The festivities kick off at 6 p.m. with a short run. Or, just come and join us for the party at 6:30! Wine, beer, food and store discounts – the perfect combination to celebrate the end of your training for ZOOMA Annapolis!

Let us know you’re coming by RSVPing (HERE)

A huge thanks to Charm City Run for its support of ZOOMA Annapolis, and for throwing this fun party for our runners!

We’re excited to announce that our partner Bayside Runner is offering personalized training programs to help get you ready for ZOOMA Cape Cod in September!

The training programs will be offered at both Bayside Runner’s Plymouth and Yarmouth stores, starting in early July for the 1/2 Marathon and early August for the 10K. Led by experienced coaches and runners, the training sessions will include group runs, plus additional free opportunities for classes such as yoga for runners, gait analysis, nutrition and more!

The Yarmouth group sessions will be held on Thursdays and Sundays and the Plymouth sessions will be Tuesdays and Saturdays.  You can participate in either one or both locations, as your coach tracks your progress and guides you to success in September!  The programs are tailored to all levels and abilities.

The 10K training program is 8 weeks long, and costs $60. The Half Marathon training program is a 12-week program and costs $100.

There will be a big kickoff party at both locations that will include vendors, giveaways and a chance to meet the coaches and other runners. These programs are sure to be a great way to stay motivated through the tough summer months!

You can stop by to sign-up at either store. For questions and more information you can email Bayside Runner at  info@baysiderunner.com or visit their website

Running in a dress? Nope. Not for me. Not interested. I always thought they were cute and have seen them on display at stores and running expos, but I was never interested in purchasing one. I always felt that it was such a “girlie” thing to wear and that is the last thing I feel like when I go out for a run. Well, I was wrong.

I had the chance to try one out from the fabulous gals at Nuu-Muu. Nuu-Muu is a company created by two active ladies, Christine and Ashley, who teamed up with each other because they “discovered that the world had a disturbing lack of whimsical exercise wear.” Enter the creation of the Nuu-Muu Exercise Dress.

Christine was so gracious to let me choose the style I wanted on their online store. I chose the Breeze Ruu-Muu (a new style that now includes a pocket on the back). I choose this because I always run with my iPod. The pocket on the back was large enough to carry anything you may need for your run – ID, energy gels, anti-chafe balms… you get the picture. The moment I put on this exercise dress I was sold. I was astonished at how flattering the dress was! I instantly felt good about myself. The style was perfect for my frame. What a great way to start the day. It’s always fun when you feel like you look great before a run.

Since I was not used to running in a dress, I honestly did not know if I was supposed to wear shorts underneath or capris or just my undergarments. I may be uneducated in this department, but it was too hot to run in capris where I live, and I thought running shorts would look silly underneath. (The fabric is very light – great for running, not so good for panty lines.) Bike shorts would have been perfect, but unfortunately, I did not have any at the time.  So, I choose to go with the 3^rd option and headed out the door. The only problem with that choice was that it was very hard to stretch without showing my undergarments. Hence, I probably did not make the right decision.

Overall, I’ve turned into a believer of wearing a running dress. Not only can you run in the Breeze Ruu-Muu , you can do anything active in it. The dress is perfect for any outdoor activity because it is light, airy, versatile and very flattering. There are many different Nuu-Muu designs to choose from, so you are sure to find a design that fits your personality.

For those of you who are running the ZOOMA Annapolis race, you are in luck! The Nuu-Muu gals will be at the ZOOMA Marketplace on Friday, May 31^st at the Loews Annapolis Hotel from 2-8pm and Saturday, June 1^st at the post race party following the race. For those of you who are not joining us in Annapolis, don’t worry. You can use code ZOOMA for $10.00 off at their online store.

Thanks to the ladies at Nuu-Muu for giving me the chance to try something new and out of my comfort zone. It was well worth it.

]]> http://zoomarun.com/2013/05/nuu-muu-exercise-dress-review/feed/ 1 http://zoomarun.com/2013/05/annapolis-half-marathon-challenge-program-update/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=annapolis-half-marathon-challenge-program-update http://zoomarun.com/2013/05/annapolis-half-marathon-challenge-program-update/#comments Thu, 09 May 2013 11:58:40 +0000 Brae http://zoomarun.com/?p=6332

I could not be more excited for the Half Marathon Challenge ladies!  I just feel so lucky to be on this journey with them!  These ladies went through an application process, then phone interviews to earn their spot on “the team!”

We all got together at Charm City Run in Annapolis to meet up, go for a 4 mile run, and get to know each other.  What a great group!  Every one has their own, personal story and reasons why they are running the ZOOMA Half Marathon on June 1st.  These are some fabulous ladies and include an amazing Girls on the Run coach, a proud member of Black Girls Run, a courageous woman fighting the diabetes battle, a fun, spirited blogger, and super motivated runner working for the environment. 

My life has certainly been enriched by meeting these wonderful runners.  We stay in touch through our Facebook page and discuss many topics such as nutrition, distance, shoes, attire, hydration, weather, etc.  It is a great resource for all of us to openly share all running ”issues”.

We’ve attended a yoga class that honored the Boston runners at Lululemon in Annapolis on April 20th and recently met up at Athleta in Towson for a group run and private shopping party! On Sunday, May 19th, we will be meeting up in Annapolis for a course preview run together.  We will go over final race plans and celebrate their training!

I am certainly inspired by the camaraderie and spirit of this “team.”  All encourage each other and give it their all!  I have no doubt that each one will successfully cross that finish line at the ZOOMA Annapolis Half Marathon with beautiful smiles across their faces!

We can’t wait to cheer them to the finish – good luck with the rest of your training ladies!

Congrats to all our 2013 Run to Chi-Town Sweepstakes Winners!

