Hot Chocolate OKC 15K

This was my 4th Hot Chocolate in-person race and 5th including the virtual option last year.  In 2019 I was excited to hear that Hot Chocolate series was coming to Oklahoma City. For several years I was driving to Dallas to participate in the race but due to scheduling and moving I missed a couple of year so I had to start my legacy journey again.  

This year was my 3rd straight year and I finally got some awesome swag.  Did you know you get extra swag for participating in any Hot Chocolate Race in consecutive years so my next one will be year 5 then year 10.  I was excited to see that I was getting an awesome mug.  I do like the medals they were giving out but this is cool that I can take my morning coffee with this mug.  Also got a milk chocolate ball, who doesn't need more chocolate.    

                                                 

                                                                3 year Legacy Swag

This year I was offered a spot in the pacing group.  I had paced in 2019 with the 14 min mile and was excited to be back for 2021 along with moving up to the 12 min spot.  Currently I feel like I am in the best shape and knew 12 min per mile was going to be easy.  The morning started really chilly and was glad I had gloves and a buff to protect me from the cooler weather.  

                                    

                                                            2021 Hot Chocolate Pacers

I really like in town races because I can see all of my running friend and get to see parts of the city I live in.  Luckily this route was the same as 2019 but also have ran part of the route multiple years in the OKC Half/Full Marathon.  I knew the terrain very well and knew I could be successful.

Starting Corrals with my running friends

As the miles went on it felt easy . I was doing run/walk method and made sure to check my watch to make sure I was on pace.  I was actually running with two watches because I am switching to Coros so both of them indicated I was on pace.  I had several friends running with me so it was great to be able to talk with them while I pace.  I did have a few runners I didn't know but they held on and kept running.  About mile 6 I ended up switching groups as some runners who were running faster at the beginning  now needed some help and others that were with me dropped back.  These runners were also friends so I was able to help them get through the last few miles.  The course was great, it was challenging and got to see all OKC had to offer.  The support was amazing too, especially after after the marathon that was just a few weeks ago.  My target overall time was 1:51:50 and finished at 1:51:31 so 19 seconds under time.  I was very happy to be under the 1 minute threshold and I am striving to get as close to the finish time as possible.  I would love to pace again because this race is so much fun and it is right in my city.

Finish line free picture

Finish Medal and Goodies

There are many aspects of the race that I love like free pictures, awesome swag and chocolate at the finish line.  This is definitely a race that I want to participate year after year.  I am excited to hear that they will be coming back for 2022 and can't wait to sign up.