Warm Hands at the Flip of a Turtle

 Disclaimer: I received a pair of Turtle Gloves Weather Protect Heavyweight Warm Mittens to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!

Look, I'm just going to come right out and say it - This time of the year really sucks for the outdoor runner part of me. I am a girl who loves her weather warm, sunny and well above the temperature most runners prefer. I just hate, hate HATE being cold!!! (No really, I've said it before: https://runnerdgirl.blogspot.com/2017/12/the-winter-running-blahs.html)

But Lissa, don't you live in SC? Isn't it like 40-50 degrees most mornings in the winter? Usually, but not this year for some reason. We are riding into week like 3 or it being below freaking freezing in the morning!! Seriously, it was 24 degrees this morning!! And this is a girl whose preferred running temperature is above 80 degrees. Saying I am have not been thrilled is an understatement!

So what's a cold-natured girl to do? Why layer up of course.

But... I will even be the first to admit that sometimes, just sometimes, I tend to get carried away in the layering. Because of this, I love me some items that can transition as needed, like my Turtle Gloves Flip Mittens 🐢.

I've had both pairs of Lightweight and Midweight Turtle Gloves for awhile now and they are amazing. Just recently, Turtle Gloves developed a new, Weather Protect Heavyweight Flip Mitten made with Polartec® WindBloc® Fabric that is 100% windproof, water repellent, moisture wicking, breathable and fast drying. They are perfect for outdoor sports in cold and below freezing conditions. 

So how do they work? I'll let Turtle Gloves tell you themselves:

WEATHER PROTECT HEAVYWEIGHT Mittens are perfect for very cold hands, extreme cold Winter running, outdoor sports and activities such as dog walking, X-C skiing, ice-fishing or just shoveling snow. Easy access to fingers when needed. For HEAVY FABRICS, slide mitten slightly off fingers and lightly curl fingers inside mitten before flipping elastic trim edge over all fingers and thumb, push and pull mitten as needed to expose fingers. Similar method to flip back into the mitten. - from: https://turtlegloves.com/product/convertible-mittens-warm/

Basically, they go from being full mittens, to fingerless gloves with a quick flip. So when I start out my run and am cold AF, I can have them in full mitten mode. Then a few miles in when (if) I warm up, I can flip them easily into fingerless mode without even breaking stride. And, when I start to get chilly, I can can flip them back just as easily. And I do, near constantly. Flip/Filp/Flip - easy peasy. Perfect for a girl like me who's temperature sensitive.

My favorite things about them are that they are easily convertible, and they come in smaller sizes, including XS, for people like me with small hands than most "sport" gloves I've worn in the past. It also doesn't hurt that they are cute! Mine are Heavy Gray/Silver. I just love the cute silver stitching on them. Functional and sparkly! What is not to love?

Interested in trying them out for yourself? You can order online at the Turtle Gloves website: https://turtlegloves.com/ They also have lightweight, midweight and fleece convertible mittens as well. 

Hot Chocolate Charlotte 15K: My Top 10 Favorite Things

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

Running Happy with Brooks Ghosts 14s - Shoe Review

I received a pair of Brooks Ghost 14s as a part of being a BibRave Pro. Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews.

2022 Hot Chocolate 15K Charlotte Recap

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

Scenes from the Sweetest Expo Around: Hot Chocolate 15K Charlotte

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

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! 

That Time My Buff EcoStretch Made the Worst Race of My Life a Bit Less Worse

"Disclaimer: I received a Buff USA Original EcoStretch to use and review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!"

I have written on this blog several times before about how much l love Buff products (here, here, here, and here). I've worn several different products for a variety of different uses and adventures. Arm sleeves, hats, neckwarmers, multifunctional headwear, you name it, I've used it. 

The latest Buff product I've been able to try out is the Buff Orignal EcoStretch. As you may know, Buff advertises that there are 12+ ways to wear their Multifunctional Headwear. Well, buckle up for this quick story about another way I found to wear mine in a time of dire need.

First, let me give you a bit more info about the Original EcoStretch. At its core is a moisture-managing microfiber fabric that is wind resistant, yet breathable. The deets from their website are as follows:

• 95% recycled REPREVE® Performance Microfiber
• 4-way ULTRA-STRETCH
• UPF 50 Sun protection*
• Recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation**
• Multifunctional - 12+ ways to wear
• 100% Seamless
• Moisture-wicking, quick-drying, breathable
• One-size-fits-most adults

Basically, they are awesome. 

