This past weekend, I ran my first race of the year – the ZOOMA Run Love 10K on Saturday, February 13.
This was the inaugural virtual race hosted by the ZOOMA Women’s Race Series. Runners had the option to run either a 5K or 10K.
As much as I love running in the winter, the ZOOMA Run Love Challenge was brutal on race day! Let me tell you all about how it went!
Disclaimer: I am a 2016 ZOOMA Race Ambassador and received a free entry to this race, but please know all opinions are mine!
[bctt tweet=”Check out my recap of the ZOOMA Run Love Virtual 10K! #runchat #zoomanation”]
ZOOMA Run Love 10K Race Recap
This was my first time running a race in February and let me tell you, it was rough! You never know if it’ll be 50 degrees or 5 degrees in February. I’m not sure what the exact temperature was but the winds had to be 40 mph at points. It was not for the faint of heart!
What I Wore:
Due to the weather I had to layer up like crazy! It’s always tough for me to judge in temperatures below 20 degrees, so I went a little overboard:
- 2 pairs of pants: Cold weather tights, blue sweatpants
- 1 pair of Pro Compression socks
- 3 shirts: short-sleeved shirt, tech long-sleeved shirt, cotton long-sleeved shirt
- Zip-up pullover and windbreaker jacket with hood
- 2 pairs of gloves
On the Course
For the second time, I decided to run a virtual race on my favorite trail – Forbidden Drive along the Wissahickon Creek. When I ran the virtual 10K hosted by Gone for a Run last spring, it was the perfect location – scenic and not packed with runners.
Since the weather was going to be in the single digits all weekend, Bret and I decided to get through the run on Saturday morning since it was only going to get colder! We got out of the car and soon as we could, we started to run.
It didn’t take long for me to realize that we started out at a pace that I could not maintain. It was so cold and windy out and Bret just wanted to get warm…however, it doesn’t take me that long so I ended up feeling pretty miserable pretty quickly.
Despite my core feeling warm, my feet were numb. They were actually numb! And the tips of my thumbs felt frostbitten. I tried to think about just getting the race over with, but then we hit a very steep hill…and the hill won. I briefly walked a bit after making it to the top. This happened 2 more times while on the run. I knew this was not a day for a PR.
As we ran, there were people out on the trail – runners who actually wave to you (which is why Forbidden Drive > Kelly Drive), and people with their dogs. You have to have a good attitude if you’re crazy enough to be outside in such cold weather!
The first half was a struggle, and my shins were bothering me at various points on the run, but after mile 4, things started to get a lot better. I finally started to feel comfortable and found a good, but challenging pace. Bret continued to push me, and we finished strong. Here are the splits to show you why this was a challenge: 9:01, 10:34, 10:51, 11:32, 10:39, 9:50, 8:30 (0.2).
When we finished, I had a smile on my face. That’s all that mattered to me.
Results and Reflections
While I really hoped to finish this 10K under an hour, I ended up a few minutes short with a finishing time of 1:04:22. With all things considered, I’ll take it!
After the race, Bret and I feasted at our favorite brunch spot, and I had to go for the Southern Comfort – catfish with cornbread waffle and lots of gravy! It was just what I needed!
The ZOOMA Run Love Challenge was a great way for me to keep in shape before the full-blown spring racing season, so I’m really glad that I participated. Virtual races can be challenging in that they are so flexible, but I’m glad I treated it like a real race, instead of a training run. Now, I know that I still need to work on my pacing and keep up the strength training. Oh, and I still need to do hill training!
I highly recommend the ZOOMA Run Love Challenge. My sister did the 5K and I’m so happy for her! It was great to see runners of all levels participating and supporting each other on Facebook. For me, running is ALL about building community!
Pros:
- Fantastic swag: The finisher’s medal, sweatshirt, and Feetures socks all came at a great bargain and were delivered well in advance of the race.
- Great support: The training plan and Facebook group were great sources of support in the weeks leading up to the event.
- Flexibility: One of the best things about virtual races is that you’re not locked into a rigid start time like a traditional race. You could run either a 5K or 10K, run outdoors or clock time on the treadmill, which was a very viable option with the weather we had last weekend!
Cons:
- It’s a little pricey: Registration for the Run Love Challenge, either the 5K or 10K cost $50. While you definitely get your money’s worth, the cost is pretty steep compared to other virtual or local options.
Thanks so much to ZOOMA for allowing me to participate in the ZOOMA Run Love Challenge! I think the race was a big hit and hopefully a new tradition, I had a great time!
I’m sharing this post with Tuesdays on the Run with Patty, Erika, and Marcia!
Did you run a Valentine’s Day-themed race over the weekend? Does running in the cold slow you down or speed you up?
Wow! That is pretty pricey for a virtual race.
