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.

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! 

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.

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.

Hot Chocolate, Cold 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. 

This past weekend I ran the Hot Chocolate 15K Charlotte for my 3rd year, which means, I am a LEGACY, baby! What's that mean? It means even more CHOCOLATE! Plus some other goodies! Here's the whole awesome race weekend story- 

The race weekend started off on Friday. To make things a bit easier on myself, I took the day off work so I could not only spend as much time at the Expo as I wanted and not have to rush in and out on a lunch break, but also to have a relaxing morning brunching with Kim, my ride or die race bestie and fellow BibRave Pro. (You can check out her HC15K coverage here: https://barkingmadaboutrunning.blogspot.com/2020/02/becoming-hot-chocolate-legacy.html

So we met at Panera for a quick brunch and hang out before driving up to the Expo at the Charlotte Convention Center. I'm not a huge fan of driving in Charlotte, but it is pretty quick and easy to get in and out of the Convention Center, especailly if you park in the NASCAR Hall of Fame garage like we did. I had some other friends that went up on the Light Rail which is also super convenient as there is a station right at the Convention Center.

The Expo was a bit smaller in past years, but I feel that this is common for all races. It was really efficient. You bring in a QR code that they scan and print a sticker and attach to your bib. Easy peasy. In fact I picked up 4 other packets and was done right away with no hassle. 

Since this was my 3rd year running the HC15K Charlotte, my bib said that I was a Legacy so a stop to the next table and I picked up my Legacy gift - a branded mug with an amazing sprinkled chocolate bar and bronze medal. Such a cool perk. Several people stopped to ask us where we got them and how. 

Then it was on to pick up our jackets. They scan your bib and hand you a bag with your correct size. You can try on your jacket and switch out if necessary. I always love the HC15K jackets. They are always amazing and this year was no exception. It's not even been a week since the race and I've worn it to run twice and just as a jacket a few other times (yes I've washed it!)

Kim thought she was funny by taking a pic of me taking as selfie, but it just shows off the jacket better! 

After getting the jackets, we wandered around looking at the few set ups there. In the middle was my favorite, the chocolate sampling. They had hot chocolate to try and also fondue chocolate with a cookie and marshmallow and mini chocolate squares. Yum! And they have some fun facts about the amount of goodies they use and allergy information.

There was also a small merchandise area where I bought a super cute HC15K knit hat. I immediately put it on and got lots of compliments. I even wore it for the race the next day! (See it in the jacket pic above). 

We hung out a bit and talked to and took pictures with several people we knew including fellow BibRave Pro Christine  (You can check out her HC15K coverage here: https://www.fitnewtonblog.com/race-recap-charlotte-allstate-hot-chocolate-15k-5k/

After we had seen and done everything, Kim and I headed outside to take a quick walk around uptown Charlotte as we are both doing the Run For Your Life Frozen Feet Challenge where you have to put in at least a mile of outdoor activity per day. With that out of the way, it was time to head home and rest up for race day.

Race Day

Okay y'all, I am not going to mince words... Race day was COLD. Like really cold. It was the 2nd coldest race I've run in fact. It was 23 degrees F at the start line and this warm-weather loving girl was not having it. I will fully admit, I was sulking. See this picture that Kim took of me when I was waiting for the 5K runners to start? I am NOT thrilled. I cannot feel my feet. I have on so many layers I feel lumpy and barely able to move. But you know what? I still had a great race because that is the power of Hot Chocolate races. 

I parked close by to the start in the 7th Street Station garage which had plenty of spots and was adjacent to First Ward Park where the race started and finished. I had made arrangements to meet with my various running crews - BibRave, Burn Sisters, random running friends and so on at landmark and we took some quick pictures and mostly were cold. There were a ton of potties which I used 2x (race day nerves, yo) and never even waited in line there were so many. Just walked right in! 