So now let me set the scene. Earlier this month I raced the Rock n Roll Savannah Half Marathon. It was cold, it was wet and it was nasty. Did I mention cold!? The weather was so bad in fact, the decision was made at 6:18 am (for a 7:30 am start) to cancel the Marathon event. The Half Marathon and Half Relay however were still on (lucky me). My friends and I decided to run our races anyway. I may or may not have whined A LOT and/or used the terms "Worst Race of my Life!" on multiple occasions. I'm honestly shocked my friends are still my friends in fact. But I digress... 

Pre-race. Don't we look absolutely thrilled?!
I am the lone runner not in a trash bag instead opting for the sleeker plastic poncho. 

I had my Buff EcoStretch around my neck for extra warmth. Cozy. But after around 5 miles, the fleecy hat I was wearing was so full of water, it kept slipping over my eyes. I literally ran into a cone at one point because my hat had slid down over my eyes. And not one of the little ones mind you, the people sized cones which luckily I just kinda bounced off of instead of completely fell over. I did manage to terrify the poor girl running next to me in the process. 

There was no way I could lose the hat, I needed it for what little warmth it was providing, plus it had a bill on it to keep the rain directly out of my eyes. So, thinking fast, I pushed up my EcoStretch from my neck to use it to hold my hat in place for the reminder of the race. It held in place perfectly (and gave a bit of extra warmth to my ears). I may have still been cold, wet and to be perfectly honest, completely miserable, but I could at least see where I was going and no longer in danger of errant road cones. 

This is a terrible pic, but it shows me crossing the finish line, hat still secure with my Buff

Multifunctional indeed 😀

But don't worry. I've also gotten to wear my EcoStretch on some more fun (and warmer) adventures too. I wore it to climb to the top of Table Rock, a super challenging 8 mile, 2000+ft hike and also on a 14 mile bike tour of Charlotte. And I know I will take it on many more adventures as well.

 

Table Rock Hike

Embarking on Biketoberfest in Charlotte

Interested in trying out some awesome Buff products for yourself? Visit https://www.buffusa.com/bibrave to register for their newsletter and you will get 15% Off your first Buff order.

Chasing the Sun: The 206 Minute Movement Challenge

I am promoting the Chase the Sun Buff Challenge as a part of being a BibRave Pro. Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews.

By now I think that y'all know me a bit from this blog. And one thing is for sure about me I love a good challenge. It is one of the things I love about using the Strava app, there are all kinds of cool challenges both regular monthly ones featuring distances and climb and the frequent sponsored challenges that can be anything from distances, frequency or time based. One such that is going on right now that I'm signed up for is the Chase the Sun Buff Challenge. Log 206 of running/walking activity on Strava and you’ll revive 30% off Buff products. You can sign up for the challenge through Strava anytime before June 21, but make sure you give yourself enough time to complete it.

This year, the summer solstice is on 20th June so the time challenge is inspired by the date: the 20th day of the 6th month, so complete 206 minutes between 1st and 21st of June to celebrate the official start of summer.

This was after last week's 10 miles.
This week, we're going for 12!

And y’all know me, cause I’m a special kind of crazy, I’ve decided to try and Chase the Sun all in 1 day. I’ll be putting in my 206 minutes all on June 12th! I am currently training for a Half Marathon on June 27th (Charlotte Racefest Half Marathon) and this coming Saturday will be my 12 mile training run, so I figured it would be the perfect day. The plan is to do a 1 mile warm up walk before, then run 12 miles with a friend also training for the same race (his first half marathon), and then cool down and walk whatever time is left to come to the goal 206 minutes. 

It's going to be a long day on my legs, but totally doable. 

And, I have already picked out how I am going to use my 30% off prize. See, your girl here loves a visor. I sweat, like a lot. I wear a visor for pretty much every run (except the couple months where warmer headgear is required). Visors keep my face shaded and keep sweat from dripping down into my eyes. Love them. But I have a few visor issues, mainly the elastic eventually stretches on me or, I'm always worried they will lose their shape/structure in the wash (cause again, they get nasty on me). I have neither of these issues with my new BUFF® Pack Run Visor. I've only used this new item for 1 run now and I am 100% sold.  

And it's a custom BibRave one too! Love it!! 

Seriously, I love this thing already. It super soft and can be folded (or more likely balled up) in a pack (or crammed into a car cupholder if you're me). Basically it is like a headband with a soft visor brim. It's perfect, and I will totally be getting another. Maybe 2, one to keep in my car and another for my gym bag since they are so packable. 

