ZOOMA Bermuda 10k

I’m going to pickup where I left off  and recap the rest of the Inaugural ZOOMA Bermuda race weekend. Find the first part of the weekend here. I opted to run the Bermuda Challenge, which consisted of the Saturday Lighthouse Run + either the 10k or Half Marathon on Sunday. Because someone is in no shape whatsoever to run either distance, I opted for the 10k. Plus I needed to be back at the finish earlier than later for my work duties.

Sunday 10k/Half Marathon

Unlike just a day earlier, Sunday dawned clear and calm. We were up early to meet in the hotel lobby for the 5:45am shuttle to the starting line in Hamilton. We got to the start/finish area in time for a gorgeous sunrise over the water.

Goals

Finish with a smile

Considering I can’t remember the last time I ran more than 3 miles, my expectations weren’t lofty. Plus Bermuda is a volcanic island so all hills and winding streets. Lastly I was working, so I’d be pulling off the course for pics, video and the like.

After spending 6 weeks on the AIP diet, I’m pretty sure I’m a fat burner now too. A dehydrated one, since a water bottle is one of the items I’d left behind in my zeal to make that 6am flight. Before I left the hotel, I ate a single-serving pack of Justin’s Nut Butter. No coffee, no gels, not even a sip of water. I’d take what I could get at the water stops and make the best of it.

We were off a few minutes after the half marathoners started. Our course was the same for only a mile or so then us 10k runners turned off. The course was gorgeous but yes, hilly. The town of Hamilton is lined with pastel-colored buildings. Much of the course had ocean views and sea breezes. We also ran through sleepy residential lanes lined with cozy sherbet-colored cottages.

How cool is this tunnel?

In mile 3, it began to rain lightly, which was refreshing and fine. Then the heavens opened up and it poured. An intense, drenching soak that left my shoes squishing. I had to pull over and put my phone away.

While there were very few spectators, the locals we happened upon were so very kind and encouraging. For someone who was untrained, dehydrated and poorly fueled, I felt oddly good. Nice, even energy, despite the hills. I wasn’t running fast by any means and I was sure I’d tire soon after the 5k mark. Instead I felt like I could run forever. 3, 4, 5, 6, no problem. I had plenty in the tank for a strong sprint to the finish. I’m guessing I have this fat burning phenomenon to thank for that.

It’s always nice to see Darlene and it was so fun to meet Cari!

Finish Time: 1:05:00
AG: 2/19

The finish party was in Barr’s Bay Park right along the water. There were free drinks courtesy of Gosling’s Rum, yoga, massages, a DJ and a performance by Goombay dancers.

Post-race food (soup, sandwiches, cookies, granola bars and popcorn) was plentiful. Maybe the best part? Besides the downpour in mile 3, the weather was perfection!

The ZOOMA Women’s Race Series is known for it’s great swag and Bermuda did not disappoint. The conch challenge medal is enormous.

We also got a navy tech quarter zip, a fun navy and pink nylon Bermuda string bag (which Thing 2 has already confiscated) and luggage tag.

The view from our hotel room

Pros

• The host hotel, the Fairmont Southampton, was gorgeous inside and out, with stunning views of the ocean.
• ZOOMA arranged a discounted-rate shuttle to and from the airport. It could not have been easier to use. I even forgot to use the discount code when I booked and they gave me a refund after the fact. That was a pleasant and unexpected surprise!
• ZOOMA also arranged optional tours. I went on the one to the Crystal and Fantasy Caves and it was fantastic. Other than Marathon Tours, where I’m clearly paying for a whole package, I’ve never known a race to do this.
• The race shuttles to and from Hamilton on race day ran smoothly with no crazy lines.
• The food in Bermuda is amazing! So much great seafood!

Cons

Given that it’s Bermuda’s tourism off-season, flights from some parts of the United States may be somewhat limited. As I mentioned in my first post, I was re-booked on an earlier flight after my original one was delayed 3 times. Going home I had a 6 hour layover in NYC. Other than that though, the entire weekend was amazing.

Toiling over race social media while lounging poolside is a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it. 

Final Words: Being an Inaugural event, I anticipated more snags than there actually were. It turned out to be a super fun weekend…wait no…make that a freaking blast. ZOOMA works hard to create a total race experience and this one had a very festive island vibe that I really loved. Even though you don’t know most of the people around you, you feel like you kind of do. From the moment I boarded the airport shuttle I met women headed to the race, many traveling solo, and instant friendships were forged. That is priceless!

Women’s Day 5k: ZOOMA is gathering women from all 50 states and around the world to run together virtually on March 8. We’re currently in need of runners from the following states:
Idaho
Iowa
Wyoming
Alaska
Hawaii
South Dakota
Vermont
New Hampshire
West Virginia

Learn more and register here.

Have you been to Bermuda? What international race is on your bucket list?

I’m linking up with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics, and the Runners’ Roundup with Mile by Mile, Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Runs with Pugs, Running on Happy, and Faux Runner.