Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k/5k Recap

Would you run for chocolate? I totally would! I ran the Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k/5k – well, the 5k – on Saturday, mainly because I wanted that mug full of hot chocolate and chocolate fondue. Okay, and the jacket is pretty cool, too.

I chose to run the 5k option of the Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k/5k because it didn’t seem like a great idea to run more than a 5k less than two weeks after running the Chevron Houston Marathon. Seriously, I’ve struggled a bit on my runs, and I’ve had some hip discomfort that landed me in my chiropractor’s office. (Note: some instrument-assisted myofascial release therapy and electric stim seem to have done the trick.)

I ran the 5k of the Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k/5k on Saturday, and I loved the course! I also did better than I thought. Read on for swag descriptions and a surprise finish.

Running the Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k/5k

On the actual day of the Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k/5k, I didn’t have high hopes for my time, despite my A corral seeding. I planned to just run it and enjoy it, flash some Vulcan “live long and prosper” signs at the cameras, and of course, eat my chocolate. I arrived bright and early (well, dark and early!) with plenty of time to warm up. In the corral, I chatted with a girl who had run the Aramco Houston Half.

When it was time to go, I just… ran. I pushed myself a little bit, but I wasn’t trying to break any records. I loved the course: mostly flat, a good water stop, and an easy out-and-back down Allen Parkway. I lost my hair tie in the first mile; I let loose a couple of curses, then continued on my way. It’s only three miles, right? My hair took on a life of its own once it freed itself from the tight French braid I usually wear. (My hair was a tangled mess at the end. I have a lot of hair.)

Since the Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k/5k course was an out and back, and a 5k course is pretty short, I don’t have a lot of memorable moments from it. I passed the three-mile mark and cranked up my speed a bit, and my official time was 27:09. Not a PR, but for someone who felt like she was battling through her last few runs? I’ll totally take it.

Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k/5k Swag

And yes, I totally signed up for this race for the swag. In addition to the finisher mug with a cup of hot chocolate, fondue, and a banana, I also got a sweet purple zip-up hoodie.

The mug was okay – I mean, the chocolate fondue and hot chocolate was amazing after running, even though it wasn’t cold out. I wasn’t crazy about the finisher mug, so I didn’t keep it. It’s still pretty cool, though, if you’re the type that fills it with veggies and puts hummus in the center. It’s just not me.

On the other hand, the hoodie is really high quality and has thumbholes! I love the color and feel of it.

Overall, I would definitely do this race again. Maybe next year, I’ll do the 15k option since I will not be running a marathon two weeks beforehand!

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