next stop: ZOOMA florida

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.

In just 9 days, we’ll be heading out along a breathtaking course for ZOOMA Florida in Amelia Island. With gorgeous scenery and a finish line after-party on the oceanfront lawn at the Ritz-Carlton, ZOOMA Florida promises to provide yet another wonderful event.

Last Saturday, 1st Place Sports hosted a final group training run for ZOOMA. The Town Center location opened early and a large group of runners, including many of the ZOOMA Florida Ambassadors gathered for the occasion.

The provided maps outlined the route for three distances: a full 10 miles, six miles and three miles, traveling from Town Center and through UNF. There were pacers for each of the groups, too, which was very nice touch. Devon, of The Food Bitch Blog, and I decided that we would take the six mile route, and could do it on our own as she was familiar with the campus.

Despite the humidity, we managed a nice pace at my usual 2:30/1 intervals. It was a change from her 4/1 routine, but we got along pretty well.

The campus was gorgeous, and I am going to make it a point to make use of it in the future. There is plenty of shade, restrooms, and even trails for a change of pace. I would definitely like to give them a try in the future.

We met up with the bulk of the 10 mile group at the restroom, and followed them out for a few more turns before doubling back.

The blazing sun got the better of us just after five miles, so we slowed to a brisk walk. I wasn’t too concerned.  After all, this is part of my taper so I’m just trying to keep warm and loose. We made our way back to the store and settled in to wait for the rest of the runners.

One of ZOOMA’s sponsors, Feetures!, had sent some socks, glasses and t-shirts for giveaway purposes, and some lucky winners got to take home some great prizes.

It was great getting to visit with these ladies. Some of us are already friends, and some we got to meet for the first time.

We can even be all kinds of silly together.

Afterwards, a bunch of us headed over to Starbucks for some coffee and a snack before saying our goodbyes until next weekend.

There’s still time to register to join this awesome group of ladies for the 2015 ZOOMA Florida race in Amelia Island.

Half marathoners will earn this beautiful bling!

Click here to sign up and don’t forget to use code JENN15 for 10% off any of the three distances (5K, 12K or half marathon)!

Hope to see you there!

What makes a great group training run, for you?

Do you ever take racecations with your friends?