Hot Chocolate 5K Recap

I managed to drag myself out of my warm, cozy bed bright and early yesterday morning to participate in the Hot Chocolate 5K and I'm glad I did!  Luckily, the weather wasn't quite as cold as they predicted and it was a "balmy" 25 degrees when I got in my car a little after 7 a.m.  Race organizers requested that participants arrive at 6:30 for a 7:30 start, but it was far too cold to be standing around waiting for an hour, so I ignored that part of the pre-race e-mail.  I planned to arrive at the race site around 7, but the snooze button was calling my name, so I ended up not leaving my house until a little after 7.  Normally, that would have been enough time to get downtown and get to the starting line.  I forgot about the road closures, though, due to the 15K race that they were also holding that morning, so I had a little detour getting to the starting line.  I was supposed to start in the second wave of runners, but I just barely made it to the starting line in time for the third (and final) wave of runners.

Bundled up, somewhat awake, and ready to run!

I read a few reviews from years past that were a bit on the negative side when it came to the Hot Chocolate Race, but I was really impressed with the race and I would definitely participate again (although hopefully in warmer weather)!  Below are some thoughts on the race and cold weather running:

A good (albeit cold) morning in the Lou

• Just as packet pick-up was, the race itself was very well-organized.  The starting corrals were clearly marked, the point at which the 5K separated from the 15K was well-marked (I have an irrational fear of missing a cut-off and running a much longer race), and the area where we received our finishers mug was efficient and fast (once you finally got to the tent).
• The race volunteers were incredibly friendly and helpful.  I spoke to one volunteer at an intersection while I waited to cross the street as the first wave of runners passed and he told me he had been at the race site since 4:30 a.m.!  I thanked him for coming out in the cold so early and for being so friendly. I wouldn't have faulted him for being a little cranky due to the early wake-up call and the cold, but he never once complained and was so jovial!  All of the other volunteers I came in contact with were just as friendly and I made sure to thank all of the other volunteers that I saw that morning.  Races like this are nothing without the volunteers and I appreciate their time and the energy that they bring to a race! 
• I had entirely too many layers on my upper body, but not enough layers on my lower body.  I wore a long sleeve Under Armour shirt, my Hot Chocolate Hoodie, and a light weight fleece coat.  I also had on my earband to keep my ears warm.  On my lower half, I had my compression capris.  I was practically sweating to death about midway through the race, but my upper thighs were frozen!  Interestingly enough, the few inches of my legs that were exposed due to the length of my capris were not cold at all, just my upper thighs.  As hot as I was during the race, though, I got pretty chilly as soon as I was done running.  I probably would have been fine with just a long sleeve shirt on top and perhaps I should have added some shorts over my capris to keep my upper legs warm, but at least I will know for next time! 
• I ran "naked" (no, no, no. I, of course, had clothes on...see above)...electronically, that is.  I didn't have time to set up my AMR podcast ahead of time since I barely made it to the starting line to start on time, so I ran without a podcast or music and I also did not track my time and pace using my phone.  I ran electronics-free and it wasn't too terribly bad.  I did miss my podcasts, though!
• My hoodie with the long-sleeves and the thumb holes was multi-functional in the cold weather.  I used one sleeve to wipe my nose and the other to wipes my eyes, which were running due to the cold wind lashing again my face.  
• I let myself walk for about 45 seconds shortly after the first water stop.  I'm a little pissed that my brain won out over my legs, but I'm also not going to hold it against myself or beat myself up about it (at least not too much, anyway)
• I really struggled through parts of the race and I'm not sure if that is a valuable lesson for me in regards to not running consistently or if it is just a reflection of my body working harder in the colder weather.
• The finishers mug was amazing!  I wasn't sure I would be in the mood for hot chocolate after the race, but boy, did it taste amazing!  It warmed me up and it definitely hit the spot.  The mug also had chocolate fondue, a small banana, a bag of mini pretzels, a package of wafer cookies, a Rice Krispie treat, and a big ol' marshmallow.  I  immediately indulged in the marshmallow and covered it in chocolate and it was divine!  I decided to save the rest of my mug until I got back to my car, however, a funny thing happens on the walk back.  The chocolate re-solidifies!  It made for a nice snack later on yesterday though, after I re-heated the chocolate a bit.  I also loved that the race organizers offered plastic bags for your mug in case you needed to take it home with you.  There was also a moist towelette in the mug, which was perfect for wiping off my face and chocolately hands.
• My official finishing time was 39:50, which I am thrilled with!  I like the sub-40 5K's and that isn't a bad time at all, considering I haven't run consistently for about the last 2 months. 