Grand Prize winner: Kathleen F., Kennesaw, GA

Sherpani prize winner: Ivette B., Lorton, VA

Oiselle prize winner: Elizabeth D., Kyle, TX

Handful prize winner: Heather M., Mercer Island, WA

FlexPower prize winner: Nicole W., Locust Grove, VA

We are excited to announce  the Muscle Milk Light Half Marathon Challenge, powered by ZOOMA and NorthShore University HealthSystem. Unsure how to train for a half marathon? We’ve got you covered. Need someone to talk to when nerves set in as you’re facing your first double digit run? Yep, we’re here for that too. Thanks to the generosity of Muscle Milk Light and NorthShore University HealthSystem, this program is your coach, running buddy and support group all rolled into one.

We grow the most as runners (and as people in general) when we push outside of our comfort zones. You’ve proven to yourself you can rock the 5k or 10k distance, now it’s time to challenge yourself to a half marathon. We know the distance can be intimidating, and we’re here to help.

Four Chicago-area athletes will take part in our 12-week program as “NorthShore Runners”, and one lucky lady will be selected to receive additional perks as a “Muscle Milk Light Athlete”. Details below:

Commitment:

• Runners must be able to currently run at least 5k comfortably and commit to training for a half marathon
• Must be willing to be interviewed and featured on ZOOMA blog and ambassador blogs
• Weekly check-ins with ZOOMA staff and ambassadors through email, phone or video logs
• Attend 4 events between May – August.

Criteria:  

We’re looking for the five ladies who we think are (a) in most need our our support and (b) in the best position to benefit from the Half Marathon Challenge.  Note: A slight preference may be given to ladies on the north shore of Chicago thanks to the generosity of our sponsor, NorthShore University HealthSystem, but applicants will be considered from all over the Chicagoland area.

Perks for four NorthShore Athletes:

• Support network of amazing runners, our Chicago Ambassadors
• Training Plan
• ZOOMA training shirt
• Education/Cross training
• Race entry into ZOOMA Chicago half marathon
• Recovery: Muscle Milk Light

Perks for one Muscle Milk Light Athlete:

• All of the above perks, plus
• Gear
• Race weekend hotel accommodations at The Langham Chicago
• Spa treatment on race weekend

Application deadline: May 10, 2013

Selections will be announced on May 15.  

To apply, email HMChallenge@zoomarun.com with the following info:

Full Name, address, phone number, blog/website if applicable, and a paragraph detailing your current running status, your running history (including any PR’s, etc), your running history and why you think you should be selected for this program. Good luck, ladies!

You’ve put in the miles, you’ve sacrificed nights out, and you may have even lost a toenail. Basically-you’ve rocked your training!

Honest Tea and ZOOMA want to celebrate your amazing accomplishment with a pre-race “mocktail” party.

Join us for snacks, drinks, prizes, socialization with our fabulous race ambassadors,

and the chance to meet Tina Haupert from Carrots ‘N’ Cake.

Who: Runners + support crew are welcome

When: May 31, 2013 7-8pm

Where: Atrium, Loews Annapolis Hotel

RSVP:

Join us for a fun training kickoff hosted by the Chicago Area Running Association (CARA) and our wonderful ZOOMA Chicago Ambassadors Monday April 29 at Universal Sole’s new downtown location!

This is a great chance to meet fellow members of ZOOMANation, chat with the great folks from CARA and enjoy recovery refreshments from Muscle Milk Light! There will also be ZOOMA swag giveaways!

Feel free to bring friends along to this fun, informal event.

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Brae, ZOOMA Founder

ZOOMA Chicago Kickoff
Monday, April 29
6pm

Universal Sole (Downtown)
333 East Benton Place
Chicago, IL

RSVP here.

For locals and out-of-towners alike, this is an opportunity to grab some swag, talk running, and hang out with fellow ZOOMA lovers. Check out giveaways from Muscle Milk Light, ZOOMA, Lululemon, and possibly more!

Feel free to bring friends (yoginis, runners, or just… friends!) This will be a fun, informal event.

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Brae, ZOOMA Founder

#ZOOMANation Meetup
Saturday, April 27
10am – noon

Lululemon Georgetown
3265 M Street
Washington, DC
*Meet in the upper room.

RSVP here.

The Muscle Milk Light ZOOMA Women’s Race Series is calling all women runners to Run to Chi-Town for a fit girlfriends’ getaway this summer, and will award the grand-prize winner of a national sweepstakes an all-expenses paid trip for two to Chicago on August 9-10 for the inaugural ZOOMA Chicago Women’s Half Marathon & 10K, including luxury accommodations at The Langham Chicago, travel expenses, and a fitness-and-fashion makeover from the contest’s sponsors.

The sweepstakes is sponsored by Oiselle , Sherpani, Handful, and FlexPower , who will be also be providing runners’ up prizes.

ZOOMA Chicago, to be held on Saturday, August 10, is the newest race in the five-event women’s half marathon series designed to inspire women to live healthy and active lives.  Other ZOOMA races are in Austin, TX; Annapolis, MD; Cape Cod, MA; and Amelia Island, FL.

The sweepstakes is open until May 3, and winners will be announced on May 7 on ZOOMA’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/zoomarun).

ZOOMA is dedicated to promoting women’s health and fitness by encouraging women to participate in a weekend of activities, including “mocktail” hours, film screenings, yoga, speakers, a challenging half marathon or 10K/5K, and culminating with a unique post-race party including wine, live music, massage, and shopping. Five ZOOMA events will be held in upscale locations around the U.S. in 2013, including Amelia Island, FL; Austin, TX; Annapolis, MD; Cape Cod, MA; and Chicago, IL.

More information about the 2013 Run to Chi-Town Sweepstakes and the entry form can be found HERE.