So be sure to swing by my socials (Insta and Twitter) to see how I do on Saturday. 

And if you haven't signed up for the Chase the Sun Buff Challenge, head on over to Strava and do that now! So many of my friends have already done so and it's been fun seeing their completion badges to pop up on their Strava activities! Here's the link to join in: https://www.strava.com/challenges/chase-the-sun-buff-challenge And once you register, you can invite your friends to join in too right on the app! When you're done you'll get a code for 30% off any order on the Buff website. So you can order your own packable visor, or anything else!

You know you want to earn this message and rock this badge on your Strava!

Run to Escape: Pantheon Party Edition

 I received entry into the Run to Escape: Mission Mt. Olympus as a part of being a BibRave Pro. Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews.

I told you I would report back when I completed the entire Run to Escape: Mission Mt. Olympus running experience, so true to my word here I am. Missed the first part of this adventure, catch up here: https://runnerdgirl.blogspot.com/2021/04/a-new-kind-of-running-experience-run-to.html

But to catch you up to speed for now, here's a quick overview of just what Run to Escape is all about. First off, let me get the biggest misconception out of the way... This is NOT a virtual race. This is something entirely new!

Virtual Races are SO 2020

So then what is it? Run to Escape is the first of its kind, fun and challenging running experience that pairs fitness with escape room style puzzles to unlock 6 challenges progressing through an interesting and engaging storyline to help the goddess Atalanta join the Olympian Pantheon. So it's not something you just sign up for, do one run and are just done with, but instead it is 6 challenges, each different as far as distances and what kind of puzzle solving skills you need to progress through the story. 

Each challenge is presented to you live while you are running through audio messages which really help to make the miles fly by. But also, you don't have to worry about missing anything important while you run as you will have an email from Hermes for each challenge with the puzzle to solve and also links where you can replay the audio at your leisure. Get stumped? Now worries there either, Hermes also gives you some links to hints if you need them. Each hint gives a bit more info and the final one has the answer just in case you are really really stuck. 

Atalanta, the goddess you're helping

So here's basically how it goes (spoliler free version). You register and an email will arrive from Hermes inviting you on your first challenge. He'll give you the details of what you are trying to accomplish, you are tasked with helping the Greek goddess Atalanta, the goddess of running to become the 13th Olympian and take a seat on Mt. Olympus. The current 12 Olympians are making her complete challenges to prove her worth, and she has chosen a mortal (you) to help her complete 6 challenges from Olympians who would deny her bid. Each of these 6 Olympians, challenge you to run a certain distance (I am being vague because your first challenge is to discover your first run distance, but each run is between 5K and 10K). 

Aftershokz, yo

These runs are powered by the RunKeeper App and there is a link in your email to add the race to the app. To run your distance, simply open the app, choose the Explore option and choose the challenge. On the next screen that comes up, make sure you toggle the Race Mode Audio button so you download the audio for the run. To make sure you can clearly hear the audio during your run, I recommend using headphones. I further recommend Aftershokz Bone Conducting headphone so you can be safe by hearing both your audio cues and your surrounds. Then tap Track Race Now and head out. Within the first minute, you will hear the voice of the god or goddess that challenged you speaking to you. They will keep you entertained on your run, give you clues and explain their puzzle. Each run has 4 audio sections spread out over the run. 

When you finish your run, it's back to your email to solve the puzzle. Think basic logic puzzles, or the kind of things that you would encounter in an Escape Room. Gain, don't stress too hard as if you need some help there is help available. Also, you will be invited to a Slack discussion board where you can discuss the challenge with others who are participating as well. Each challenge has an In Progress board and a Completed board so you can avoid spoilers.

So yeah, that is basically the process. You can kind of go at your own pace, and do your runs whenever is most convenient for you. You will know the distance of your next run before you set out so you can plan your runs (super key for me). Want to finish all in one week, you can. Want to do one run per week, no problem. I finished the whole quest in just under 2 weeks cause I'm impatient. 

I mean, look at these prizes!! 

In addition to the fun, immersive storyline and experience, the mortals who embark on this quest will have lots of opportunities to win really cool prizes from Run to Escape partners like Aftershokz, Knockaround, BibRave, RunKeeper and others. Every week someone who is registered will win a pair of Afershokz, a pair f Knockaround sunglasses and a truly epic pair of gold and white Adidas sneakers. 

