Wet and Dreary

‘Twas a wet and dreary morning around these parts.

Kelly and I actually got very lucky on our 12 mile run this morning. There was 84% humidity, grey clouds, and a light mist that caught up with us every once in a while, but that was it. We missed the huge downpour that took over the Tampa Bay area in the wee hours of the morning and instead of dodging rain, we just had to dodge big puddles. No biggie.

We were up before the sun and each had a rice cake with almond butter, pumpkin butter, and chocolate covered edamame before hitting the road.

I was excited to introduce Kelly to one of my favorite running loops in Tampa this morning. We’ve run together plenty of times in Orlando, not only a couple in Tampa. Unfortunately the temporary set-ups for the upcoming Gasparilla celebrations this weekend hindered the real beauty of this route.

Barricades, tents, and porta potties as far as the eye could see! The good news was, in case there was an emergency must-potty-now situation, we were covered.

Kelly is recovering from a slight injury, so the miles were a little slower than we predicted. We chatted, hobbled, and braced ourselves for rain that never ended up making an appearance.

12 miles done and done.

After our run we met our friend Dee for breakfast at Pinky’s Diner.

Pinky’s is one of those places I’ve been told I’ve had to try since I moved to Tampa last March. They’re famous for their Saturday and Sunday morning brunches, where the wait for a table in the tiny place can take well over an hour. I’m told it’s worth it and the long wait or limited parking hasn’t stop people from coming back yet.

We had a small wait for a table for three, but nothing terrible. Once seated, I immediately ordered a double shot cafe con leche and enjoyed every sip.

Kelly ordered a regular coffee and was invited up to the coffee counter where she selected her cup and her brew of choice.

Go Dolphins! (that one’s for Anthony )

The menu was full of breakfast classics and everything everyone dined on around us looked amazing. Dee informed me that her co-workers rave about the oatmeal pancakes, which are their regular buttermilk pancakes with a hearty dose of oats added to the batter. I heard pancakes and was sold. An order of the short stack pancakes with strawberries and a side of scrambled egg please.

The pancakes were dense, yet fluffy and extremely filling thanks to the extra oats. The strawberries were really my favorite part. You could tell they were fresh slices that were added to the pancakes on the griddle and not simply mixed in the batch. Pancake perfection.

I loved the cute, funky vibe Pinky’s had to offer and I loved the food. I’ll definitely be back.

Our fingers are crossed that the sky clears up before we head out for the bachelorette festivities this afternoon. Until then Kelly and I are catching on work stuff and piecing together last minute party favors. Penis straws anyone?!