67 days: zooma florida training kickoff recap

This is a sponsored post. I am a race Ambassador for ZOOMA Florida and have received a complimentary race entry as compensation for my post. All opinions are my own.

We have had a crazy, busy weekend, and I will be sharing all kinds of fun stuff about a new route I ran and a very special anniversary date night, but today, I want to write about the ZOOMA Florida Training Kickoff I attended on Sunday.

The three mile, informal, untimed run was held at 1st Place Sports’ new San Marco location. I was a little concerned because the weather was very cold and incredibly foggy early in the morning, but by the time 11 rolled around, the sun was shining and the temperatures had warmed up.

Due to a scheduling conflict, I had little man with me. Kristin, from A Mom On The Run and fellow ZOOMA Florida ambassador, was kind enough to lend me her BOB jogging stroller for the occasion. It would be my first time actually running with a stroller and it was definitely an experience.

There was a great turnout: more than 15 runners participated.

We met ZOOMA representative Brooke, who handed out some maps detailing the course route. Although the San Marco area is lovely, neither Kristin nor I were 100% familiar with it, so the maps were to help keep everyone on track.

After chatting, we started on our way. Little man insisted he wanted to get out of the stroller and run, which translated to actually pushing the stroller. It was a bit unwieldy for him, and I finally had to halt his progress and ask him to return to his seat. We would be running through streets, not all of which had sidewalks, and it just wasn’t safe for him. He got very filled up and told me he had to run or else he wouldn’t get a medal, which just about broke my heart. I explained that we were just out having fun and that no one would be getting a medal today, but that we would get some fun goodies when we got back to our starting point, so he agreed to return to the BOB.

And then proceeded to “coach” me through the rest of the course: Mommy, those people are beating you. Mommy, you’re beating them. Mommy, do you know where you’re going? Mommy, why did you turn here? Mommy, those people are running so you have to stop walking. Mommy, those people are walking so you have to stop running.

He’s a helpful child. Of many opinions.

Also helpful? These really great motivational signs Brooke had planted along the route. They were nice little bits of positivity to get us through.

I am looking forward to seeing more of these on the race course at the ZOOMA Florida half marathon in January. Encouragement is always a good thing.

We got a little mixed up on the training course, and managed to miss about half a mile before we headed back to the store. I’m not going to say I was sorry. That stroller (with its somewhat outspoken cargo) was a handful and I was pretty worn out from pushing.

I released little man from the stroller when we were back on the main sidewalk so he could sprint to the “finish”. And then it was time to chat with all the runners and check out some of the great giveaways provided by ZOOMA sponsors.

It was such a fun experience. There were so many inspiring runners joining in this training and I loved hearing some of their stories as to how they came to be running ZOOMA Florida. It’s an honor to be a part of this wonderful group.

In less than 70 days, we’ll be running through the beautiful streets and beaches of Amelia Island for the ZOOMA Florida Half Marathon and 5K. I hope you’ll be joining us. And stay tuned for more opportunities to join us for local training runs with wonderful athletes and great giveaways.

If you’re ready to register, you can do so online here and don’t forget to use code FLAAMB3 for 10% off your entry fee for either the half or the 5K!