And once you complete all of the challenges you get invited by Zeus to attend an epic Pantheon Party where each of the 6 gods and goddesses who challenged you awards you with goodies such as music playlists, godly recipes and partner brand discounts. Plus, finishers are also eligible to win the same prizes as above! It's more like a Prize Party than a Pantheon Party! 

To embark on this awesome new running experience, register here: https://www.runtoescapeseries.com/ I have a discount code to sweeten the deal. Use code BIBRAVE10 to save 10% off your entry. 

Still a bit unsure? I get it, new things can be scary. Well, since I've completed the challenges, feel free to AMA: ASK ME ANYTHING!! (Except spoilers, though I may be open to sending you ar few hints). Also, RtE has a very flexible refund policy if you try it and decide it’s not for you. So why not try something new for once?

A New Kind of Running Experience: Run to Escape Launches This Week!

I received entry into the Run to Escape: Mission Mt. Olympus as a part of being a BibRave Pro. Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews.

So we've all been doing this "New Normal" thing awhile now, yeah? We've all changed the way we work, socialize, exercise, basically everything over the past year plus. And while I know races have been doing the best that they can as far as offering Virtual options to keep us motivated to still get out there and pound out the miles, really, all the innovation has been up to the individual runners to make things fun for themselves. You know I've been the champ at that with creative routes, coming up with my own special challenges, hosting live events for friends and so on, but even I have gotten to the point where I am tired of more of the same.

But finally, I've found something truly new: a brand new, immersive running experience where you embark on an epic adventure to test your wits and your fitness. Think running paired with escape room style logic puzzles and that will give you a good idea of what the new Run To Escape experience is. 

Run to Escape is launching their first (of hopefully many) missions: Mission Mt. Olympus. The storyline in a nutshell (without spoilers) is that the Greek goddess Atalanta, the goddess of running is trying to become the 13th Olympian and take a seat on Mt. Olympus. The current 12 Olympians are making her complete challenges to prove her worth, and she has chosen a mortal (you) to help her complete 6 challenges from Olympians who would deny her bid. 

Atalanta, goddess of running and who you'll help claim a place on Mt. Olympus

HOW IT WORKS
(from the Run to Escape webpage here: https://www.runtoescapeseries.com/)

"Run to Escape: Mission Mt. Olympus, presented by Runkeeper™, is a first-of-its-kind, virtual experience that mixes running with the clues, codes, and explosive popularity of escape rooms. For those seeking a more immersive, fulfilling virtual experience, Run to Escape is an addictive blend of motivation, dopamine, entertainment, and endorphins."

Basically, once you register for the mission, you will get an email from Hermes with all the details that you need to get started. You'll need to download RunKeeper if you don't have it already, and through the email link, you will send your mission to your RunKeeper account where it will be waiting for you when you are ready in the Races tab. You then download the race audio and press Track Race Now. As you run (or walk) you will hear audio cues when you reach certain distance markers that will guide your challenge. Because of this, the experience is only available to those physically moving for the challenge, so no treadmills. It is highly recommended that you use some sort of headphones so you hear the clues clearly while you run. I use Aftershoks (see pic to the left) so I can hear not only the clues, but also have the benefit of hearing all of the surrounding noises around me like traffic and so on. Safety first, yo!

Each of the 6 challenges is presented by a different Greek god and Hermes acts as the official messenger (as expected) and sends emails with important information before and after each challenge. I've only done 1 challenge so far, but it was really fun listening to the audio and over the course of 5K, I want to say I got 4 messages in addition to the introduction message that played about a minute after I first hit go. 

I don't want to give away any spoilers but I completed my first mission on Sunday and well, let's see if you can guess which of the Greek gods was the one to sponsor my challenge by my post run celebratory picture. It was good luck that I chose to start and finish my 5K at a brewery is all I am going to say. But doing the challenge was really neat. There was a nice gentle harp sound that played right before the audio did both to keep from startling you and to give you a moment to pay attention to the information that was given. And no worries if you missed hearing something, when you finish your miles, Hermes sends you an email with the challenge information including the audio recordings in case you need to hear them again. If if you are really stumped, there are also hints. When you solve the clue, you enter the answer into the registration page on your Race Roster page (there will be a link emailed to you also) and if you are correct, you will get the next mission emailed to you. 

I am pleased to say I solved the first challenge and have received the info for my 2nd, which I plan to complete tomorrow morning. I plan to do another update on the series as a whole once I complete all 6 missions, which should be by the end of the month. So stay tuned! And if you have any questions, feel free to comment below or DM me on any of my socials. I am @runnerdgirl on Insta, Twitter and FB if you don't follow me already. 

