6 down 6 to go (aka ZOOMA Women's Race)

Thanks to the huge storm on Friday, the weather for Saturday's ZOOMA Half Marathon and 10K (I ran the 10K) was amazing! Bright skies, low humidity, temperature between 60 - 70, and even a nice light breeze sometimes. Wonderful racing weather.

I have been looking forward to this race for months and I was not disappointed! The atmosphere at the start was amazing. All the ladies (and a gent here and there) were pumped to be there and the energy in and around the crowd was fantastic. Music was pumping and we all whooped and hollered as the race started right on time! Go ladies!

The top of my head and the crowd behind me at the start!

As good as they were, the picturesque course, the crowd camaraderie and the close-to-perfect weather were not the most amazing part of the race. When the crowd began to thin out a bit, I fell in beside, Dimity of Another Mother Runner fame. (I had met her the day before the packet pickup/ ZOOMA Marketplace (mini expo) where I was able to pick up their book Train Like a Mother: How to Get Across Any Finish Line - and Not Lose Your Family, Job, or Sanity.) She was running the half with a new found friend, Cynthia, who has an amazing story. I was privileged and honored to learn more about her, her family (Marine husband and 3 young boys) and her fight with cancer, thyroid (which has just come back) and cervical. She is an amazingly strong, inspirational woman and I found myself captivated by her words as we ran along the streets of Annapolis. Her infectous attitude was one of determination, refusal to give in and acceptance. Running along and hearing her story, it was impossible to worry about being tired or sore. Her strength and power to fight was in every step and I am proud to say I shared a few steps next to her on the road. Thank you. (She noted that she has a blog and I'll be doing a little searching to find it. Here it is!)

Great Tree Lined Street. Check out that crowd!

Main Street Annapolis.
(You can see Cynthia in the teal
and Dimity in the blue with the white hat.)

View from on top of the Naval Academy Bridge

The course was well laid out and full of views of beautiful Annapolis. Running down the brick main street, up and over the Naval Academy Bridge, with a start/finish at Navy Stadium meant for a few arm-swinging uphill pushes followed by gentle downhill relief. As we continued along, I realized we had run parts of the course during some of our training runs. It was nice to recognize a spot here and there. The race founder and director, Brae Blackley, had told a group of us a day before at the expo that it is difficult to get the Naval Academy bridge closed to traffic. The view is worth it! I'm glad I slowed down a little bit to take it in.

My only critique of the course is that the 10K turn around wasn't marked clearly enough. If you missed the volunteers pointing at the spot between the cones or didn't see other 10kers making the turn, it would be easy to miss. My sister was at the finish and heard a woman who was planning to run the 10K, but finished the 13.1 miles of the half marathon because she missed the turn around. Way to keep pushing sister! You must have been in the zone!

Navy Stadium

My youngest sister, we'll call her the Tumbler, came with me to the race, bright and early on her Saturday, to volunteer. She worked at the Gear Check before the race and she handed out our finishers necklaces at the finish line. (AH, I forgot to get a picture of us...nuts) Speaking of the necklace, I really like it! It's simple, easy, and so lightweight I forget it's on until the Enforcer tries to stick it in his mouth. The back simply says "ZOOMA 2012."I really love the idea of a necklace over a medal for race finishers. Sure a medal is great and it reminds me of my accomplishment when I catch a glimpse of it hanging of my diploma frame, this necklace is something I can proudly wear! (Water and bananas were available after the finish also. The Tumbler helped set that up too!)

The after race party wasn't quite what I expected. I was hoping for some really pumping, grooving music, but I think I came though while the band was on a little break. I also couldn't find the wine stand my first time through. The Muscle Milk area was a nice surprise. They had mats laid out on the ground with cylinder rollers to massage your muscles. On every mat was your very own Muscle Milk work out towel, I might be a little to excited to take mine with me to the gym this week. I went to get my boxed lunch which included a container of chicken salad (or hummus if you so chose,) pita slices, an apple, a pack of carrots and a bottle of water. Quite a nice race perk! My only addition would be a little piece of chocolate, that would have made it perfect. (Luckily, I brought a Dark Chocolate Almond Milk along with me for after the race so I got my chocolate fix!) My lunch and I walked over to there finish line so I could watch while I refueled. I was able to see and cheer on the first half marathon finisher. This made me more excited then I thought it would! I'm glad I finished the 10K before half marathoners crossed the line. That gave me a little extra boost!

Right before the finish line is a bit of a hill, so I stationed myself right at the top to cheer the racers on to the finish. This was almost more fun then the race itself. That little extra push and kick they had when they saw that finish line made me so excited!
 I got a few smiles and a few waves and even a fist pump from a fellow Hokie. (I was able to see Cynthia and Dimity cross the finish around 2:30!) As more racers finished, the crowd around the finish line dwindled to just a few of us. I took this as an opportunity to cheer louder and more enthusiastically. I know when I passed cheerers on the course it always gives me a little extra boost. I hope I gave a little boost to someone too.

When the time got closer to 3:30 (the course closing time,) I decided to check out the rest of the after race expo. Sadly, a few of the booths were closing up and they were all out of wine. One of the aspects I was looking forward to and I missed out! No wine for me. I was planning on getting a massage too, but some how I missed that area.

Ok, some stats:
I ran the 10K in 1:09:23 for a 11:10 minute mile pace. Out of 1,433 10Kers, I came in 806th and out of 219 in my age group, 25-29, I was 145th. After the race, the Tumbler said she wants to run the race next year. I think I can convince her to do the half with me!

I like the little hair wisp I have here.

Things I learned from my first 10K and women's race:

1. I really need to leave a bottle of sunscreen in my car. The second I smelled someone else putting it on I realized I forgot it. Blast. 
2. There is something about a women's race atmosphere that is so much more relaxed. The race felt almost easy, though I pushed myself harder then I did in training runs, but it was like running with a big group of new friends. I'm definitely signing up for next year.
3. Get there early if you want wine. We ladies do love some good wine.
4. LOVED stretching mats being available. Especially, since I missed the massage area. I got a great stretch in while my muscles were still warm. 
5. Cheering on other racers has become a new favorite. After the race this weekend, I've been thinking I should find out if there is a race who wants help organizing cheering groups along the course. (If you are a with race and are interested I would love to talk to you about possibilities!!) Though, I need to come up with a few new lines. "You've got this" and "push it to the finish" seem over used after an hour or so of cheering. 

All in all a really fun, beautiful (the course and the crowd,) and inspirational (thanks Cynthia!) race. I can't wait until next year!

PS. After hitting up the Annapolis Greek Festival for lunch and many desserts (I earned them after a race right??) we decided to go to Six Flags for a few hours. When we got there we heard the new coaster, Apocalypse, is open to season pass holders. At first I was impressed, from how the site was laid out (nice job McCrone!), to the sleek lines of the track and the adjustable heights on the ride seats. But as we started out on the ride, I was quickly reminded why I am not a big fan of standing coasters. My head just seems to bounce around to much for me to enjoy the ride. I'll probably be skipping that one next time.

A mist sprayer at the park
I'm keeping this picture for when I need a pick me up.
You are welcome to use it too! :)