You heard all about the Gasparilla races here and here. Now it’s time to tell you about the rest of our shenanigans, activities and places we enjoyed in Tampa.
What would a Tampa race weekend be without food?
From carb-loading to post-race refuel and recovery, food is at the top of every runner’s list. Thanks to Tricia’s husband Greg, who served as our apres-race concierge by scoping out the best places to eat, we enjoyed some really good food.
Nothing says carb-load quite like these Cinnamon Roll waffles from First Watch
Hit up First Watch for a wonderful breakfast/brunch. On race eve, pay Eddie & Sam’s a visit for New York style pizza in all kinds of unique flavor combos. The evening after the half marathon we celebrated our accomplishment with fresh seafood and live music at Rick’s on the River. So much fun!
Post-race Aquatherapy. After racing both days, the first thing we did (after eating) was hit up the beautiful Infinity pool that overlooks the river at the Aloft Hotel. We lounged there letting our tired bodies just soak. It was divine and felt sooo good. I swear we recovered better and felt fresher for the half thanks to the water therapy.
Ride the Water Taxi: We kind of stumbled on this when we saw people hopping off of it while we dined at Rick’s on the River. We decided to take it back to the hotel and learned it was a “Hop On Hop Off” deal. So we stayed on it and toured Tampa from the water at sunset. It could not have been more beautiful or relaxing. A perfect way to celebrate our 2-days of Gasparilla racing and rest our tired legs.
Enjoy the Riverwalk. One of the keys to recovery is to flush out the lactic acid by continuing to move. That’s why the finish areas of long races keep you walking a good long time. In Tampa there’s a really nice riverwalk that they light up at night. It was so pleasant.
Treat Yoself. That water-taxi I mentioned earlier also stops at Ulele. A restaurant/brewery on the water that is well-worth a visit. We enjoyed post-race dessert out on the moonlit veranda. I went with classic key lime pie with a toasted marshmallow chaser, but everything we ordered was creative and amazing. It was a great way to top off our wonderful weekend.
Overall it was an amazing race series and a great city with wonderful friends. I’m so happy I had the opportunity to escape Chicago’s winter for a bit to enjoy Tampa’s gorgeous weather. If you get a chance to run Gasparilla, Do it!
Have you been to Tampa? What’s your favorite racecation city? What’s your go-to post-race food?
I’m linking up with Meranda, Lacey and Rachel for the Friday Five.
Greg said it was a hard job keeping all us women happy with food and drinks but someone had to do it. Lol
I think Ive been to Tampa but it was so long again (I was probably under 10) that I don’t remember much about it. This sounds like the perfect way to spend a race weekend. That infinity pool looks so relaxing!
Thanks for the tips. I definitely want to go to Tampa I guess I have to sign up for a race.
When I was in NYC for a race we stumbled upon a water taxi to Governors island. It was great.
As part as things to do, NYC is the best followed by Vegas.
It’s amazing that all the times I’ve flown into Tampa, I’ve never actually “been” there! It looks like I need to do downtown. How fun!
This was a great Tampa weekend! Even I got to do stuff I have never done!
I vote we have a girl’s reunion trip and do it in Tampa next year! Gasparilla has been on my bucket list forever! I need me a pirate medal (and some quality girl time) 😉
Those waffles and that key lime pie look scrumptious! And I wouldn’t feel guilty eating those during race weekend!
I’ve been to Tampa a couple of times. Both times before I was a runner. Once for a conference — even though I was living in TX then, so I got to bask in average temps of 60s in the winter, I enjoyed my time in Tampa. Had no idea about the water taxi — sounds like fun!
There’s also a big cat rescue near there that I insisted we go to once when we were visiting our inlaws.
I don’t think I’ve been to Tampa for 20 years. Every post about your race weekend makes me want to go back! It sounds like such a fun-filled weekend, and that pool? Yes, please!
I have not been to Tamps since I was a child. Sure would not mind a warm weekend at the pool right about now
Now I really need to do this race! I was born in Tampa and lived there for my first three years but I’ve never been back. I’d love to see the city where I was born (think it’s changed? 😝).
My husband and I stayed down on the riverwalk years ago, and had an absolute blast exploring everything there. The food in Tampa is especially appealing. So many great restaurant options there!
Looks like lots of great things to to in Tampa! It’s always great to take in the city on race weekends!
I love Tampa, I have a house in North Port which is only an hour or so drive from there. I don’t do races but my favorite post run snack is cottage cheese and fruit.
I know it’s important to walk after a race, but sometimes all I want to do is sit down. Vegas had such a maze after the finish line, with the pedestrian bridges, I just wanted to get through it and out on the other side. Then I ended up being by Margaritaville, so treat time!
Those waffles look heavenly!!! I want some!
You all ladies look amazing!
Ahhhh, this sounds like such an amazing weekend. I need to plan a trip to FL right about now. 🙂
We vacationed in Tampa a couple of years ago and enjoyed it. At one point, we even considered making a move there! Definitely a fun place and I’d be interested in running that race.
Haven’t been to Tampa yet… but now I really want to go!
Sounds like an amazing weekend with some delicious food!
I have been to Tampa 1 time. It was only for a few hours.
I have lots of friends who run the Gasperilla series and every year they want me to come. I will make it one of these days!
I haven’t been to Tampa, FL since I was maybe 8 or 9 years old? I remember going to Busch Gardens, and loving it! But as an adult, the Gasparilla race(s) have definitely been on my “to do” list!
You’re making me miss Florida! And note to self: reading a blog with yummy food pics is not a good idea for a preggo at 10:00 PM! LOL!