For Runner

Today, I ran for Runner.  Runner Aitken, a sweet boy who passed away last night at the age of 9 from a rare form of pediatric liver cancer.   I learned about Runner a few weeks ago after receiving our local Fleet Feet newsletter.  The St. Louis Track Club has an annual Winter race series, called the Frostbite Series, and the next race in the series was set to take place the next day, Saturday, January 10th.  What made this particular race so special was that it was an opportunity to grant Runner's wish to run in a race with his dad, Mike.

Runner was born with a rare genetic seizure disorder and from the time he was born, his dad would push him in a jogging stroller and take him on runs.  It was an opportunity for father and son to bond, but it was also very therapeutic for Runner when he become immobile.  In late 2014,  Runner was diagnosed with a rare form of pediatric liver cancer and his wish was to go to Disneyworld to run a race with his Dad.  Unfortunately, Runner's declining health made it impossible for him to travel to Disney, so Make-a-Wish Missouri and the St. Louis Track Club decided to bring the race to him!

Mike and Runner were going to participate in the 20K race that Saturday and runners and spectators alike were encouraged to wear green in support of liver cancer.  Make-a-Wish was also organizing cheering sections for Runner and I felt compelled to go cheer on this sweet boy who had been given so much to handle, especially considering that my Dad had fought liver cancer, too.

I made a few posters that night for Runner (note to self: use stronger paper and/or poster board when making signs.  On windy winter days, regular paper is fickle and bendy) and Nick and I set out the next morning to cheer Runner on.  It was bitterly cold, but we bundled up, accessorized with some green items, and made our way to the park.

Wearing green and ready to cheer on Runner!

Nick was a bit cold, but super excited to get a cowbell from a sweet stranger to help cheer Runner on!

Snuggling to stay warm

Mike and Runner #inspiring

We were able to get to the starting line at the perfect time, right before Mike said a few words thanking everyone for their support.  We cheered them at the starting line and since the course was actually several loops around the park we saw them two more times.  There was quite a good crowd of spectators for Runner, which was really awesome.

Nick and I started to feel the effects of the cold and since Nick had a Scouting field trip that morning, we needed to head out, so unfortunately we didn't get to see Mike and Runner cross the finish line.  

Here is a great story about Runner and Mike's race, though, which was featured on one of our local news stations.  We had a really great time cheering them on, though, and Runner really left an impression on Nick and I.  

I began following Runner's journey on his Facebook page and Nick would often ask me about Runner.  I kept him updated although as Runner's health deteriorated over the past week or so, it was a bit difficult figuring out the best way to explain it to him.  Nick, of course, was aware of my Dad's illness and passing, but it's hard to explain to a 7 year old that someone just a bit older than he is also facing the same difficult illness.  I told him a few days ago that Runner wasn't doing well and was beginning his journey to Heaven and he told me that he would keep Runner and his family in his prayers.  I've said it before, but I'll say it again, Nick always amazes me with his compassion and empathy and it is one of my favorite things about him.  Tonight, after I told him Runner passed away, he gave me a hug and said "I bet Bebaw [my dad] is showing Runner around Heaven."  Yes, sweet boy, I'm sure he is!

I can't even begin to imagine the pain and heartache that Mike, Julie (Runner's mom), and Dash (his little brother who is about Jack's age) are feeling right now.  On the one hand, Runner isn't in pain anymore and is at peace, but speaking from experience, I know how little that can help when you are grieving.  It is truly amazing, though, to see the impact that Runner had in his short life.  He donated a small portion of his skin a few days ago to help scientists research his genetic disorder, his corneas were donated upon his passing, and he inspired so many people with his strength in the face of such difficult circumstances.

I planned to go for a run at lunch today, but I really didn't want to go.  The howling wind woke me up several times this morning and it was cold.  I just didn't want to go and was thinking of just about any excuse to not go.  Then I thought of Runner and how much he loved to run with his Dad.  I thought of how sad his Dad might be on his next run, but also about how now Runner was surely running free. I thought of Runner's determination and strength and so I put on my running clothes and laced up my shoes.

It wasn't my fastest run, nor was it the most euphoric run, but it was a therapeutic run.  I saw a cardinal on a grassy field about a mile into my run and it reminded me of Runner spreading his wings and soaring in Heaven.  I took a different route through the park and ran by the Korean War Memorial that my Dad and I visited almost 8 years ago.  A place that I hadn't been to since that visit and frankly, I forgot existed.  I went over to visit the memorial again and sat on a bench for a few minutes just thinking about my Dad.  I honestly felt his presence for just a minute, as if he was sitting on the bench with me.  It was a gloomy, chilly afternoon, so I didn't stay too long at the memorial, but it was a nice moment.

The cardinal that reminded me of Runner

Having a moment at the Korean War Memorial

I'm really glad I went out for a run; it was really good to reflect a bit and remember two special people who left large footprints on the hearts of so many.

Rest in peace, sweet Runner.

"God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered 'Come to Me.'"