Team BibRave Ready to Run

The 5K started at 8:00 so I went down to cheer them on (see pic above). This year the number of 5K runners was much higher than in past (actually for all runners I think) as in the past the 5K waves were A, B, and C, but this year it was A-F! After the F wave went out, the banners were flipped for the 15K runners to line up. I was in Wave G which was the first 15K wave. When you register you put in your anticipated finish time and if it under a certain pace, they ask you to submit proof of a previous race and will place you in the preferred corral if you are under their threshold. They also put signs up requesting no walkers in the first 3 waves, which I think is a safe choice. I totally don't mind walkers in races, I encourage them, but walkers lining up in front is a good way to get congested starts. There were also pacers for each wave which could be a bit confusing later in the race when say the 9:00 pace from later waves passes the 9:30 pacer from an earlier wave, which I saw happen, but they were color coded so that helped a bit. 

Another time I will not mince words... This course is HILLY! Most uptown Charlotte races are, but I believe that this course takes the (chocolate) cake as one of the hilliest, at least that I have run, and I've done a lot of Charlotte races now. There is an uphill around mile 4-5 that just does not quit. It's the area around the Country Club and man is it rough. I tell myself every year that when I get out of the Country Club area the hardest part is now over. I mean, not the last of the hills, just the worst of them. But the course is very well marked and there are aid stations stocked with water, Nuun and goodies like marshmallows and M&Ms spaced throughout. There are several cheer stations scattered throughout the course as well so it is interesting and fun to run. There was this guy who was WAY excited to be cheering on the runners around mile 7 that I swear his exuberant high 5 gave me renewed vigor. Around 8.5 there was a sorority that a brightly colored "Hit Here For Speed Boost" Sign that I swear worked. And the last half mile there are tons of inspirational signs to guide you in. 

A friend of mine does GoPro videos of his races and was right behind me for a bit
You can check out the whole video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlkmV71Ur78&feature=youtu.be

The finish line was located on 7th Street and as usual for a Charlotte race, it was uphill. I was prepared for this and saved a bit of energy for the end. Lots of cheering in the chute and the announcer welcomed every single runner in by name. Overall, I was pleased with my time, I had cut a minute off of last year's finish on the same course, but can't help but feel had it been warmer (and had I had like 10 lbs less of clothes on) I could have done better. I was handed my medal by a super cheerful volunteer and made my way to the Nuun station and then a water bottle. I hung out a bit at the finish area to wait for some friends who I knew were not too far behind me. We all met up, took a bunch of pictures and then headed over to get out goodies. 

The goodie pick up is super efficient, lots of volunteers on hand to assist you. You tear off the bottom of your bib and you are handed a bowl of yummies! This year, the bowls were made of biodegradable heavy cardboard which was awesome. I ran into Christine who had also just gotten her goodies and we took a quick pic together with Marshall. I met up with some of my run crew and we found a place to sit on the steps and enjoyed our chocolate in the park. It was a bit warmer, but sunny, which I super appreciated as this was my first HC15K that I've run where it didn't rain. Overall, it was a really nice race. But, I couldn't stick around for too long, I had plans with my BibRave Pro Posse!

  

After eating my fill of chocolate and stashing everything else in my pockets, I met up with Kim and we made a quick detour to my car to pick up a bag of warm/dry clothes to change into and walked about 3/4 a mile down to Amelies Bakery, This is a Charlotte chain, and y'all if you've never been and are in the area, you need to go. We got some yummy pastries, brunch food and coffee and hung out and reminisced about the race for awhile. So much fun! Love my Orange family! 

After that, it was just another quick walk back to the garage and that was a wrap for the Hot Chocolate Charlotte 2020. Loved it even if it could have been a bit (a lot) warmer. 

Oh yeah, one last thing. Did I mention that HC15K races give you FREE photos! In fact, I got an email before I even got home telling me that my photos were available. I thought there was no way that was right, but yup, clicked the link and there were 3 finish line photos waiting for me. So cool! 

Got this email before I even made it home! And they are FREE!

I will for sure be back in 2021 and I hope to see you there too!