Tips for Running in the Cold, so you can Run for Chocolate Most Efficiently!

 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. 

This coming Saturday I will be running one of my favorite fun races of the, The Hot Chocolate 15K in Charlotte, NC. This will be my 5th year running the Hot Chocolate 15K and my 6th Hot Chocolate race (one year I ran in both Atlanta and Charlotte the same year - actually the same WEEK!)

You may recall my previous blog about my Top 5 Reasons I LOVE to Run for Chocolate (if not, just click the link to go there). 

You may also recall, that I am not a huge fan of running in the cold (which I may have mentioned a time or a million). Anyway, I bring this up because right now the temperature is supposed to be below freezing AGAIN for race morning!! Not cool! Or actually TOO COOL. 

So to prepare, I am busting out my Top Tips for Running in the Cold.

• Layer, Layer, LAYER! Especially when it comes to race day, you end up standing outside for longer than a regular run getting into corrals and waiting for the start and hanging out, cheering on finishing friends at the finish. You may want to consider something you can remove and tie around your waist easily or something disposable if you feel you'll warm up a bunch when you start running. Here's a handy guide on how to layer for certain conditions:

• Make sure that you cover your head and your hands. Hats and gloves are LIFE, people!! If you do manage to heat up, they can be easily removed and stowed, but trust me, you are going to want hats and gloves. I recommend convertible items like gloves that can turn fingerless like these Turtle Gloves or Buff Multifunctional Headwear that you can fold in lots of different ways to cover your head. Both of which I plan to be wearing!

• Hydrate like it's the Summer. Sometimes it is easy to forget to drink enough water in the colder months since it doesn't seem like you are sweating as much, but you are. It is easy to get dehydrated quickly in the winter. Take extra steps to hydrate to make sure that doesn't happen.

• Bring a Post-Race Change of Clothes. When you finish your run, your body temperature will start to rapidly drop and all of that sweat on your clothes and body will quickly start to make you even colder. Bring a bag with you to gear check, if available, or stow in your car for a quick post-race change. And I mean everything. There is nothing worse than standing around in a cold, wet sports bra. No one wants to each post-race brunch in that!

• Give your Pace some Grace. Running in the cold is hard for a number or reasons. Added gear that is bulky and weighs more, harder to breathe, stiff joints, frozen roads, less daylight and so on. You may be slower with the same amount of effort. It's hard to, but try to remind yourself that in the Spring, you'll be faster again and that is ok. In the past, I've had to get 2 or 3 miles in before I was able to feel my toes! It's hard to run with numb toes for sure!!

It says 2021 and it's 2022, but this race is part of the 2021 season

But, I will say, as much as I HATE running in the cold, I cannot think of a better race to do it for than one that gives you a warm jacket and a piping hot cup of Hot Chocolate and chocolate fondue at the finish line!

And be sure to tune in on my Instagram and Twitter on Friday too check out the Hot Chocolate 15K Expo with me. If you'll be there yourself, I plan to be at the packet pick up around Noon and will be wearing an Orange BibRave shirt, so, if you see me, be sure to say HI! I'll also be racing in BibRave Orange on race day, so feel free to flag me down there too if you see me! 

And it's not too late to register if you want to join me still. Register here: https://www.hotchocolate15k.com/charlotte

Additionally, you can typically score some extra swag when you register with a BibRave coupon code. This year, with coupon code HC21 you receive a free Hot Chocolate branded Buff (above). 

And for your amusement, here's me at the last live Hot Chocolate 15K, where it was even COLDER (22 degrees!!!). See, I am NOT a happy girl...

Okay, so I gotta admit, I kind love this pic of me, lol
THIS is my winter mood summed up in one pic

Though I was MUCH happier after that race when I was all warmed up and eating chocolate as you can see here. 

Stuffing my face... SO GOOD

So I guess I am gonna end this by adding one last tip - Keep Your Eye on the Prize. Running in the cold is yuck, but when there is chocolate at the finish line, it's totally worth it!