Looking forward, not back

This post has been a long time in the making and I wish I could say it was because I have been busy or otherwise occupied.  While those things are true, in reality, I have put off writing this post out of embarrassment and it has taken me awhile to get to a place where I feel comfortable posting it and have accepted where I am and where I'm going.

I have obviously been seriously neglecting my blog over the past month and even going as far back as the past 6 months or so, I was sporadic with my postings.  I wasn't in a good place with my weight or my running and I felt like the blog was becoming monotonous with frequent refrains of "I didn't run today" or "I need to get back on track and get in the zone with exercise and eating."  It seemed easier to avoid blogging and the reality that my weight loss and my running had become virtually nonexistent in my life.  That is the exact opposite, though, of what my intentions with this blog were.

When I started blogging in June 2013, I set out to document this journey; all of it.  The good, the bad, and the ugly, because let's face it, it isn't easy.  There will be good days and bad days, just like in life.  I wanted to give an honest, raw look at my own personal journey to hold myself accountable and to perhaps inspire someone like me, who never thought they could run or lose weight and keep it off to do just that.  

When I started this journey on January 5th, 2013, I weighed 286.2 lbs, which I hate seeing in print (still makes me cringe), but I finally published the number on the blog because it was important for me to be transparent and as much as it mortifies me, it's part of me and my story.  For a time, weight fell off of me and it was exhilarating.  My clothes were fitting better and eventually began to hang off of me, resulting in some new clothes and donating my bigger clothes.

I was in my zone with an indestructible willpower.  Yes, I let myself have occasional treats, but generally speaking, I was eating well, tracking my food, and working out (running and cross-training) on a very regular basis.  My running, which started out at a snail's pace, consistently improved both in pace and endurance.  I felt invincible, probably never more so than the day I crossed the finish line of my first 10K in October of 2013.  That day nothing could bring me down.  I was on top of the world and euphoric because I knew that day that I could do anything I set my mind to.  It was also that autumn that I reached my lowest weight in well over a decade.  I weighed in at 221.7 lbs in November 2013, a 64.5 weight loss from just 10 months before.  I was in striking distance of my short-term weight loss goal of 200 lbs and my long-term goal weight of 180 lbs.

I wish I could pinpoint what changed and where I lost my willpower.  I think it is a combination of things; this month marks the 1 year anniversary of my Dad getting sick leading to his death last March.  Dealing with his illness, his passing, and subsequent post-funeral necessities (some of which I still haven't fully resolved, like thank you notes to everyone whose kindness I can't repay.  I figure I have a year window, right??) affected more than I could have imagined.  I knew it wouldn't be easy, but nothing prepares you for the loss of a parent, especially so quickly and unexpectedly.

I am still grieving and trying to process his death, which I guess is to be expected given that it hasn't quite been a year yet, but even after the initial, immediate shock of his death passed, I still felt in a slump.  I knew in my heart and mind that I could get back on track, but did I really want to?  The rational answer is "Yes! Of course you do, you want to be healthy and be a good role model for your boys, you want to feel good, you want to get to your goal weight!"  However, the grieving Laura (and not the invincible Lovely Laura) who is dealing with her own mortality in light of her Dad's passing is saying "It was such hard work losing all that weight in the first place.  Life is short; enjoy your boys when they are little, eat ice cream when you want, live life to the fullest."  

Living life to the fullest for me the past few months has been not focusing on my physical health.  I do feel like I have been focusing on my mental though, which has meant spending more time with the boys and taking a little (long?) break from blogging and the internet in general.  Most nights lately, I haven't even turned my computer on after getting home from work, which isn't necessarily a bag thing, but it does not bode well for blogging!

Now onto the part of this post that is the hardest for me to type.  As of yesterday, my weight is 259.7 lbs.  My thoughts on this are as follows:

1. Complete and utter frustrations.  That is entirely too close to my starting weight and I'll be damned if I am ever going to weigh 286 lbs again.  
2. This means I have gained back almost 40 lbs from when I was at my lowest weight.  (There is a string of expletives exploding in my head right now, but I will spare you from reading said thoughts).
3. Looking at this from a glass half full point of view, I still have managed to lose (and keep) 26.5 lbs over the past two years.  Silver lining?  I'm trying to look at it that way.  It's hard.  Really hard. 

While we are at the hard stuff, I'll throw this out there:  my running has suffered from my weight gain and from lack of consistent training.  I have reverted back to run/walk intervals and believe me, there is absolutely nothing (nothing!) wrong with run/walk intervals, but my mind is having a hell of a time reconciling that I ran a 10K in its entirety and I feel like I am back where I started when I first started running.  I feel that way, because I am essentially back where I started and I am starting to see that maybe that isn't a bad thing.  

