Gasparilla 2019 Tampa, FL

It's been a while since I went on a runcation with the ladies and I am so grateful I was able to participate in the Gasparilla race this year.  I had such a wonderful time and the turnout was amazing.  I'm still coming off of my runners high from race weekend.  

Downtown Tampa is beautiful and of course they experienced higher than normal temperatures for race weekend.  FYI - I don't like to run in the heat.  Despite the heat, this is by far the BEST and most well organized race I've attended in my 5 years of racing.  Please keep in mind, we trained in freezing temperatures to race in 80 degree temperatures with humidity levels of 90%, but that's how it goes sometimes.  This can and will impact your running, trust me.  That Florida sun was no joke!  Tisa and I ran the Michelob Ultra Lime Cactus Challenge which totaled 14.2 miles in 2 days (15K & 8K) and the other 5 ladies ran the Michelob Ultra Challenge which totaled 30.4 miles in 2 days (15K, 5K, Half Marathon & 8K).  It sounds crazy because it is, but it is also a very attainable goal.  I am so proud of all of us!

Race day 1: The exhilaration I felt on Saturday morning as we walked to the start line for the 15k was intense and seeing the sea of people waiting to begin race #1 of the weekend was mesmerizing.  We took off around 6:50am and this time, I told myself to enjoy the view, so I did.  The houses on Tampa Bay were beautiful and the crowd support was wonderful.  The sunrise...perfect, but that humidity was ridiculous and hit me quick.  I just tried to stay focused on the scenery so I wouldn't think of the heat because there was so much to see since I've never been to Tampa.  I did focus on my breathing and made sure to stop at every single water station; I was not taking any chances.  The 15K race was pretty much 4.5 miles out and back and as I was approaching the turn-around I saw Monique already on her way back and Carla wasn't too far behind her.  As I made my way back, I saw Ms. Denise, Khandi, Benita and then Tisa making it to the turn around point and I got the chills!!  A burst of happiness just shot through my body because we were all together again doing the damn thing!  Then the sun hit me and reality sank in; it was HOT!  My skin was tingling from the sun so I had to run/walk the last few miles of the race to the finish because although I felt good, I did not want to overheat or get sick.  At the "1 mile to go" sign, the cheers were everywhere and that was the push I needed to get me to the finish.  I even heard a gentleman cheer "way to go Janette" as I passed him and I swear I almost cried!!  If you're a runner, you know exactly what I mean about the cheers that bring you in to the finish.  I ran as fast as I could and made to the end...race #1 was done!  The other ladies still had to run the 5K so that was a nice break for Tisa and I to just relax and enjoy the atmosphere.  

Boat ride?  Sure!  It was fun even though the water was a bit rough.  The tour guy took us out on the bay to show us the fancy houses and they were incredible.  I got to see Derek Jeter's Mansion - absolutely stunning!  Those of you that really know me, know I am a HUGE Derek Jeter fan!  It was a good time had by all; at least most of us 😉.  Something else to add to the list of adventures and laughter.

Later that evening, we had dinner at Jackson's Bistro & Sushi.  Very nice place right on the water; if you're ever in downtown Tampa, check it out. We went there Friday night as well and it was so good, we went back...for the Gasparita!  The ambiance was nice and the food was very good, but that Gasparita touched my soul!!  Goodness gracious, I've never had a Margarita taste so good.  The ingredients: Patron Silver Tequila, Grand Marnier Orange Liqueur, Fresh Lime Juice and Agave syrup.  So, if anyone reading this would like to make me one, I'm ready for another!  My mouth is watering right now just thinking about it...sigh.  The after dinner shenanigans while sitting in the hotel patio were funny enough to make my side hurt.  These ladies are a trip!  When we get together it is nothing but a good time.  Every. Single. Time!     


Race day 2: After the long drive to Tampa on Friday and with all of the excitement on Saturday, I decided to sleep in Sunday morning since my 8K didn't begin until 9:15am.  Good sleep/rest is necessary, especially after running in the heat.  Tisa and I made it to the half marathon finish line early enough to see the ladies coming in.  Oh my goodness, the energy out there was bananas!!!  After a few minutes we saw the ladies cross the finish line, one by one.  I hope they heard us cheering them in!  They still had one more final race to finish, the 8K that Tisa and I were about to begin. At 9:15am, it was time to go.  Since I already knew the route from the previous day, I just enjoyed myself out there.    I was feeling a little sore from the race the day before, but it wasn't too bad.  I found this one guy running a really smooth pace so I stayed with him until about mile 3.5, then he took off and that heat was once again wicked so I stayed behind and began my run/walk again.  My goal was to finish safely & have fun and that is exactly what I did.  It did surprise me to see so many elderly people in such good physical shape running these races.  It was inspiring because longevity is my goal!  I'm so grateful for an able body and that I no longer take it for granted. 

Bling!!  I love bling and I love to run because running has brought me unspeakable joy.  It has changed my life and the memories and bling are priceless...