Zooma Annapolis 10K – 2014

This past Saturday was the second year I was able to participate in the Zooma Annapolis festivities as a race ambassador.  Each year has had its struggles for me.  Last year I was injured (tibialis tendonitis) and wasn’t able to run, but still spectated and cheered everyone on.  This year, I was lucky to just make it into Annapolis and run the race.  It was a little chaotic trying to get down in time to meet up with the other ambassadors for dinner and then eat in time to make it to the mock tail party.

Oh well!  All in all I ended up having a fantastic race and realizing that I really love the 10K distance! 

Race morning started at the Navy Marine Corps Stadium.  We stayed in Annapolis the night before to avoid a 4:30am wake up (SOOOOO THANKFUL).  Since I was running the 10K, I felt as though I just threw myself together with packing.  For longer races, I have a much better pre-race routine.  I really had no idea what to do before a 10K.  It was only 6 miles really!  Lesson learned.  You still need pretty much the same pre-race strategy:  a little food, coffee, porta potties…

There was ample parking and we got there with plenty of time to hit up the porta potties and also realize they didn’t have any gear check…. I guess the city of Annapolis doesn’t allow that?  Can anyone confirm that?

Race start was 7am so I jumped into the 8 – 9min/mile area at about 6:55am.  Oh the beauty of a smaller race. 

The evening before, Heather and I were talking about race day expectations.  I had no idea what to expect from myself for a 10K.  After hearing my NWM 13.1 pace, she said “Run a 53.”  OoooK… WHAT?!  So all night I tossed and turned trying to figure out what that meant.  What was that pace?  What would that feel like?

So my plan was to put myself somewhere around the 1:50 pacer for the half marathon and hope for the best.  Well that was a little quick for my poor legs.  I lost sight of them around mile 2, which wasn’t that bad because I love the race course for the first part of Annapolis when you run around the capital and down around the water.  The scenery took my mind off the pace.

On this course, there are certain points where you can see people on other parts of the course and cheer them on. It’s extremely motivating during the first part of the race.  Towards the end you kind of want to just lay down because you realize they’re almost done.  #FAIL

While the race was a great one for me, I can’t say the same for the top 15 – 20 women in the 10K.  I’m really glad to have had the opportunity to represent Zooma because I love what they’re doing, but I’m a little disappointed that for a second year they had issues with signage/directions on the race course.

Thank God for Colleen’s selfless husband Jim.  You’re my hero!  Seeing the chaos which ensued with the split of the 10K and half marathon, he ran to Rite Aid and make a make shift sign.  What a trooper!  One day maybe I’ll have course support like that!  Way to go Jim 🙂

The women who should have placed for the Zooma 10K unfortunately were misrouted and ended up running over 7 miles in the end (ie: heather).  Definitely something that needs to be worked on between the race and the city of Annapolis.  At least this year not a lot of people were affected by it. 

Colleen, another one of the ambassadors, had a great race!   And after almost a year of messaging, blogging, and virtual cheers and high fives, we were finally able to meet each other in person!!!  I can’t wait for long runs in prep for Marine Corps, yoga dates, and Sweet Green!

So…how did I do you ask?  Well 53 was a little out of range for me, but with a finish of 54:35, it gives me something to work on!   Already trying to figure out my next 10K before the big one in October (…Marine Corps…).  Seriously considering/dying to do the BigTen 10K. 

After meeting Heather virtually 4 years ago and staying in contact because we were both nutrition grads from PSU who loved to run, it was great to finally run a race with her! 

And in our post race stupor we purchased very loud head bands and I walked away with most obnoxious patterned shorts.  No regrets 😉

Overall, I really enjoyed the Zooma 10K this year and am really happy to see a few of my readers had a great race experience as well – cheers to you girls!!!!

Another race bites the dust.

Sorry, no serious, deep, philosophical thoughts on running.  Just good old fashioned race day sweat!