Three Things Thursday ...

Graduation - Today is Doodle's last day of preschool and tonight is her graduation ceremony.

an accurate depiction of her current excitement level ...

I know that we have been talking about her going to Kindergarten for months, but I can't help but think that this year just flew by. Who am I kidding? The last five years flew by. Before I know it, Dilly is going to be headed to Kindergarten too ...

Swimtastic - I've been doing a lot of shorter intervals during my swims recently, so I decided that I was going to do a two-mile endurance swim this morning. I was slightly apprehensive heading in, as 128 laps is just crazy talk, but I crushed it.

Mile 1: 32:59
Mile 2: 33:59

In case you are struggling with math this morning, that's two miles in 1:06:58. Three minutes and thirty seconds faster than I swam it in early March. I'm feeling kind of rockstar.

ZOOMA - Tomorrow morning I am headed to Annapolis to work the Tough Chik booth at the ZOOMA Annapolis Half Marathon and 10K. While I am not running, several of my friends (mostly bloggers) are and I can't wait to see them all and cheer them on. And if you happen to be running, please stop by the booth and say hi.

And if you haven't run a ZOOMA event before, I highly recommend that you do. These women-only event are empowering, supportive and the perfect excuse for a girls' weekend. Plus, the ZOOMA Race Series was developed by three running mothers. How cool is that? You can learn all about them HERE.

I'm a ZOOMA Annapolis Connector ...

For some people, running is a solo activity. They run to get away from it all, to reflect on their lives or to find their strong. For whatever reason, running has never been a solo event for me. Yes, my biggest competition is myself, but I'd much rather run with friends. Friends who provide support (and sometimes distractions) along the way.

When I signed up for my first 5K in 2007, I did so with a team of over 30 people, mostly women. On race day, we were there for each other. As a group, we cheered for every last teammate as they crossed that finish line. The support on that day made me want to keep running. It made me want to push my limits. Because, I knew that I had found a community that I could relate to and that would continue to inspire me.

Over the past five years, the faces of my running friends may have changed, but one thing hasn't - the amount of support I get from my fellow endurance athletes.

• We train together, both face-to-face and virtually. 
• We race together, both locally and at destination races. 
• We get each other, struggle and triumph alike. 

Running unites us. It makes us stronger. And I truly believe that we all have a responsibility share this sense of community with others. We need to show others that living a healthy lifestyle is possible and that reaching for your goals is worth the hard work and time investment that it takes.

That's why when I learned about the ZOOMA Women's Race Series, I wanted to be a part of it. And, when I was given the opportunity to be a ZOOMA Annapolis Connector, I jumped at the chance. Really, who wouldn't? ZOOMA has a great thing going on here. (Note: ZOOMA Annapolis just partnered with TNT. You can read about it HERE).

ZOOMA's five race series, with events in Texas, Maryland, Georgia, Wisconsin and Massachusetts, empowers women runners of all levels.

As they state on their website, events are not to be missed.

"Imagine a powerful sea of women on the move – encouraging fellow runners and celebrating personal running triumphs. Picture a post-race party and expo all wrapped up in one memorable “after-party expo” where these strong goal-oriented women come together for well-deserved partying and pampering."

Does it really get any better than that?

Well, maybe, because if you want to join me at ZOOMA Annapolis, you can now get $10 off your half marathon registration or $5 off your 10K registration by using the code: ANNCON6

So, what are you waiting for? Go HERE to register now!