, those who volunteered, and those who cheered. Lots of great stories and ear-to-ear grins everywhere you turned. I can't imagine a more beautiful venue than the waterfront in St. Petersburg, and the day was gorgeous. St. Petersburg's Christa Benton-Stephens won the half marathon by a four minute margin, finishing in 1:20:02 and Jacki Wachtel of New Port Richey won the 5k with a time of 18:27.Click HERE to see the full size photos and slide show on Picasa.

Women's Magazine Half & 5k and Alafia X-Country

Whether you're doing the Women's Half/5k or Alafia Half/5k, have a great race! I'll be at the Women's Half, and my husband David be will there to get pics of anyone in a Run Tampa shirt. If you don't have a shirt yet, don't be shy. Get his attention and ask him to get your picture and bring your friends over, too. That's why he's there, and he doesn't mind. Just look for the only guy there in a Run Tampa shirt. Then check back here for the photos on Monday.

We'll meet at the starting line for Run Tampa group photos at 6:30. Have a wonderful race! The weather should be spectacular! 

Run Tampa will be well represented at the Alafia races as well. Sally Smith will be running, and I know I can count on Sally for pics from that race.

Women's Magazine Half & 5k

Many members of Run Tampa will be running in the Women's Magazine Half Marathon on Sunday, and for quite a few, it will be their first half marathon. If you are one of those people, congratulations on all your hard work; it's about to pay off. The feeling you will experience when you cross that finish line will be amazing!

If you are not yet ready for a half, you can still be part of the excitement by registering for the 5k. Online registration closes for both the half and 5k at midnight Wednesday. Here is a discount code that will save you $5 when your register for the 5k: SAVE5FL (case sensitive) 

See you at the race!

Pumpkin Run Slide Show

To go to the Picassa web album of the Northdale Pumpkin Run photos, click here. Thanks to David Voiles for shooting these photos.

Recapping Halloween and Looking Ahead to Another Big Weekend

Well that was some weekend running and racing weekend! It started with the Creaky Bones 5k on Thursday night in St. Pete. I heard about several outstanding PR's at that race and lots of fun, too.

Next, big crowd for our Saturday morning run at Flatwoods. We had about seven new people, too. Some ran the trails, some ran the paved loop, all were impressed with the friendliness of the group, all got their miles in, some more than they planned - easy to get carried away out there - and all promised to return for future group runs.

I apologize for the quality of the group pic above. My camera had a hard time auto-focusing in the dark. My husband tells me my camera has a feature to get around that, so I'll get out the instruction manual and figure that out.

That wasn't the only activity for Saturday, other Run Tampa members ran in the Great West Chase 5k and the first ever Frankfooter Half at Starkey Park. Then, yesterday, many of us participated in the Halloween Halfathon at Ft. Desoto Park. 

That's one full running weekend. Now, rest up because next weekend will be just as busy. It starts with Richard's Run for Life in Ybor City Friday night. That's always been a popular race.

Then, we've got the Northdale Pumpkin Run 5k and 1 mi. on Saturday. That's our official club event for the weekend, so I hope you can make it. It will be at the Bob Sierra YMCA Youth and Family Center on Ragg Road behind Gaither High School. Pancake breakfast to follow. There are even a couple of other races in the area, so check the Run Tampa calendar.

Then many of us will be doing either the first ever Xterra Wildhorse Half,10 mi., 10k, and 4 mi. in Dover or the Blue Moon Half or 5k in Dunedin on Sunday.

So, again, if you want to race next weekend, it won't be hard to find a race to do and Run Tampa friends to do it with you. I'll be running in both the Pumpkin Run and the Wildhorse Half Marathon.

Wear your Run Tampa shirt if you have one. If you don't, I still have some women's larges and men's mediums. They are $20 each. You can now order your shirt via the Paypal button on this page. I've had more shirts on order for a while, so should have all sizes available soon.

Creaky Bones 5k & Monster Dashes

 
 
 
The Creaky Bones 5k would be a GREAT way to kick off Halloween weekend!

