Hot Chocolate 15K

Ran the Hot Chocolate race today, choosing the 15K option. You could also run the 5K version, but I wanted to get in a decent run after 5 days of lounging around after the Marine Corps run.

The running Gods smiled down upon us with a cool and sunny day. Badwater, here I DON'T come! So, happy for the weather.

I don't know, it seemed like there were 1000's of people. The start line was like a clown car, people just seemed to be coming from everywhere to begin after the 8:10 start.

The course itself was a down and back, heading south from Grant Park, past McCormick Place, then down the bike path to about 38'th street for the turn back up along the lake. It was a great day to make that run back, the ever beautiful view of Chicago from about 30'th street is always a treat.

I think the buzzword of the day, or at least the race, was crowded. I think there were a lot of people who figured "Hey, I ran a 5K last year, I'm ready for a 15K". So, lots of walkers, lots of plodders, and the periodic runner and baby stroller who didn't get the memo. I passed up a lot of people on this run.

Possibly though, because the real word of the day was CHOCOLATE, I zipped along in a great mood. For some reason, I really had a taste for chocolate. Could it have been the 1000's of Hot Chocolate Jackets everyone was wearing? Ya think?

Anyway, cruised in a hair under 2 hours. If you want to check out a fun view of the race, go here:
Hot Chocolate Animated Results to watch. If you want to watch me, look for racer "Tommy Sensabaugh (346)".

Passed up the finish line and off to the Chocolate Tent. Easy to find, just look for the lines and join in. To be fair, they moved pretty quickly, and the reward was a delightful plastic dish with a generous amount of chocolate fondue, apples, banana, pound cake, marshmallow crispy bar, and pretzel. To say it was great does not quite capture it. It was nearly life-affirming!

After you left the Chocolate Fondue Tent, off you go to Tent #2 for the Hot Chocolate. Equally as good, and nice and hot to warm you up.

I left the race on a chocolate high, happy with the mornings work. Not sure if I'd run it again, I might just opt for an evening at Geja's downtown instead and have their chocolate fondue.