I did the gone for a run valentine’s virtual but like you I am an ambassador so got complimentary entry and a really great shirt. I’m glad I did my run before this cold snap set in!!!!!!
Congrats on your virtual race and for beating the cold!
Congrats on getting it done! IT was SO COLD out this past weekend that they canceled the race that I was supposed to run on Sat. I commend you for getting out there 🙂
Thanks a lot, Annmarie!
The wind is always the worst, and always my downfall. If I know it’s going to be bad, I know all the layers in the world aren’t going to keep me cold. My 5k in November was cold and very windy. I was thankful I was doing the 5k and not any of the longer distances.
Yeah, I haven’t had a “real” race where it was so windy…I can’t even imagine how frustrating that would be, especially with a longer distance!
Good for you getting out there!! I’m impressed! I was registered for a 5k but bailed due to the cold and wind. Nice review!
Thanks a lot, Kelli! It can so hard to get out in the elements…
Running in the cold seemed to speed me up this past weekend. I ran a 5 mile loop & kept an 8:25 pace overall, which was pretty good for me. Now, I wonder if I could hold that for another 8.1 miles & have a heck of a HM PR?!
My toes were cold, but I was sweating in two long sleeve tech tees, 1 pair of tights, gloves & headband, so I’m sweaty just thinking about your outfit.
Nice job on your 5 mile run, Jessie! I know, it’s nice when you go super fast for a while…if only we could do that for the big race, right? 🙂 Yeah, my outfit was a bit over the top but once I got the feeling back in my toes and fingers, I was okay! 🙂
Great job getting it done! congrats on your first race of the year!
Thanks a lot! 😀
Congrats on your freezing cold 10K! That’s not easy! :):) Great job!
Thanks a lot, Ilka! 🙂
this was definitely pricey for a virtual race so I opted out of signing up. Definitely got some nice swag though! Good work!! Of course, all I can think of now is that catfish, cornbread waffle. OMG!!!!
Yes, Mar, it was sooo good! They have a tasty pulled chicken and waffles option too! I love going there for brunch.
Good for you for getting it done in such cold weather. I can’t believe how many clothes you wore ! Tomorrow morning I have a run planned and it will be 30 degrees. That’s darn cold for where I live, so single digits is NOT my thing !
I like running in cooler weather but this was a bit too cold for my comfort level, haha! 30 degrees is pretty cold, hopefully you had a nice run 🙂
I can’t imagine what running in February up north would be like. Congrats on a great race and pushing through the cold! I was kind of laughing when I read how many layers you wore, but it all makes sense!
Thanks a lot, Ali! Yeahhhh the layers were a bit much but that wind was no joke!
Brrr!
I do find a lot of virtual races do run on the pricier side. However, for the right cause/medal, it’s a great incentive to get out there and train.
The cold usually speeds me up, but I confess we don’t get temperatures quite as low as what you had. Not sure what that would do or not do for me. Great work, regardless!
Jenn, be glad you don’t have to suffer like us up here! Thanks. Sometimes the cold speeds me up but I think this time I took it a little too far, lol.
Nice job! Racing in cold conditions is rough when it’s an actual race, so I need to give you serious props for doing this for a virtual race! I love Forbidden Drive and think that’s the perfect place for this race. Great job on your timing too!
Thanks a lot, Kristen! It was so tough but I’m glad I powered through!
I seriously need to try catfish on a cornbread waffle. I am southern and that sounds GOOD. Congratulations for getting your virtual race done in such challenging conditions! It’s very nice they also gave you a pair of Feetures socks.
Thanks, HoHo! I’d bet it tastes even better when it’s homemade 🙂
Great job on getting out there despite the cold! $50 is pricey for a virtual race, but if it was going towards a charity I might not mind as much
Thank you! This race came with a really nice sweatshirt, Feetures socks and the medal, but I agree $50 is a lot of money!
This is the first time I’ve run outside the whole winter (we live in Michigan) and I’ve had to learn the hard way just what specific gear to wear to keep myself from shivering the entire time I’m out running: A Skirt Sports wool hat (they call it a beanie), a Champion winter-weight long-sleeve shirt; a Reebok hoodie, the Ice Queen ultra winter jacket from Skirt Sports and the Ice Queen skirt (with built-in pants), also from Skirt Sports. I just got SmartWool glove liners, which I wear under a cheap-o pair of fleece gloves. I also recently got a Buff, which I wore this morning over my nose and mouth. Oh, and SmartWool socks.
Just FYI, my feet don’t get cold when I wear my Brooks Cascadia trail shoes. Not sure if that’s a trail-shoe feature, or if mine are just special.
It is definitely a lot of trial-and-error figuring out the right outfits for cold weather! It sounds like I need to check out Skirt Sports, I didn’t realize they made so many different products. I should be getting a Buff soon, though I’m wondering if I’ll need it before the spring comes!