Hot Chocolate 15k Charlotte Recap

***I received entry into the Hot Chocolate 15k as part of being a BibRave Pro. (Ambassador). Check out BibRave.com to find and write race reviews.***

I carpooled into Charlotte yesterday morning for the 15k with my friend Jackie. It is so much better driving to an unfamiliar place with a friend. I know a few parts of Charlotte really well, But there are so many parts I have never been to. Luckily, we both recognized the area once we go there. We met up with a bunch of friends from Run For Your Life, Skirt Sports, and some fellow BibRave Pros. It was great to meet Alastair and Deeane for the first time!

 Once all of the pics were taken, we made our way to the start. The 5k started at 7:30 and then the 15k runners could line up. We knew that we would be hanging out at the back, since Anna hadn't been running much lately. I was hoping to beat last year's time, it was one of my goals this year. Going in, I thought I needed to beat 2:17, so that was my goal. Susie and I got a quick selfie, so she could run her own intervals. We saw her a lot during the race, but she eventually pulled ahead.

 Not long after we started, so did the rain. Luckily, it was off and on, and never really very hard. More of a mist, actually. Also, there was candy. Every 2 miles. I love this race.

 Anna and I talked about all sorts of interesting things, which made the time go by so much faster, and we were hovering around 14:30 pretty much the whole time.

We also saw 4 Little Free Libraries, although I only took a pic of one of them, arguably the coolest one.

Isn't it beautiful?
The course was way more scenic than last year, although it was also hillier. Ugh. It definitely aggravated my plantar fasciitis, but I wasn't in any actual pain during the run. Definitely an improvement!

Soon we were in the last mile, and I realized I was headed for a race PR. Anna decided to walk the last bit, but I charged ahead. Of course, the race finished uphill. Oh my heck!

I totally beat the 2:17, and after I got home I realized that it was actually 2:19 that I needed to beat!

The line for the post race chocolate was short and moved quickly, and it was so yummy. I gave my banana away, but I ate the rest. Yum!

There was also a food truck, a tent to look up your results with a photo opp, and heating lamps. So much fun! The water stops were well manned, and the course always felt safe. Our lane was always blocked off with cones whenever we were running alongside traffic.  The scenery was ah-mazing and race photos are free. I had most of them in an email before I even got home. These are just some of the reasons I love Hot Chocolate races!

Look at that bling! I have already marked my calendar for next year's race on February 22nd!
I may have needed a little ice on my foot last night, but it was so worth it, and I am in no pain today at all!

Have you ever run a Hot Chocolate Race? What city?