The finishers mug filled with all kinds of deliciousness 

Overall, the Hot Chocolate 5K was really fun, well-organized, and delicious and I can't wait to participate again next year!

Did you participate in any races this past weekend? Are there any more races on your calendar for 2013? 

I love this quote and I feel as though it is directed at me, especially at the moment. 

"If you don't find joy in running, don't blame the running.  Blame the you. It's not the running you dislike, it's the place you have put it in your life."

Getting ready for the Hot Chocolate Race

Guilty admission here.  Based on the forecast for Sunday, I have been contemplating skipping the Hot Chocolate Run; I really have no desire to get frost bite.  However, going to the Race expo and packet pick-up this afternoon got me pumped about the race and I will drag myself out of my warm, cozy bed on Sunday and run it.  If for no other reason than the post-race fondue and hot chocolate!

I am fairly certain I will need a mug this size to warm me up after the race Sunday

When I first heard about this race earlier this summer, I was, of course, intrigued by all of the chocolate, but then I saw it.  The hoodie that all of the participants receive.  It was beautiful.  Reflective piping: check.  Zippered pocket on the back hip:  check.  Thumb holes (!!!): check.  I was obsessed with it and knew that I was going to sign up for the race so that I could get myself a hoodie.  Today, after months of waiting, I got to pick up my beloved hoodie.  Isn't she pretty? 

This photo does not do it justice; it's a beaut. 

Thumb holes!  Love, love love! 

The packet pick-up was well-organized and efficient.  I really appreciated that they had an area where you could try on your hoodie and swap sizes, if necessary.  Luckily, the size I ordered was a perfect fit.  I was a little concerned since my weight loss has stalled! There were several booths at the expo and plenty of cold weather gear for purchase.  There were also hot chocolate samples (perfect on this cold, drizzly day) and samples of chocolate covered marshmallows!  Yum!  If this was a preview of the post-race deliciousness, I am in for a treat! 

Although I am not looking forward to the weather on Sunday, I am looking forward to wearing my new hoodie, getting in a good run, and enjoying some chocolate goodies after the fact!

Hot Chocolate Race, here I come! 

Has anyone ever skipped a race due to weather?  I opted to skip a 5K last year when the remnants of a hurricane blew through St. Louis at race time. 

"Never say the sky is the limit when there are footprints on the moon." 

Cold weather running

I received an interesting e-mail today from the organizers of the Hot Chocolate race that I am running on Sunday in regards to the weather on race day.  It was a little intimidating, I admit.  It seems as though the temperature on Sunday at the starting line is expected to be 5 (!) degrees.  In anticipation of the frigid temperatures, the race organizers have made a few adjustments, including canceling the Kids Zone area, changing the requested pace per mile for the 15K from 15 minutes to 13 minutes to reduce the risk of exposure, and altering the wave start times.  The e-mail also mentioned that frostbite can occur within 10-15 minutes of exposure at these temperatures.

I don't feel as though my wardrobe is prepared for this weather.  I have running capris, but I specifically did not invest in a pair of pants, because in all honesty, my legs do not get cold when I run, just my upper body. I imagine, though, that my legs will be cold if it is 5 degrees.  As far as my upper body goes, I have a long sleeve Under Armour shirt that I plan to wear and I am getting a pretty sweet hoodie in my swag bag for the Hot Chocolate race, but do I also need to wear another jacket over that?  I get really hot when I run, but then I wonder, is it possible to be "hot" at all when it is 5 degrees?  The e-mail also suggested wearing a hat since significant heat loss occurs through your head and covering the lower half of your face.  I don't think I will wear a hat, per se, but I am planning to wear an earband I got in Kirksville the last time I ran in cold weather and I think this will be enough for me.  I'm not sure about covering the lower half of my face; I don't want to run in a scarf, so I am wondering what else I could use to cover my face.  So many things to think about with cold weather running!

I know one thing, though, I will be slathering my lips with Aquaphor! I am obsessed with my Aquaphor Lip Repair +Protect.  Last winter, I had a horrible time with chapped lips.  I think it was partly due to the fact that I had an allergic reaction to a new product I tried on my lips, but I was also running a lot in the cold and not protecting my lips.  I tried everything last year and nothing worked, not even lip balms with triple-antibiotics, until I found Aquaphor.  I've heard great things about Aquaphor as far as its moisturizing and anti-chafing benefits, but I had never tried their lip balm.  I'm hooked, though!  My lips started getting chapped really early this year; in October instead of January or February, but I've been using Aquaphor Lip Repair +Protect and it has been a lifesaver!  Disclaimer: I was not asked to review this product.  I am just a huge fan and wanted to share it.  The opinions expressed are my own.

