The six ZOOMA Annapolis Ambassadors span the range from advanced beginners to ultramarathoners. But that’s just about the only running-related difference they have among them; they all run for strength, confidence, and peace (both the inner and the quiet kind), and they all thrive on sharing the running–and ZOOMA–love.

Jerry Allison, age 26.

Running the: half-marathon, her tenth.

The biggest benefit running gives me is: serenity.

My favorite workout is: any run at the end of which I don’t want to stop running.

I can’t run without my: Brooks Ravennas.

Three words that describe my running: stubborn, therapeutic, never-ending.

Goal for ZOOMA: finishing.

Kristin Galemore, age 25.

Running the: half-marathon, her seventh.

I started running because: I wanted to get in shape for my wedding and agreed to sign up for my first race with my dad.

The biggest benefit running gives me is: a sense of accomplishment. There is no better feeling than crossing the finish line and knowing I’ve worked for it.

My favorite workout is: 10 mile runs. I love that distance.

Three words that describe my running: atill in progress.

Goal for ZOOMA: to finish in under 2:15.

Jessica Hofheimer, age 35.

Running the: half-marathon, her fourth.

I started running because: I wanted to get back in shape after a few years of not taking the best care of myself in college. I found that running not only helped me do that, but it brought me so much inner peace and joy as well.

As a busy mom of three: I can’t imagine life without running. I really need it! Running makes me feel happy, healthy and strong.

My favorite place to run is: the trails behind my house; they’re beautiful, wooded paved paths.

Three words that describe my running: dedicated, courageous, grateful.

Goal for ZOOMA: to train smart and get to the starting line injury-free and ready to race. I would love to set a new half-marathon PR and run it in 1:40 or less.

Lara Mish, age 39.

Running the: 50-miler—a race in DC on the same day as ZOOMA. “So bummed to miss ZOOMA, but I will be there in spirit!”

I started running because: I was inspired by my twin sister and my husband when they trained for their first marathons.

Favorite place to run: Central Park, NYC.

I can’t run without my: awesome Mizunos. And I can run without my running buddies, but certainly prefer to run with them!

(Almost) three words that describe my running: fun, a little crazy, inspired.

Goal for ZOOMA: to watch those that train with us work hard to achieve their goals.

Meghan Roach, age 32.

Running the: 10K, her third.

I started running because: I wanted to run a 5k. I was an athlete in high school and college, but life, work and having children got me way out of running. I made my 2011 New Years resolution to run a 5k, while training for the 5k, I thought I could do more. I went above and beyond and ran my first half marathon October 2011!

The thing I dread most about running is: running in inclement weather, I don’t like the rain—even impending rain. Luckily I haven’t been stuck in any torrential downpours yet.

My favorite workout: long, slow distances. I love being able to hit the pavement knowing I am not racing and can take my time.

Three words that describe my running: beginner, challenging, rewarding.

Goal for ZOOMA: To have a lot of fun and get a PR!

Shannon Spero, age 25.

Running the: half-marathon.

The biggest benefit running gives me is: endorphins! I love the awesome mood, and great sense of accomplishment running gives me.

The thing I dread most about running is: going when it is really cold outside. It is so much harder to get out of bed when I know the first couple miles are going to be cold.

My favorite place to run is: downtown Annapolis. I love looking at all the homes, buildings and shops. Plus, there are always so many other runners out, so it is a great sense of community.

Three words that describe my running: fun, learning, happy.

Goal for ZOOMA: to have fun and hopefully get a PR.