Tampa Adventure

I discovered something very important today. An earlier departure time equals faster drive time to Tampa.

The other week when I drove to Tampa I left work around 4:00 and ended up in Tampa close to 8:00! Now keep in mind that includes driving back to my apartment, picking Abbie up and dropping her off at Caitlin’s. This afternoon, however, I left work at 2:30 and arrive in Tampa just shy of 5:30! That’s a one hour difference with still driving to Caitlin’s and loading her car up.

Lesson learned: ditch rush hour traffic by leaving work extra early from now on.

Unlike my previous Tampa trip, Abbie was invited along for the ride.

She was a perfect angel the entire car ride resting her little legs in the back seat.

Up in the front seats of the car, Catilin and I split a bag of Salt & Pepper Pop Chips.

I really enjoyed these chips, but it was a little like eating air. They did nothing for any hunger I had. But the nutritional stats were pretty good and this entire bag had 3 servings at 120 calories per serving.

When we arrived in Tampa, Caitlin and I were famish and ready for some pre-race carb loading. Derek immediately drove us to the cutest little restaurant called Ciccio & Tony’s.

The restaurant was a California Cuisine base and had a very contemporary, dark atmosphere. They al so have an amazing extensive menu that made for a tough decision when it came time to order. In all I really enjoyed my experience and would be happy to eat there again.

Caitlin and I decided in the car that carb loading included beer drinking so I had started the meal off with a Sapporo.

(Caitlin decided to pose in the back ground)

Carb loading also included a wonderful slice of Foccaio Bread.

For the main meal I ordered the Santa Cruz California Bowl.

The bowl had brown rice, chopped chicken, bean sprouts, scallions, crispy lettuce, portobello mushrooms and broccoli with a spicy dipping sauce on the side.

I told the waiter I wanted something spicy so he suggested this spicy sauce. It was very good and left my mouth on fire! I ate about 75% of the bowl which ended up being more of a lettuce then rice base as I was expecting.

It was a wonderful meal, but I had to save room for the dessert I knew I had waiting back at the apartment.

I am so glad I checked my mailbox on my way out of town because I found this wonderful surprise waiting for me. Amanda was gracious enough to send Cailtin and I some Heath Bar inspired blondies to reward us for the races this weekend,

I had 1/2 of one as soon as we got back to the apartment.

Chocolate, Toffee, Almonds... Oh My!!! THese are GOOD!!!!!

THANK YOU AMANDA!!!

So now its time for bed to rest for my race tomorrow. I am beyond excited to run. I swear I’m like a little kid on Christmas Morning. Luckily I already got to open my presents.

I think this has to be the cutest race packet I’ve ever recieved!

I have my number all prepared plus a couple of other goodies.

Now I just need to sleep. See you tomorrow for a Day 1 recap!