This has been a must-have for me, particularly during this brutal cold spell we've been having!

What tips and tricks would you share regarding cold weather running and what should one wear when running in frigid temperatures?

"You were born with strong, capable legs. Winter does not change that. No excuses. Run." 

It's the most wonderful time of the year

It really is the most wonderful time of the year, but it also always seems to be the busiest! I promise, I did not fall off the face of the earth, but I have definitely been feeling the hustle and bustle of the holidays; shopping, crafting, parties, decorating, etc.  It is all worth it, though; I really love this time of year and I particularly enjoy watching the holidays through the eyes of my boys!  I am trying not to get too overwhelmed, though, like I was around the end of October.  I don't want to get run down physically and mentally!

Sadly, I haven't had the opportunity to try out my new Saucony sports bra and Runderpants, but I hope to soon!  We had a little bit of a nasty bug running through our house this weekend and I wasn't feeling too well yesterday.  I feel much better today, though!  It looks like our weather will be warming up soon and it looks like prime running weather, which I'm excited about.  It has been really cold here and I have become a bit of a wuss when it comes to the weather.  We are supposed to have a low of 7 degrees tonight and on the way home, I saw a gentleman out for a run wearing a long sleeve shirt and shorts (!).  That's dedication!  Maybe I should take a cue from his persistence?

I've felt like the ultimate slacker the past few weeks and I think that in some ways, I am allowing myself to do so, because I know that come the first of the year, I will need to buckle down and train.  It isn't an excuse, but I guess I am trying to get my slacking out of my system now while I can.  I do have a race coming up on Sunday; the Hot Chocolate 5K and I am very much looking forward to it.  It's not a competitive race for me personally (although a PR is always nice!) and I just plan to enjoy the race and most of all, have fun and eat a lot of chocolate at the end!

Has anyone participated in one of the Hot Chocolate Races?  

"Push ourselves to discover limitations, then push past them." 

Exciting delivery today

Tonight's post is going to be really brief, as I had a really long day at work and am beat!  However, I had to share a little bit of excitement.  I think I mentioned a few weeks ago that I won one of the Another Mother Runner Hump Day Giveaway contests (here's the link in case I didn't share:  http://anothermotherrunner.com/2013/11/01/winners-saucony-runderpants-sports-bras/) and I was thrilled because my prize included a Saucony Sports Bra of my choosing and one of the new Saucony Runderpants of my choosing.  I have been in desperate need of a new sports bra so being one of the winners of the contest was very apropos.

Well, guess what came in the mail today?  My Saucony swag!  I worked late tonight and was exhausted when I got home, but I was delighted to see a brown box on my front porch when I pulled in the driveway!  It makes me want to get up early tomorrow morning to go for a run to try out the new bra and runderpants (hooray for not having to double up on sports bras anymore!)

Such cute packaging for the Runderpants!

The Runderpants I chose.  Indeed! 

I cannot wait to try this out on my next run!

I can't wait to give these products a try; although, I admit, I already put both on and did a little test jog around the basement and I'm already in love with both products.  I'm excited to see how well both the bra and runderpants do on an actual run and I'll be sure to provide a review soon!

Disclaimer: I won both of these items in a giveaway on the Another Mother Runner website. All opinions expressed are my own. 

"Don't be afraid to give up the good and go for the great." 

Being a slave to the scale

Today was the first day in probably close to 7 months that I didn't weigh myself.  Mind you, this was not a rebellious act on my part to liberate myself from the tedium of the daily weigh in.  I am legitimately afraid of getting on the damn thing.  The past week has really set me back and I'm frustrated, discouraged, yada yada yada.  I really didn't feel as though I ate terribly on Thanksgiving (I only had one serving of turkey, which is not normal for me, I assure you), but the scale seems to think I ate about 5 lbs. of turkey, cranberries, and pie.  I suppose it isn't the scale's fault that I apparently ate too much last week and I'm well aware of the fact that my frustration should be directed at myself and less at the scale.  However, I know I've mentioned this before, but maybe being a slave to the scale is not good for my mental state.

