“Disclaimer: I received an entry to Hot Chocolate Charlotte as being a Bibrave Pro. Learn more about becoming a Bibrave Pro(ambassador) and check out bibrave.com to review,find and write race reviews”
The fall racing season has ended and it’s time to start filling up that 2020 race calendar. That begins with the Hot Chocolate Charlotte in February. I decided I wouldn’t do any specific training plan to prepare for hot chocolate, instead I decided to do the work to maintain my training from my fall marathon. I am averaging between 15-20 miles a week, which should be enough to get me through Hot Chocolate before kicking up my training in preparation for the dolphin challenge at the Shamrock Half/Full Marathon in March. I will be starting my first season as a coach for my local Fleet Feet Half/Full Marathon program. I been mentor for a number of years, but since I became certified, I have taken the next step.
The one thing you can never account for during training is the CRAZY weather here in NC. In the last month I have been on runs where the temps were 70s and runs when the temps were in the 30s. So some days I was wearing gloves and some days I was coming home with unexpected chaffing. Chaffing in December!!? Regardless, the miles must be ran and I intend to keep running them.
Dreaming of that finisher’s chocolate and and becoming a hot chocolate legacy since this will be my 3rd year of running the race. I have been lucky enough to run it every year since it’s inaugural race in 2017.
I was sweating trying to get to the expo. I had about a 2.5 hour drive and due to things beyond my control, we left later than I planned. Due to the fact there was no race-day packet pickup, I had to make it in time. In the end, all worked out fine, we arrived at the expo right before 5:30(expo closed at 6) The expo itself, wasn’t as large as many others I have attended in the past, but it served it’s purpose. Checking in was a breeze since all you had to do was pull up the barcode from your email, they just scanned right from your phone. Added perk was the little samples of hot chocolate you got on your way out.
Rain was in the forecast all week leading up to the race, but I was happy when the percentage dropped the night before. There was still some drizzle but I decided to walk to the starting line rather than driving.(about 1.5 miles from my hotel). At the start you are welcomed by giant inflatable marshmellow people and music. Since there was a 5k and 15k, the 5k folks were sent off at 7:45 with the 15k getting started at 8:05. Having a race began on time is always a huge plus.
The course itself was surprisly HILLY. I had friends tell me that Charlotte was not that hilly, and they clearly lied. We encountered our first hill a mile in, and the fun just keep coming throughout the remaining 8 miles. There seem to be water stops about every 2 miles, which was plenty for a cloudy, rainy day in the 50s. The police presence was amazing throughout the course. Every intersection had a cop, which helped make it a safe experience for all the runners. 
Upon crossing the finish line, you are meet with some sweet looking medals in the shape of once-bitten chocolate bars. After you receive your medal it was a short walk to the post-race festivities. There we were greeted with a huge chocolate mug, and inside the mug was: cup of hot chocolate, rice krispy treat, marshmallow, pretzels, cookies and a warm section of melted dark chocolate for dipping everything in. It was AMAZING.
The race has got to have the best swag I’ve received in a while. No regular t-shirts here, at the Allstate Hot chocolate 5k/15k you get a very nice fleece pullover to rock. I don’t know if the swag is the same during the hot months but a fleece pullover during the winter months is a definite welcomed sight.
Brrrrr, training in the winter months can be exciting but can also be harmful if you don’t take the necessary precautions. My first race of 2018 is fast approaching, as I will be taking on the Hot Chocolate 15K/5K in Charlotte, NC, followed by Rock and Roll Raleigh. I , for one, love the winter training because it gives you the opportunity to test out a good amount of gadgets.
TMilesAndRunning 