Race Report: Hot Chocolate 5k

I unofficially closed out my 2008 racing season this weekend with the inaugural Hot Chocolate 5k. I say unofficially because while I am not registered to run another race this year, I could be convinced to run another one this year if the opportunity presented itself.

The race began at 8 a.m. at Montrose Harbor on the lakeshore-a familiar location for races in Chicago. It was the end of daylight savings time so we all got an extra hour of sleep thankfully. This was my first race in Chicago managed by Running Away Multisport, an endurance sports store on North Ave. They have the best race packet goody bag that I've ever seen. My goody bag included a sweet fleece jacket, and a nice wicking RAM running cap. It's great to run a race and get something other than a t-shirt. After running a dozen races this year, I really don't need anymore t-shirts-technical fabric or otherwise.

The weather on race morning couldn't have been more ideal, low 50s and overcast. Perfect for shorts and long-sleeves. My goal for the race was to PR and break 23 minutes for the first time. There was also a 15k race on the same morning, but I wanted to PR on the 5k distance for my last race of the year. The 15k started 10 minutes before the 5k so we waited for a couple thousand runners to get through the chute before us. Most of the runners were going the longer distance.

At about 8:10 a.m. we were off and running. When I line up at a race I always try to line up towards the front, but not the very front. Usually I start too far back though and have to weave in and out of other runners for most of the first mile. This race was no exception, but luckily it opened up within the first quarter mile and I was towards the front of the pack quickly without losing much or any time due to other runners. I hit the first mile in about 7 minutes even. I was feeling good but starting to feel the burn. I kept passing people. I hit mile two in about 7 minutes as well. One mile to go and now I was hurting. My breathing was more labored than its been for a long time. The course winded all the way around the Montrose Harbor point. I was passed by a couple people on the last mile as my pace slowed slightly. I knew I wouldnt have much for the kick. I saw the 9 mile marker for the 15k and that meant only .3 miles to go. The finish line was in sight and somehow I found a kick for the last .2 miles. The time as I crossed the finish line was just over 22 minutes. A new PR by a minute and after I found out my chip time my new PR is 21:50. I not only ran my first sub 23 minute race, but my first sub-22 minute. I took nearly a whole minute and a half off my PR. I finished in the top 50 overall and 8th in my age group. At this point I dont know much faster I could go since I was pretty spent afterwards, but a sub 20 is probably possible someday with more training.

To top it all off, the race had an amazing post-race chocolate and candy tent with hot chocolate (hence the race name), s'mores, and lots of candy bars. I wasn't able to stick around and enjoy too much sugar, but I grabbed a hot chocolate and stuffed my pockets with candy before leaving. The course was definitely a new route for me, but the race was really well managed, and had a great goody bag and post-race party. I would definitely do it again. A perfect end to the racing season in Chicago.

Next up? Not sure yet. I am looking at a spring marathon, possibly the new Wisconsin Marathon in Kenosha in early May. As the weather cools off I am just looking forward to some easy running a few days a week to stay in shape.