If you think this sounds fun and you want to try out this brand new running experience, you can learn more about it here: https://www.runtoescapeseries.com/ The registration hasn't quite gone live yet (as of this blog post going live that is), it opens up on Wednesday, April 21, but you can enter your email address in to get notified as soon as it goes live. And, when it does, I have a discount code to sweeten the deal. Used code BIBRAVE10 when you do register to save 10% off entry. 

In addition to the fun, immersive storyline and experience, the mortals who embark on this quest will have lots of opportunities to win really cool prizes from Run to Escape partners like Aftershokz, Knockaround, BibRave, RunKeeper and others. Serious, I know I keep saying I do not want to spoil anything, but I saw one of the upcoming prizes and let's just say I really really hope I am eligible to win. Cause WOW! 

And lastly, let me leave you will a little challenge to whet your whistle. See if you can solve the riddle below. If you can, you're totally ready to embark on Mission Mt. Olympus! 

Hot Chocolate 15K/5K - Charlotte (Rock Hill Edition) Race Day

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 yeah, a bit of life got in the way so I am WAAAAAYYY late posting this, but OMG this event was so much fun!!

Here's a quick recap. 

The 15K crew ready to hit the road!

Me and like 40 of my closest friends all gathered bright, early (and cold) to run the Hot Chocolate 15K and 5K races. We had 16 15K runners and the rest were 5K. Quick reminder, I was still in my leg brace so no running for me, which was perfectly fine, I had plenty to keep me busy organizing everything! 

Before the event, which started at 7:30 am I set out before the sun came up to mark the courses that I had laid out, the 15K with orange arrows and the 5K will yellow. A bit extra I know, but hey, I knew some of the racers were coming from outside of Rock Hill, so I wanted to make sue that no one got lost on my watch. I also set up a table with goodies and printed routes. Special shout out to the Hot Chocolate 15K/5K for donating awesome magnets and extra chocolate for our event and to Nuun Hydration for donating tubes of Nuun for all. These were laid out with water, granola bars and M&Ms to help fuel the racers.

Right at 7:30 am the 15K racers set off. The way I laid the course, racers would complete 10K and loop back to the start where they had the choice to either run through to finish the final 5K, and/or take a quick rest stop and meet up with friends racing the 5K. The route went through the start and back out again so you didn't have to awkwardly turn around. It also helped me keep track of the placement cause yeah, again extra, but I had placement awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each gender/race. 

The 5K start was a bit more laid back, officially at 9:00 am, but racers kind of started whenever they arrived, found their friends, or felt like it. No matter what, it seemed like everyone had a great time. We had a constant stream of people hanging out, cheering, visiting Knowledge Perk for post-race cocoa and coffee and picture taking. I think everyone has been missing the vibe of real races so this kind of helped a lot. The weather could not have been more perfect and no one got lost, so extra yay!

It was a lot of work, but it was totally worth it! Everyone, me included, had a blast. After, I cleaned up and grabbed lunch with Kim, Toni and Kim's hubby who helped me loads during the event. And since this was really the first day I had left really left the house after my knee surgery, so I was in NO hurry to go back inside, so we met up with some of the other racers and went back to the start area to hang out at Dust Off and finish off the race chocolate.

Most of us received our gear prior to the race so we had everything all ready for the post race medal and jacket photos. I say most because there were some shipping delays due to the massive winter storms in the center of the country, but then again, it is a winter race series. The medals were so cool and had chocolate actually INSIDE it. Here's a few of us showing off our jackets and medals. 

I would totally take on the challenge of hosting a live virtual event again. It was so great to see everyone running, laughing and having a great time. In fact... I'm totally doing it again next month, this time the Virtual Women's Half Marathon (if you are interested in this race, discount code “BibRAVE$5off” gets you $5 off any distance).  Again, it's a bit extra, but totally worth it!

Have you ever hosted an in-person virtual? Want more info to host one? Let me know in the comments below. And there are still several other Hot Chocolate 15K/5K races that you can register for and host a similar event! https://www.hotchocolate15k.com/ and use extra SWAG code BRHC20 and receive a free Hot Chocolate Tech Hat. 

And just for fun, here are a few more random race day photos!

How to host a virtual race

Planning the Hot Chocolate 15K/5K Group Virtual

  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, last month I wrote here about how I had an idea about hosting a in-person race for my local friends who wanted to run the Hot Chocolate 15K Charlotte. This came from me wanting to arrange something nice and fun because we were all a little bummed that the race went Virtual. Well... much like most of my Virtual Epic Race Day Events, things have escalated.