I was reading Katie (Runs for Cookies) Foster's blog post today called "Stupid Scale" (http://www.runsforcookies.com/2013/12/stupid-scale.html) and when I saw the title, I literally said out loud "Isn't that the truth!" Katie is always inspiring to me and today's post about not letting the scale get under your skin really hit home.  While I do think weighing myself frequently does help keep me in check, the numbers on the scale also don't define me.  I definitely need to get back on track with running and eating better, but I've noticed other changes in myself that can't be accounted for on the scale.  I have noticed some incredible definition in my legs that I've never had, not even when I danced in high school.  My running pace has gradually increased, which means I am getting stronger as a runner.  My clothes are still getting bigger and bigger and I'm buying clothes in sizes I haven't seen in nearly a decade.  So yes, the scale says I have gained a few pounds and honestly, I don't know that this puts me in sight of my end of the year weight loss goal, but I have other ways to measure my success.  I may very well heed Katie's words and take a little break from the scale!

With all of that being said, I really do need to get back on track, so I went out for a run today at lunch and it felt great!  It was not quite 60 degrees like they predicted, but it was still a good day for a run.  I did my usual loop at the park near my office and got just about 2 miles in 21:35, so I kept a pretty good pace, too.

I think I've decide to try MapMyRun for a change instead of the Nike+ app.  I still feel like my Nike+ app is being a bit flaky and until I can get my Garmin (hopefully around Christmas!), I want to see if MapMyRun can give me more accurate readings.  I've heard great things about it, so I will let you know how it goes!

Do you weight yourself every day or less frequently? I'd love to hear what works for others! 

"The scale can only give you a numerical reflection of your relationship with gravity. That's it. It cannot measure beauty, talent, purpose, life force, possibility, strength, or love." 

I need motivation and a bit of tough love

My oh my; I am feeling the post-Thanksgiving food regret and I really, really, really must get myself back on track.  I feel like I have really been slacking with my end of the year challenge and I'm not sure why.  Well, I have a pretty good guess.  I worked my ass off for my birthday challenge and I think I burned myself out.  I promised myself a day of letting go on my birthday to enjoy eating cake and whatnot, which would have been fine had I stuck to just that one day.  However, one day has turned into countless days of slacking off and I need to re-ignite the fire inside of myself, the ironclad determination, and indestructible willpower that I had over the summer.  Lovely Laura is devolving into marginally Lazy Laura and it's time to turn that around!

I saw last week that Runner's World was promoting a holiday running streak challenge (http://www.runnersworld.com/cold-weather-running/the-2013-holiday-running-streak) by asking people to commit to running a mile every day between Thanksgiving and December 31st.  I think it is a great idea, but admittedly I was intimidated by the challenge and talked myself out of it.  What happened to the girl on fire?  My goodness.  I am not one to back down from a challenge, but this one spooked me for a number of reasons.  1)  To be able to run a mile every day more than likely means I would have to get up early at least several times a week to fit a run in and I like sleep 2) how would I manage to go for a run on Christmas Day? 3) I never run on consecutive days because I am afraid of injury 4) it is supposed to get really cold here in the next few days (after, of course, our lovely 60 degree temps tomorrow, we are supposed to see lows in the teens this weekend. Brr!)

I'm re-reading the above excuses and noticing how ridiculous they are.  Lovely Laura would have the following responses to Lazy Laura:

1) Boo hoo, so you would have to get up early to run.  You know you feel better when you start your day off with exercise and secondly, getting up early might mean that you and the boys get out the door on time some mornings!  Amazing!  Plus, you could still go for runs at lunch, so some days during the week you could "sleep in" a bit.

2) You just do it.  You go for a quick run in the neighborhood while Jack takes a nap between Rounds 1 and 2 of opening presents and while Nick plays with his new toys. You will feel better about eating the delicious, decadent bread that is a Christmas morning breakfast tradition.

3) I don't have much of a comeback for this excuse, because it still does concern me a bit.  However, it's not like I would be running 6 miles a day.  Some days I could go for longer runs, but most days would just be easy runs of a mile or 2.

4) Toughen up, Buttercup.  It's winter.  It's going to be cold for the next 4 months or so and you've run in sleet and snow before.  Bundle up, suck it up and get out there.

So, maybe I can jump on the holiday running streak a little late or do my own running streak.  Has anyone else done a running streak?  If so, for how long?  Would anyone consider doing a running streak? 

I love the quote below; it's a bit of tough love, but it's what Lovely Laura needs to say to Lazy Laura right now!

"I will beat her.  I will train harder.  I will eat cleaner.  I know her weaknesses.  I know her strengths.  I've lost to her before, but not this time.  She is going down.  I have the advantage because I know her well.  She is the old me."