Welcome to May's Roundup
Summer is officially knocking on Tampa Bay's door — dew points are climbing, sunrise is nudging earlier, and your pace chart is about to get a humbling education. But that's what makes us Tampa runners: we don't stop, we adapt.
Race Recap: Skyway 10K
April's Skyway 10K delivered everything we love about this race — wind off the Gulf, that legendary bridge climb at mile 4, and a finish line that makes every stride worth it. Over 2,400 runners crossed the causeway this year, with Palma Ceia Running Club taking the top club honors.
Top finishers:
- Devon P. (Palma Ceia RC) — 34:22
- Karina W. (Tampa Bay Runners) — 35:17
- Marco J. (Palma Ceia RC) — 36:04
Training Tip: Beat the Heat Before It Beats You
By June, morning temps will already be in the low 80s with dew points above 72°F — the threshold where your body's cooling system starts to lose the battle. Here's what the fast locals do:
- Shift your long run to Saturday at 5:45am, not 6:30. That 45 minutes matters.
- Slow your easy pace by 60–90 seconds per mile on any run above 80°F. This isn't weakness — it's physiology.
- Pre-hydrate the night before: 16–20 oz of water before bed cuts your fluid deficit before you even lace up.
- Carry salt: GU Roctane, Nuun, or even plain salt packets. Hyponatremia is real and dangerous.
Upcoming Races
| Date | Race | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 7 | Firecracker 5K — St. Pete | 5K |
| Jun 14 | Summer Sizzler — Clearwater | 10K |
| Jun 28 | Watermelon Run — Tampa | 5K / 10K |
| Jul 4 | Freedom 5K — Bayshore Blvd | 5K |
Group Run Spotlight: Channelside Easy Wednesdays
Every Wednesday at 6:30pm, Tampa Bay Runners hosts an easy-paced social run from Sparkman Wharf. Pace is relaxed (9:00–11:00/mi), distances range 3–4 miles, and there's usually cold drinks waiting at the end. Open to all clubs and unaffiliated runners — just show up.
Weather Watch
The NWS is forecasting our first heat advisory of the season for the week of May 26. Plan accordingly:
- Run before 7:00am or after 7:30pm
- If you feel dizzy, stop immediately and find shade
- Check the Tampa Runners heat strip on the homepage for daily advisories
Stay cool, stay consistent. See you on the roads.
— The Tampa Runners Team