Last week I jetted off to Florida for ZOOMA Amelia Island. It was a work trip. I’ve been the Director of Content and Community for the ZOOMA racing series for about 5 years now. Our team is spread around the country and most of us made the trip for our biggest race weekend of the year.
My flight was a bit delayed when they decided they’d take on extra fuel in order to detour to avoid a “little weather” in the Nashville area. That “little weather” turned out to be tornadoes Southwest of Nashville and our detour ended up adding an extra 90 (turbulent) minutes to that leg of the journey. My 1.5 hour layover in Nashville was gone. When we finally landed I had to sprint to another terminal and made my connection by the skin of my teeth.
I was literally the last person to board the plane in Nashville and on Southwest it’s first come first serve, so I scrounged up a seat and heard the guy next to me talking about landing in Atlanta. Atlanta?? I was supposed to be heading to Jacksonville. I started to panic thinking I boarded the wrong plane when the guy next to me said they added a stop in Atlanta for some reason or another, but we’d eventually end up in Jacksonville. What choice did I have? So we landed in Atlanta (3rd airport if you’re counting) before going on to Jacksonville. My flight from Chicago turned into a 9 hour odyssey. I did not make it to Jacksonville until after midnight.
ZOOMA Amelia Island
Bless Missy’s heart, she and Kelly got in earlier but waited for me so we all got an Uber and together we headed to the beach house that would be our home base in Amelia Island. The view from our back porch was stunning. I shook off all the travel stress. Let the fun begin!
Thursday was all about setting up the expo and getting ready for race weekend. I’ll spare you the details. The day was super long and exhausting but it was fun too.
Our team spent Friday working the expo until it was time for the evening VIP party. There was food, drinks and lots of runner-style mingling while our sister company, Skirt Sports debuted 3 new collections. The Space-Dye tank and hoodie I’m wearing in the pic above are SO so nice, comfy and soft! Highly recommend! The Triumph Skort shown above is my new skirt fave!
Saturday started with a sunrise beach walk led by myself and Kate, our Run Club Coach. We couldn’t have asked for more perfect weather!
Beach yoga was next, then it was time for more action at the expo.
That evening the first of three races went off. The ZOOMA Amelia Island 5k had 6 waves of runners!
The evening culminated in a post-5k outdoor pasta party. Check out the highlights of the evening here. It was the perfect way to recover and carb up for Sunday’s half marathon and 12k.
Sunday started dark and early….think 3:45am early…because we had to set up the finish line area, food and merchandise tents well before the 7:20am start time.
While I didn’t actually run the race, I ran around the racecourse cheering on many of the athletes I coach. It was fun and again we had perfect weather.
After breaking down the finish line, our team was treated to much-needed massages. Overall it was a wonderful day and a super fun weekend, although there were some snafu’s I’ll save for my Runfessions. Bet you can’t wait! Check out the race day highlights here.
If you’ve never run a ZOOMA race you need to! They’re organized for women BY women, and we know exactly what you love.
Have you run a ZOOMA race? Have you raced in Florida?
I’m linking up for the Runner’s Roundup with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.
Wow! What a busy week! Did you even sleep?
But it looks like a stunning event and that everyone had a great time. That view from your beach house is amazing!
I love the design of the medals – they must be the prettiest I’ve ever seen.
A lot of work but also loads of fun.
I hope to do another Zooma race.
I agree that they are so well organized.
What a super time everyone looks to have had. Hope your journey home was a bit smoother!
Wow! Looks like it was a huge success and a lot of fun. I’m sure it was a lot of work, but I bet it was worth it!
My first half marathon ever was a Zooma race in Annapolis, MD. I did that race a few times and we were all sad to see that location go away. I do remember it being a great time. I hope I can do another one soon
So bummed to have missed this
But wow, that sunrise view.
Congratulations to you and the team for a successful weekend
Not sure how I missed this recap earlier in the week. WHAT A COOL JOB!!! This sounds like an amazing weekend. I’ve never ru a ZOOMA race but I would like to!
Wow, Marcia, it sounds like a fantastic event. Sorry for your flight woes. What was up with the extra stop in Atlanta???
When I volunteered at a 5K a few weeks ago I was reminded of how much goes into planning one event — let alone a whole weekend.
Sounds like a busy but fun weekend! Those travel issues sounds awful. Glad it all worked out though and the race weekend was a success!
I am so sorry for your flight saga. That sounds terrifying. I’m an awful flyer and would have been in a panic spiral. Ugh.
That being said. The weekend was amazing. Beach yoga was the best. I’m so glad we were able to be there.