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For ZOOZ Fitness athlete Sam, running a 5K once seemed impossible. A longtime member of the ZOOZ community, Sam has always been determined, positive, and passionate about movement — but physical challenges made running feel out of reach.

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Born with low muscle tone and a condition that causes her knees to dislocate easily, Sam has faced mobility challenges her entire life. Even maintaining posture can be difficult. But at ZOOZ Fitness, “impossible” simply isn’t in the vocabulary.

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So when Sam shared that she wanted to participate in the Malibu Moves 5K, the ZOOZ team immediately got to work helping her train, adapt, and prepare for the big day.

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Training for the Challenge

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For several weeks, Sam trained under the guidance of her coaches, Travis and Emma, who built a custom training program focused on strength, endurance, and stability. Together, they practiced laps around the gym, worked on improving her stride, and strengthened her legs to reduce pressure on her knees.

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Outside the gym, Sam continued her training with her biggest supporter — her dad. The two often walked together, step by step, building up the stamina and confidence she would need to cross the finish line.

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“I was determined to run the 5K!” Sam said, smiling. “I didn’t care how long it took — I just wanted to finish.”

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Race Day: Malibu Moves 5K

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On a crisp October morning, Sam’s dream became reality. The Malibu Moves Race, held at Zuma Beach along the Pacific coast, brought together hundreds of runners from across Southern California — and among them was Sam, ready to run her very first 5K.

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Before sunrise, Jake Weiner, ZOOZ’s founder, and several coaches arrived to set up a ZOOZ Fitness booth, sharing the organization’s mission of inclusion and adaptive fitness with the community. But the real highlight of the day came when the team gathered at the starting line to cheer for and run alongside Sam.

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“This is exactly what ZOOZ is about,” said Jake Weiner, founder of ZOOZ Fitness. “It’s not about speed or competition — it’s about empowerment. Sam didn’t just run a race; she showed everyone what happens when you combine community, belief, and the right support.”

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With her coaches running alongside her and her dad by her side, Sam pushed through every step of the 3.1-mile course — walking when she needed to, running when she could, and smiling the whole way through.

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“There were moments when it was tough,” Sam said, “but I kept thinking about everyone at ZOOZ cheering me on. That helped me keep going.”

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Crossing the Finish Line

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After weeks of hard work, Sam crossed the finish line — her first-ever 5K completed. She received her medal, hugged her parents, and celebrated with her coaches, who couldn’t have been prouder.

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“We are so proud of Sam and all she’s accomplished,” said Lynn, Sam’s mom. “ZOOZ gave her not just the tools to run, but the confidence to believe she could.”

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For ZOOZ Fitness, moments like these represent far more than just fitness milestones. They’re proof that, with inclusion, creativity, and compassion, anyone can achieve their goals.

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“Sam’s journey is what ZOOZ is all about,” Weiner added. “When we remove barriers and focus on what’s possible, people surprise even themselves.”

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Sam’s story is a reminder that fitness is not about perfection — it’s about progress, courage, and community. And for her, this 5K was just the beginning.

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