Due to a work trip (and our refrigerator dying - ugh!), I was unable to attend Friday night's
Mocktail Party / packet pick-up. Luckily, Amanda of "Get to Goal" was able to pick up my packet, which I snagged from her as soon as we got into the city. Mike, Layla and I stayed at the Silversmith Hotel on Wabash (another awesome hotels.com deal!), and we couldn't have been happier with the room. It was spacious, and the decor was awesome!
(Our little bean is #sofancy!)
On Saturday morning, I woke up around 5:00 a.m. to get ready. I walked over to the Radisson Blu, the host hotel, to catch the shuttle down to Burnham Park. I was able to catch up with Amanda of "Chasing Cheeto" on the ride down, who was running the 10K. We chatted about motherhood, as Amanda is expecting her first child (and looks ADORABLE, btw). Once we arrived, I stretched and ran into some of the other ambassadors.
(Side note: It's been ages since I've been that far south on the lakefront path. I couldn't get over how gorgeous it was - definitely something I wish I had taken advantage of when I lived in the city!)
(Side note: It's been ages since I've been that far south on the lakefront path. I couldn't get over how gorgeous it was - definitely something I wish I had taken advantage of when I lived in the city!)
(Sigh. Chicago is corrupt, but beautiful.)
(Thanks, Zenaida, for the picture!)
(A few of the ambassadors: Zenaida of "See Zenaida Run", Kelly of "Running Kellometers", myself, Amanda of "Get to Goal" and Laima of "Women's Endurance Gear")
Kelly and I ran the entire half-marathon together. Our first six miles were pretty strong, but at the halfway point, I could tell we were both affected by the sun (the lakefront path isn't very shaded). I also needed much more water than what was provided. So, the last seven miles were definitely a struggle, but we pushed through it together. Our official time was 2:22:42. And MAJOR props to Kelly on her first post-baby half!
The after-party is my favorite part of the ZOOMA experience. I love that they give out a "snack box" (chips and a sandwich), as well as Barefoot Wine and Muscle Milk. I wish I was able to stay longer, but I was anxious to get back to Mike and Layla at the hotel. However, I did enjoy a glass of wine before I left (and ended up buying some Barefoot Wine at CVS later that day - ha)!
I think I also mentioned that the swag is a key component of the ZOOMA experience - well, check it out for yourself. I loved the medals at the finish, and the bag contained the hat, shirt, and Feetures! socks (which are my new fave)!
If you haven't signed up for a ZOOMA race, and there is one near you, I highly recommend it. It's a great opportunity to turn it into a fun girls weekend, too! (I've added ZOOMA Napa Valley to my running bucket list, btw). Thanks, ZOOMA, for another awesome experience!
(Disclaimer: I received a free race entry from ZOOMA as part of the ambassador program. All opinions expressed are my own.)
Awesome weekend! I agree the South Lakeshore is gorgeous. But SO friggin hard to get to. I love that Zooma has some good swag. Most races don't anymore.
ReplyDeleteGreat pics of the lakefront sunrise. Those Lakefront Trail morning races in the summer can be brutal since the rising sun shines on the trail unabated. I have never heard of that hotel before!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great experience! I think I checked this out a while ago, but no ZOOMA in my area :(... I'll have to go check again, though. You look great, momma!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the half! And that is great you got to run through a part of Chicago you are wishing you would have run on more :)
ReplyDeleteI hope they do something about the water - every report I've read has mentioned there was not enough!
I almost signed up for Napa this year but it has the tendency to get too warm for me there in the summertime. Zooma events sound like a running spa weekend.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! You are doing so great on the running. Love that shirt they gave you.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on a great race! The view along the lakefront is always amazing.
ReplyDeleteIt was a great race and I had fun at the after party too. It was not my best race but definitely not my worst either. I tried to keep up with you and Kelly but that did not happen. :-)
It was a great experience (with my friends) but the race itself? Meh. There wasn't much water on the back half, and I was dying from the heat. The cyclists on the path were total a**holes--it got a little scary at times! And the lack of bathrooms...well...still, it was a fun morning.
ReplyDelete~Wendy at Taking the Long Way Home