Hot Chocolate 15K, Chicago. So awesome!!

Hello Chicago!!

Wow. Just wow. I just got back from a trip to Chicago to participate in the Hot Chocolate 15K. On November 5th, 2011, myself and a few THOUSAND other runners OWNED the streets of downtown Chicago. I can't even put into words how magical it was...

I arrived in Chicago two days before the race so I could get situated and adjusted to the time change. On the day before the race, I picked up my bib and my racing packet at the Expo that is held for the Hot Chocolate 5/15K at Union Station. It was pretty cool just to be at Union Station, let alone the fact that I was here with so many others that were all set to run the race the next day.

Everything was so well organized at packet pickup.

Below is the volunteer area.

Below is the merchandise area. I could have gone a little crazy buying shirts/hats/sweatshirts in this area. It was a pretty neat little marketplace.

Below is another shot of the expo. There were shoe manufacturers and other running-centric companies that participated in the expo.

If you look closely, you can see my name and bib number in the middle of the screen. This was also taken at the expo when I picked up my bib. We all walked past an electronic device that validated our bibs. This was one of the most technologically advanced races I have been involved in. The timer was actually embedded in our bib numbers!!

So, at the end of it all.... I am so proud of myself. Running outside for 9.3 miles at under 9 minute pace is a huge accomplishment for me. I consider myself to be an actual runner now. I was thrilled to even be able to finish the race, let alone in such a decent amount of time. If you are interested in my entire race stats, you can click here.

Here are pics of me with some other runners I met at the race, as well as a picture of me after I crossed the finish line. I was ecstatic!!

Do you want to run the Hot Chocolate 5K or 15K? Or maybe want to just walk? Then go here for more information. This race has now gone national, so you could have the chance to participate very soon. Next city? Dallas, Texas on February 11th. Then San Diego, CA on March 25th. For more dates and information, please visit the Hot Chocolate 5 & 15K's website here.

You can like the Hot Chocolate 15K on Facebook here and follow all the latest news on twitter here!

Hot Chocolate 15K Set to Warm Up Chicago on November 5th, 2011!

I am so STOKED to be running the Hot Chocolate 15K. this year in Chicago on November 5th, 2011.

I have begun "training", (even though I know I could already go the distance of 9.6 miles). The point for me is to be able to finish in a "decent" time. (Just under 80 minutes is my goal).

If you haven't heard of the race, it is put on every year by RAM Racing who hosts several different races in the Illinois area throughout the year. I plan on reading their training and nutrition info posted here.

The race (a 5K and a 15K will be held in the Grant Park area of downtown Chicago. Here's a little video on it:


2010 Hot Chocolate 15K/5K from RAM Racing on Vimeo.

After the race there is a fondue and chocolate party featuring Ghirardelli chocolate!

General Race Info:
Hot Chocolate 15k/5k
November 5th, 2011 Grant Park, Chicago, IL
5K start time — 7:40am* 15K start time — 8:10am*
(*start times subject to change)

For more race information go here.

To join me in the fun and cover yourself in delicious chocolate post race, REGISTER HERE! Seriously, register now if you want to secure a goodie bag/race jacket!

Proceeds will be going to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, Cellmates on the Run, the American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, and SuperSibs.

You can follow the Hot Chocolate 15K on twitter here and like them on Facebook here.