ZOOMA Annapolis 2015

To celebrate National Running Day, I’m reliving my most recent race experience – the ZOOMA Annapolis race.

This is my fourth time running a ZOOMA race (I ran 10K in Annapolis, a half marathon in Annapolis, and a half marathon in Chicago).

I love the atmosphere of ZOOMA races. ZOOMA is an empowering women’s race series (though open to men). This race is all about highlighting, showcasing, and celebrating the success of female athletes.

New this year, I was named one of the race ambassadors, joining a group of amazing runners.

Many of the ambassadors chose to run the half marathon. I loved being able to run my race and then watch and cheer several of them on as they crossed the finish line.

Traditional pre-run race photo:

The race started at 7 a.m. and it was already HOT. Humidity in Maryland is no joke, which I think some of the visitors of the race got to experience for the first time!

Another huge reason I love running this race: the spectacular views. The course starts at Navy Stadium, runs down Main Street in Annapolis, by the water, by the Naval Academy, and over the Naval Academy Bridge. The 10k course turns around on the center point of the bridge.

I snapped a quick photo while cruisin’ down Main Street:

I ran a great race! The longest run I completed this spring is 5 miles, so this race set the longest distance for my spring so far. I kept a solid 9:30 or so pace for the entire race. I started slow and kept that pace. The result? I felt great at the finish.

All smiles at the finish line (official race photo):

And all the sweat. It was hot!

Official time and results:

This was actually my PR on this race course for this series – the previous ZOOMA 10k I ran was 1:04:22.

Finisher selfie! The medals are sweet this year – the half marathon medal even had a little charm on it. I have so many race medals, and have yet to work on a display for them. They’re currently in a drawer, all together.

Super fun: Sean Astin ran our race! He ran the half marathon.

Overall, a great day for a race. Can’t wait to run it again next year. (Psst, 2016 registration is now open)