Photo by Ray Roa
Rodney Cordero is a fixture in the window at downtown Tampa's Supernatural sandwich shop.
"'Hot Rod's Hot Run" happens on Saturday, Dec. 17, and leaves Supernatural Food & Wine—located at 305 E Polk St. in Tampa—at 5:15 p.m. It ends 2.5 miles away at South Tampa's Filipino sari-sari store concept, Lucky Tigre, where the Supernatty team will buy anyone who goes on the run a drink.
The exercise and camaraderie is all in in the name of Cordero, who injured his ankle six or seven years ago, leading to pain for a full day after he spent extended hours on his feet.
"I was originally diagnosed with peroneal tendonitis and was told it would go away on its own in a year or two," Cordero told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. "I found out last year that it wasn't tendinitis at all but an inflammation issue, and ever since then I have been working towards being able to work a full eight-hour shift without pain or discomfort in my ankle."
Over the last three months, Cordero had a breakthrough and has been able to work a full shift with minimal pain. Supernatural founder Wesley Roderick suggested going for a one-mile run with the team to celebrate—an idea that's since grown into this community run where Men’s Health Unscripted will also donate $10 for every runner to the Testicular Cancer Society.
"This time last year our boy could barely stand a full shift and definitely could not imagine being out on a run. His goal was to rehab and be able to run a mile. Which he has accomplished (crushed)…," Supernatural wrote online. "If you love supporting others, crushing personal goals, want to have fun and a good run or just want so tasty food , come join!"
Roderick told CL that the jog is seriously as casual as anyone wants. "We're talking turkey trot here, man," he added. OK, but who's gonna drive me home?
