In 24 hours, I will be embarking on my fourth half marathon – ZOOMA Cape Cod .
Training for this race has been …. interesting. With my other races, I definitely “had a feeling” going into the race, based on how my training went.
This one feels like a crapshoot.
I loosely followed a plan, running three days a week: a tempo run, a speedwork run, and one long run on weekends. Of course, there were a few weeks when I had to drop the midweek runs and one weekend when I was so sick I knew there was no way I was getting a long run in, but for the most part, I think it’s gone well. Maybe?
I think one thing that’s been throwing me off is that, for the last month, I’ve been tackling a challenging and hilly route for my long runs in preparation for ZOOMA, which winds its way through hilly Falmouth on Cape Cod. As a result, my long runs have been considerably slower than any of my long runs for my previous races, which has me a little nervous.
But I’m pushing those nerves aside and focusing on how much FUN this weekend will be. Let’s see…
- I get to stay overnight at the lovely Sea Crest Beach Hotel … literally right at the starting line, and home to the pre-race Mocktail party tomorrow night and the post-race festivities on Saturday.
- I get to hang out with my fellow ZOOMA Ambassadors and bloggger pals (like Jessica, Dani, Nancy, Amy) and others who I’ve been following for awhile but have yet to meet in person.
- The beautiful sights of running alongside an ocean course.
- A sweet finisher’s medal.
- And did I mention staying overnight … by myself!! … in a hotel room on the beach?!
As you guys know, I’m running the Hartford Half Marathon two weeks after ZOOMA, on October 11, so at first I was thinking of this race as my long run, and wasn’t going to really try and push myself.
But who am I kidding.
There’s no way I can be part of the race excitement – especially as a race ambassador – and not give it my all. I’m honestly not expecting a sub-2:00 this time, and if I get it, that would be fantastic. And if I don’t, then I’m still winning because I got a tough long run under belt, which will only continue to prepare me for Hartford, AND I got to take part in a pretty incredible experience.
Right now I’m taking care of some of the last minute details:
- My playlist. This might be my best one yet!
- My running gear. The weather on Saturday is going to be a little warmer than one might expect in late September so I think I am going to attempt to run a long distance race in a running skirt for the first time … my cobalt blue Skirt Sports skirt. Okay, I know you’re not supposed to do anything “new” on race day, but I’ve worn this skirt on my long 10+ mile runs, so I feel pretty confident racing in it tomorrow.
(On a side note: this will be my farewell run in my probably-too-worn-out-to-be-racing-in Brooks Glycerin 11s. A new pair of the same exact thing are en route and set to arrive next week, which will give me some time to break them in before Hartford).
- Whole Foods run on my way to the Cape. To stock up on a bagel, banana and single serving of almond butter for breakfast in my hotel room in the morning.
- Painting my nails a fun, bright color. One of my silly race traditions.
- Planning a fun outfit to wear to the Honest Tea Mocktail Party tonight. Looking forward to checking out the ZOOMA Expo then meeting up with my fellow Ambassadors at the Sea Crest Beach Hotel for some fun before we get down to business tomorrow.
Jennifer says
Good luck this weekend…I am sure you will do great! And what is better than having your own hotel room by the beach?
Jessica says
Seriously … I’m not sure what I’m more excited about: the race or the hotel room? 😉
Kara says
I feel your excitement!! I ran Zooma Cape Code last September and loved the entire race weekend! Sea Crest hotel is beautiful and love the ocean views! Hope you have a great race! I run the Maine marathon next weekend.
Jessica says
So glad to hear you had a good race experience last year 🙂 Best of luck next weekend!!!!
Patty Orszulak says
I have ran Zooma Cape Cod for the past 3 years. Was sad the hotel was filled when I tried to reserve a room this year but I was still able to enjoy the beach. Perfect running weather and perfect beach weather for the end of September.
I am still debating whether to run the Hartford Half this Saturday. I told myself I need to make up my mind by tomorrow the latest.