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.
On Saturday morning, I had the privilege of participating in a very special event: the ZOOMA Florida Training Kick Off!
ZOOMA Florida is just a few months away, with the gun sounding at 8:00 AM on January 17 for the half marathon and 12K (and 8:30AM for the 5K). The half marathon and 12K both wind through gorgeous downtown Fernandina and along scenic A1A, with the half detouring through Fort Clinch State Park for some extra miles. The 5K sticks to the beach outside the Ritz Carlton Amelia Island. It’s really quite the unforgettable experience.
But in the meantime, we need to prepare!
Some of my fellow Ambassadors met up at the 1st Place Sports on San Marco for our very first training run.
We were joined by a great group of women who were excited to be under way for the three miles through the gorgeous Riverside area. It’s a stunning route, through some really lovely residential streets and along the river. I am generally only able to run the area during certain races, and was looking forward to the chance to do so for fun.
Unfortunately, a little packing snafu meant that it was not to be.
Two shoes from two different pairs would have been manageable. Two LEFT shoes from two different pairs is quite another story.
Fail.
So, while the others went out to enjoy the lovely morning, I stayed with Kristin in the store, and chatted about the upcoming race. We are all really looking forward to it.
After the run, we enjoyed some treats provided by 1st Place Sports, and then got to know each other a little better. Kristin, Devon and I were already friends, but it was great to welcome Sharon (who is also local to the area) and Michelle. We were also hoping to meet MaryBeth, but she got stuck in horrific traffic from an accident and didn’t make it in time. 🙁
In the meantime, Michelle helped us take a great Ambassador selfie:
We are all looking forward to our next official Training Run, which will be held at 1st Place Sports in St. Johns Town Center on January 3 at 7:00 AM. Click here for more details and to RSVP. We will be taking on ten miles, and we hope to see you out there!
In the meantime, keep an eye on your ZOOMA Florida Ambassador’s blogs and social media – some of us may be putting together additional runs or informational events in our respective cities to keep you pumped up and in the loop.
And of course, if you want to join us for the 2015 ZOOMA Florida event, you can register for the half marathon, 5K or brand-new 12K here. Use code JENN15 to save 10% on the entry fee for any of these three distances.
Will you be participating at the ZOOMA event at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island in 2015?
What’s your favorite thing about destination races?
Two left feet huh? I know the feeling 😉
I so wish I was closer, this looks like such a fun event, especially with all the training runs leading up to it.
Stacie Seidman recently posted…Truthful Tuesday
It was so embarrassing. I couldn’t believe I did something so absurd. Lucky for me, I can laugh at myself.
Loved the post! At least you were there! No worries the next training run, the hubby and I are coming up the night before! Can’t wait to meet you all! I love destination races so much fun! and you cannot go wrong with the Ritz!
Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…Life is Busy! Time for Rest and Recovery – whew!
Definitely a good idea!
And you are so right about the Ritz! Cannot wait to be back there.
Oh it made me laugh to see that photo with the two left sneakers. The Zooma races seem to be really popular and I would love to try one. Need to think about the January date!
Pam recently posted…It’s Marine Corps Marathon week – getting ready
Only me, right?
We. Would. LOVE. To have you come to Amelia Island in January! How fun would that be?
Seriously laughed so hard over your shoes. You’re hilarious 🙂
Devon recently posted…Tailgate Treats: Biscuits and Gravy
As long as we’re all clear on my skill set. 🙂
The 12K intrigues me. I don’t want to run a half a week after the Disney Marathon, but I think I could manage a 12K.
Angie recently posted…It is permanent
I’m kind of with you. I think a 12K sounds like a totally doable distance after a full!
Destination races seem to be gaining in popularity! I have had two friends recently that they are keen to do the Paris half marathon (I would totally go along to drink wine, I mean cheer for them). And I know a bunch of people traveling to NYC from all over the country/world to run the NYC marathon. It’s so cool how motivated everyone is!
Britt@MyOwnBalance recently posted…The Best Prenatal Classes in NYC
It is definitely a great way to travel and do something active! I love the idea of racecations and destination races. Paris would be amazing! I hope you get to go!