A Chocolatey Change of Plans

 I received entry into the AllState Hot Chocolate Charlotte15K as a part of being a BibRave Pro. Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews. 

So, 2021 looks like it is still going to be doing it's best to be difficult at least for a little while, which for us runners mean more virtual races. No worries, it is all of what you make of it. If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know I am the Queen of Virtual Races and making them amazing and fun. If you are new, seriously, go check out some of my Virtual race recap posts, some have included 8 way high fives, multiple race surfaces, inflatable animals, shooting BB guns and other craziness. So when I heard that the Hot Chocolate 15K/5K Charlotte was going virtual, I was like - No problem, I got this! 

The original idea - Get together a few friends to run the race here in Rock Hill on the race date - February 20th. Usually I attend this with a pretty decent size group, so gathering a crew I figured would be no problem. I thought it would be fun to meet at a local coffee shop that serves hot chocolate to celebrate after. Fun right? 

Some of the "usual" Hot Chocolate Charlotte Crew

What it's turned into - Apparently, I got a bit excited and have now taken on the task of basically hosting a mini-race of multiple distances. But you know what? It is going to be crazy fun! I will post more details later when everything becomes set in stone, but as for now, I have 25 confirmed racers that will be meeting up at Knowledge Perk in Downtown Rock Hill to run, walk or both either 15K or 5K. The 15K racers will meet at 7:30 am to tackle a 10K course through Downtown Rock Hill and around the Winthrop University Campus. Then return back to Knowledge Perk to meet up with the 5K runners for their remaining 5K course. After there will be a finish line party at Knowledge Perk with Hot Chocolate (or hot beverage of choice). We'll have cheer areas, an official finish line and handing out of medals, almost like a real race! I may even bring some bananas!! Oooh, and I just thought I can totally take finish line photos!! Luckily, I will have my best girl and Virtual Race planning partner, Kim with me again for the assist.

Here's hoping it'll be warmer for my race
than it was at last year's HC 15K!! 

But here's the kicker... I am actually not going to be able to run my own race event. In perhaps the biggest change of plans concerning the whole thing, I am going to be having another knee surgery, this time on my right knee, in just over 2 weeks which will have me side-lined and most likely on crutches still during the race day event on February 20th. No problem, it is probably actually easier for me not to run it so I can better organize the day and make it special for the participants. I plan to run my 15K distance the weekend before my surgery (surgery will be Jan 21, so I will run it on Jan 16) and use the run as both my Hot Chocolate 15K and as a course preview for the mileage I have routed for the main event. 

No matter what, it is going to be an awesome time of running, friends and chocolate. And I cannot wait! 

Sound like fun? You can organize your own virtual event. I am happy to share any advice, just ask in the comments below. You and your crew can register for the Hot Chocolate 15K/5K Charlotte here: https://www.hotchocolate15k.com/charlotte/

The Hot Chocolate SWAG is always so SWEET! Your package will include a comfy charcoal grey full zip jacket with a removable hood, a keepsake 15K or 5K medal, personalized bib, hot chocolate packets, chocolate squares, and some awesome sponsor goodies. You can get a bonus tech hat when you register with code BRHC20.