Tampa Police Memorial 5k/1mi Run/Walk

We should have over 75 members of Run Tampa at the Tampa Police Memorial Run this Saturday in downtown Tampa, and we'd have even more, but another dozen are doing one of the John Holmes trail races up at Croom at that time. I'll be running the Police Memorial Run, of course, but I'll be thinking good thoughts and wishing fast times and PR's for the people up there, too.

Let's all plan to meet in the center of Gaslight Park at 7:30 a.m. for a photo. Wear your Run Tampa shirt, if you have one; if you want one, I'll have some with me, although I don't have many sizes left. I'll have my official photographer/husband with me to take photos then and later. 

If you want to do the race and haven't registered, online registration is closed, but you can still register on race day.

And PLEASE, if we haven't met, introduce yourself, and then I can introduce you to everyone else. We have over 900 members now, so let's at least try to make sure everyone at the race gets in the photo and gets to meet everyone else.

The weather should be the best we've had in months, so I imagine there will be lots of great times.

Great Showing for Run Tampa at HCSO Ranch Run 5k

Many Run Tampa members participated in the HCSO Ranch Run 5k on Saturday, and many scored PR's.

Two people, Sherry Scallon and Yu Haofei ran their first 5k's. Both had excellent races and looked strong even in that last tenth of a mile. Both Kevin Cook and Melissa Hurt had PR's, and we were thrilled to welcome Linda Rush back after a few weeks away from racing due to injury. While she's still not 100%, she still took home hardware.
Congrats to Run Tampa's Bob Meissner who also left with a medal around his neck.

And, one more note, Kevin Cook went under 30 minutes for the first time in the HCSO race Saturday (by about 30 seconds) and then did it again the very next day in the Aces 5k in Clearwater, also taking 3rd in his age group. That's some running weekend!

And congratulations to Sally Smith. She did both races as well AND won a pair of Newtons in American Running Company's prize giveaway after the Aces race.

Our next group race will be the Tampa Police Memorial 5k Race in downtown Tampa (run is on Bayshore) on October 9th. See me between now and then to get your Run Tampa shirt or have one made at Fit2Run.

Group run: Join us Saturday, the 18th at 7a.m. at Trout Creek for this week's group run.

To receive the weekly detailed invites, register to receive my Run Tampa quarterly newsletter (yes, it is overdue) and invites to group activities.

See complete results of the HCSO Ranch Run 5k here and results of the Aces 5k and 10k here.

 

 

 

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. 

 

Photos and Video of Saturday's Bobcat Adventure Run

Bobcat Race at Lake Park August 2010

Check the Blog on Mojo for Running for a 4th of July Running Recap

Wow! What a running weekend.

Most people cook out, picnic, barbecue, watch fireworks and wear red, white, and blue. Runners do all those things plus a race or two, too.

Check out this post on the MojoforRunning.com blog about the Lutz Independence Day Run, the Kiwanis Morton Plant Mease Midnight Run, and yesterday's Run Tampa Group Run. Many pics, too.

See the post here.

Run Tampa Patriot's Challenge

Many of you are planning on doing one of the road races on Saturday, July 3rd. The Lutz Independence Day 5k is in the morning, and the Kiwanis Morton Plant Mease Midnight 5k/10k is that night.

Links to race websites: http://bit.ly/beoJkv  http://bit.ly/9Fmtk2

The challenge: Do any of those races AND come to the group run at Lake Park on Sunday morning, July 4th, at 8 a.m. (must do 3 miles) to be entered in a drawing for a Run Tampa t-shirt, with shipping, a $35 value. The shirt will be ordered from Running Banana.com. You'll have the option of ordering a running singlet, short sleeve, long sleeve, men's or women's, in your size.

Anyone doing more than one of those races and doing our Sunday run, will get one entry for the t-shirt giveaway for each race.

Excellent Group Run on Bayshore This Morning and Plans for Croom Trail Run Tomorrow

Great group run this morning! I thought we might have a smaller crowd because so many people were out of town for the holiday weekend, but we had our largest group yet. Outstanding!

Here's my weekly wildlife report: We didn't see any manatees, but there was one dolphin (or shark) lingering in one spot for a long time. Everyone said it was a dolphin, but I've never seen one cruise along the surface that long. However, Alison said they do that when they're feeding, and I imagine she's right. Don't think they have sharks around there, anyway, do they? Not my field of expertise. Anyway, that's the only wildlife I spotted except a couple of pelicans and many happy canines jogging along with their owners.