I HAVE ABOUT 45 RUNNERS COMING ON SATURDAY! That's nuts!

Heck, I've even got 2 runners that will be doing their miles and checking in via video chat that are ON ANOTHER CONTINENT! 

So here is a little bit of what is going to happen on Saturday:

• I've got two courses routed. One for 15K runners and the other for 5K. The last 5K of the route will be the same so the 15K runners will start at 7:30 and the 5K will join at 9. I am pre-marking the course and providing written routes I also ran the course before my surgery to make sure that everything was safe and a good route. See my post here about my run: https://runnerdgirl.blogspot.com/2021/01/a-bit-early-but-still-hot-chocolaty-fun.html
  
  
• We are staging our race to start and finish at a local coffee shop so we can get hot beverages like Hot Chocolate and Coffee
  
  
• The awesome folks at RAM Racing have donated a bunch of chocolate and some magnets for the races as a bit of an extra perk
  
  
• I will have water, Nuun and treats at the finish. My awesome fellow BibRave Pro and running bestie, Kim (aka Barkingmadrun) has secured a bunch of Nuun tubes to give out.
  
  
• Placement medals for 1st, 2nd and 3rd, Male and Female, for each distance
  
  
• We are collecting donations for the Rock Hill Community Pantry and Fridge which is located right where we are starting/finishing our race
  
  
• I am bringing a camera to take tons of finish line photos and celebratory photos with their awesome SWAG.

Sounds like a party right? It is all going down this Saturday morning. You can check out my Twitter and/or Insta on Saturday morning to follow along with the fun. I will also be posting a recap on this blog early next week. 

You can organize your own virtual event if interested. 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/ Register with code BRHC20 and receive a free Hot Chocolate Tech Hat. 

A Bit Early, but Still Hot Chocolaty Fun!

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. 

In my last blog post, I talked about how I had to change up my original plan for my Hot Chocolate 15K Virtual Race. That instead of running the event on the Charlotte event date of February 20th, I had to run my race early due to having a knee reconstruction surgery this week. It will be 4 weeks before I am able to walk again and another 8 weeks after that before I will be cleared to run. So rather than waiting until after, I decided to run it early, because you know I was for sure going to earn that awesome SWAG.

In addition to my race, I used the opportunity to run the route that I had planned for the runners of the Virtual Race event to check the distance and to see if there were any issues on the route. So on January 16th, I set out bright and early in the cold to the race event site, Knowledge Park, to set off to run the routes. Since the event had both a 15K and a 5K race, I made a 10K route and a 5K route so that the 15K runners can start out earlier and join back in with the 5K runners to finish together. 

It was a cold morning, but not nearly as cold as the last Hot Chocolate 15K that I ran, which was just 22 degrees when we started!! Ugh! This time it was 31 which was much more bearable. I followed the 10K route that went through downtown Rock Hill, around Glencarin Gardens to Winthrop Lake, to the Winthrop Campus and back to Knowledge Perk and then back out again for the 5K which lead back to the Winthrop campus and towards downtown Rock Hill and back up to Knowledge Perk to finish. 

As for the route, I did make 2 changes in route. One change was to move a turn a block so the route crossed at a stop light with a crosswalk for safety and another change to go down a more scenic street. But even with the route changes, I hit exactly 15K when I got back to the street corner by Knowledge Perk where I started. So yay!

 

When I finished my Virtual Hot Chocolate 15K Charlotte, I of course had to get a nice hot cup of Hot Chocolate. It was delicious! And so nice after a cold run. My time wasn't spectacular,  but I did take it easy due to my knees and stopped to take a few pictures along the way to clarify some things on the route. 

Since I ran my race early, I haven't yet received my SWAG. They will start shipping out packets on January 31st, well before the race date of February 20th. And as for my event, I currently have 30 racers confirmed currently and I think a few more still will join. I am really excited about some of the plans that I have made to make it more like a real race event, one that runners are sorely missing including race day pictures, awards and finish line treats. 

When BibRave and RAM racing found out about our little event and sent us a box of treats including chocolates and HC magnets. I may have indulged in a chocolate piece to celebrate my finish. 

I'll be sure to share pics of my awesome gear once it arrives. And of course share all the epic race day fun that I have planned on February 20th. In the meantime, if you want to earn your own SWAG and/or plan your own event, register here: www.hotchocolate15K/charlotte. You can score yourself a cool HC branded Tech Hat (seen above) using code BRHC20 when you check out.