On December 15th, I did something I had never done before. I ran the Hot Chocolate 5K. We went down to the St. Louis Union Station on the 14th, to the Hot Chocolate Expo, to pick up my race packet. I have to say I was fairly impressed with how well organized the Expo was, considering the crowd that was out. The St. Louis Union Station also opened it’s doors to the The Kansas City Southern Holiday Express Train for the first time since 2004, and the crowds poured forth! In comparison, it took me all of about seven minutes to get my race bib, go upstairs, get my goodie bag, try on my Hot Chocolate hoodie, and walk all the way back out of Union Station. My family had moved about three inches in the line to see the Holiday Express Train.
I’m not going to lie, I waffled –hard– on whether or not I was going to run when I saw the weather alert on the race site. I hadn’t run in over 3 weeks (closer to 4) for various reasons, so I already knew I was pushing it to do the race anyway. I finally decided that a DNF (Did Not Finish) would be far better on my ego than a DNS (Did Not Start).
I made it to the starting corral with one goal in mind. Cross the finish line. Okay, two goals. Cross the finish line and get warm. LOL
Around the end of the first mile, my feet started to warm up. Finally. I had three layers on everything but my feet. I had worn my Champion compression pants and my SL3 compression socks, plus had exercise capris and a pair of windbreakers over that, with my Nike race t, a long sleeve tee, my Hot Chocolate hoodie, and a Nike windbreaker jacket. I also had a scarf and a sock boggin on my head.
I walked part of the race, and did stop three times during the race. First to tie my shoe, then to get a drink at the Gatorade station, and then to retrieve my scarf which attempted to fly away. But, I did make it to the finish line. With a smile on my face. Then I went and got my Finisher’s Mug and had my picture in front of the Hot Chocolate sign. I did make it to the finish line.
My official time reflected the fact that I hadn’t run in a while. I had hoped to come in under a 15 minute mile, but I can’t complain. My time reflects my training.
My goal for 2014 is to do three 5K’s and round the year out with a 15K.
Are you running in 2014?
Jayda says
A hot chocolate race sounds like my kind of exercise!
Mistee Dawn says
That is so awesome. I am so glad you crossed the finish line. What a great accomplishment. Congrats!
Nicole says
This is so cool. I want to start running, but I certainly LOVE, LOVE, LOVE hot chocolate. Being cold? Yeah…I don’t do that part very well. Happy new year!
mel says
What a great accomplishment!!! I am so glad to see you finish!
Trisha says
Wow, just 7 minutes to get your race packet? That’s quick! Whenever I do a 5k here in NJ, it always takes at least 30 minutes to get my packet. The Hot Chocolate 5K sounds like it was a lot of fun!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
Good for you for doing it. Running my first 5K is on my list of things to do in 2014, but not in the cold, though. I can’t breathe in the cold when I run.
Chelsea says
But you FINISHED- so who cares about time because good on you for actually doing it!!! Well done!
Lauren says
That is so great! Congrats on getting through the finish line. Also, chocolate as a motivator, sign me up!!
kim says
darling name for a race and bit cold there!!! Not use to that. Here’s to many more race for you to walk/run. Happy New Year!
Chrishelle says
Good for you. As I continue on my journey to be more fit, I would love to eventually be able to run a race. Very cool of you to follow through. Good luck on your future races.
Cassie says
Oh no I wouldn’t have been able to walk that far in 5 degree weather. They would have put me in a wagon with comforters and wheeled me to the finish line! It’s so great that you not only went out to walk but that you finished!
Stefany says
Good for you for finishing! It was a chilly day!
Amy Desrosiers says
Congrats on finishing this race! I remember earlier in the year when you said you were going to run it!
Liza says
I actually have never been much of a runner. I took a hit to my knee during softball in high school and it’s kind of bothered me since. But I do hope to train for a Disney half-marathon in 2015!
katherine says
A hot chocolate race sounds amazing! Congrats!
Ashley M says
Running seems to tear apart my legs, I can’t be the shin splints. Since I can’t run I plan on volunteering for worthy 5k’s 🙂