Thanks for coming everyone, and I hope you'll be able to join us next weekend on SUNDAY, June 6th at Lake Rogers Park, 7 a.m. That will be completely off road. Three kiosks with ice water along the 2.1 mile loop. Can't wait to share this with you.

One more thing: Several of us are running at Croom tomorrow morning, Sunday. If you've never been to Croom, it is in the Withlacoochee National Forest and was named by the World Wildlife Fund as "One of the 10 Coolest Places You've Never Been." I have been, and I agree.

Check out this video

of the 2008 John Holmes 50k and 16 mi. race. Wendy and I are in there somewhere. This year's John Holmes 50k and 16 mi Fun Run are coming up October 9th. If you haven't done it, you've got the whole summer to prepare. Register now for motivation through the hot summer months.

I'll be going slow and easy tomorrow and doing the 14 mile loop, but Wendy is leaving earlier and doing 20. I'll be leaving Tampa at 5:45 and planning to meet her at 7. These are gorgeous trails; as Wendy says, you feel like an animal running through the woods.

Here are her comments: "For anyone who may be interested in trail running in Croom this Sunday, May 30. Meet at 5:30 a.m. or 7 a.m. My plan is to leave from Tucker Hill at 5:30, run about 5 miles and be back at Tucker Hill again at 7. At 7, I'll be doing the 14.4 mile loop. I'll leave a cooler of water midway on the 14.4 mile loop with extra water for everyone. Right now, I think there may only be 4 of us. I average about 14 minute miles on these trails. We can run together or there are maps at the trail head that are relatively easy to follow and the turns are marked but you have to pay close attention. It's a great trail and there are some hills. Let me know if you plan to join us :)"

You can send your email to me deb@runTampa.com or call me at 813-416-4638.

Robinson Preserve Twilight 5k & 1 mi, Bradenton, This Friday!

Okay, this is one race I think I have to do. I raced last weekend and  raced the week before, but gosh, look at the photo. That venue is just irresistible. I have to do it. And it's an evening race, 6:30 p.m.

Race Director, Doug Schiller says, “If you haven’t experienced this amazingly beautiful property, you’ll surely want to now. And, if you have, well, you’re probably already registered for the race.”  

Could there be a better way to begin a weekend?

 

• 5k Chip timed and participants receive a New Balance tech shirt

• Enjoy a GREAT post race party and silent auction, DJ, dinner, beverages and more

• The 5k route is over shell packed trails, six bridges, winding around mangroves, vistas of Tampa Bay Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and 100’s of species of birds then finishes on a paved path

• Kids’ races 3 to 12 years receive official race t-shirt, bib, packet, and finisher’s medal

• Cash awards to the M/F top finishers and award tiles to all winners in their respective groups

29th Annual Strawberry Classic 2010

I don't know which was more striking, the vivid blue sky and yellow race shirts or all the smiling faces. No matter how you look at it the 29th Annual Strawberry Classic was a huge success. Kudos to Tampa Bay Runners.

See the photo album in the column to the right or click here to access all 149 photos in a Picasa album.

Publix Gasparilla Weekend 2010

Another great Gasparilla Weekend has come and gone, and true to form, it was an amazing weekend of racing. I understand the 5k was a bit soggy, but if the comments I read on the Gasparilla FB page are any indication, spirits were still plenty high. What's a little rain when you've got all those glorious endorphins surging through your veins, anyway?

Race Director Susan Harmeling reported a record number of participants this year, at around 25,000, and that's no surprise. Running seems to be continually gaining popularity, and this event has a great reputation in the running community. I never miss it.

With a 5k, 5k walk and stroller roll, 15k, marathon and half marathon, the weekend offered something for everyone. Sadly, it was the last year for the marathon, however.

Congratulations to all the winners, to all who finished, to Race Director Susan Harmeling, the City of Tampa, sponsors, and volunteers.

Check this photo slide show on TBO.com and Bill Ward's article here for more details.