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.)
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
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!
This race sounds fun! I’m doing my first chocolate race at the end of March (in Iowa City…doubtful I’ll be in a tank top and shorts like you LOL).