I received a newsletter from our local Fleet Feet stores in early January and I always enjoy Amy Marxkors articles, because I feel like she gets in my head and she knows exactly what to tell me when I need to hear it.  Her article from January 5th ("The Thing About Looking Back") was no different as she spoke about looking back, both in the context of being a race (looking back to see where other runners are in relation to you can cause you to miss what is in front of you, such as dangerous conditions or obstacles) and in life.  This paragraph jumped out at me and I felt like Amy was saying to me "Laura, are you reading this?"

"But looking back can be a tricky thing, because there are two kinds of looking back.  One centers on remembering.  The other, on regret.  The former is healthy.  The latter is crippling.  With the former, you can move on, wiser and stronger.  With the latter, you can't move on at all."  

Wow!  I still get goosebumps reading that quote and believe me, I've read it over and over.  Remembering vs. regretting.  Healthy vs. crippling.  You can move on, wiser and stronger vs. not moving on at all.  

Not only does this speak to me in regards to my running and weight loss but also to my grief about my Dad.  I need to remember the time I had with my Dad and the time he had with my boys instead of drowning in regret about the things he will miss and the things we didn't get to do together.  I need to remember that life is short and to enjoy every moment instead of being terrified and living in fear that everything I know can change in a blink of an eye.  I need to look back on the past two years and remember that I can do anything I put my mind to in regards to weight loss and running instead of constantly beating myself up about where I am now.  I know what works for me and I know how to be successful.  It's time to learn from past successes and focus on today, where I am right now.  

I think this is probably the most difficult post I've written and it brought me to tears.  Not sad tears necessarily, just tears of acceptance and resolve.  So thank you for reading if you've made it this far!

I feel like there is much to update you on, but I think this is enough for tonight!  I hope that your 2015 has started off full of promise and much happiness! 

I think another one of Amy's quotes from the article above is a fitting sign-off for tonight's post.

"Life is too exciting and wonderful to waste looking over your shoulder. Look in the direction you’re moving. All the best stuff is in front of you." 

Happy Holidays - Holiday Fit List + FlipBelt Code!

Happy Holidays!  I hope that you are taking time to enjoy the holiday season!  Things have been a bit busy around here, but I am doing my best to take some time for me to truly enjoy the season.  I did participate in the Hot Chocolate 15k/5k this past Sunday and I look forward to sharing more about that in a future post!  If you are finishing up your holiday shopping (or if you haven't started yet), I wanted to share a few gift ideas for the fitness enthusiast and runners in your life.

• FlipBelt:  What is a FlipBelt you ask?  It is a tubular band worn around your waist that is designed with several easy access openings to securely hold your phone, music, keys, and other workout essentials (energy gels, etc...) while you are active.  It's made of a moisture-wicking, spandex-lycra blend and is machine washable, which is a huge plus in my book!  I have heard great things about FlipBelts and I've had my eye on the hot pink one for quite some time, so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to try one through my affiliation with Fit Approach as a Sweat Pink Ambassador.  I wore my FlipBelt on Sunday during the Hot Chocolate 15K and I'm in love!  It was so nice not having to wear my armband, particularly since I like to take a lot of pictures during races.  Getting my phone in and out of the FlipBelt was so easy!  I loved how secure my keys, GU, and phone felt in the FlipBelt.  The FlipBelt stayed in place and it didn't chafe, which is another plus in my book.  I also love that the FlipBelt comes in so many different, fun colors!  It's the perfect gift for the fitness enthusiast on your list!  Head on over to the FlipBelt website to place your order and use code Sweat10 for 10% off your order.  I also have 15 codes for 33% off that I will be glad to share to the first 15 people who comment below!  (Note: I received a free FlipBelt in conjunction with a SweatPink Ambassador Campaign.  All opinions are my own.) 

Love my hot pink FlipBelt

Modeling the openings and clip for your keys

The FlipBelt is perfect for my Aquaphor and GU (and keys and phone not pictured) 

• If the fitness enthusiast in your life has reached a special milestone this year or participated in a special race, consider a gift to commemorate the occasion!  My friend, Mary, also happened to be my Secret Santa at work and she got me an awesome 13.1 ornament to mark my two half marathons in 2014.  Another great option to commemorate special milestones and races is jewelry from Scott James Jewelry.  I have a necklace from Scott James with a running shoe and a 13.1 charm, but I also have my eye on two additional charms, the Ragnar logo charm and the Napa Valley charm!  Scott James also has Zooma charms and other beautiful charms, too. 

This special ornament is going to be a treasured addition to my tree!

• I think a great pair of earbuds are a must for anyone with an active lifestyle and my personal favorites are Yurbuds.  After trying a multitude of earbuds only to be disappointed, I was a bit skeptical about Yurbuds, but I was sold after my first workout using them.  They do not fall out and they are incredibly comfortable!  I've had my pink pair for years, but I've got my eye on the newer models that have the tangle-free magnets and one-touch music and call control!  
• There is nothing better for tired, sore legs (at least to this girl) following a run than compression socks!  I received a pair of 110% Flat Out Sox as part of my swag for Napa Valley Ragnar Badass Mother Runner team and I am obsessed with them.  In fact, I bought myself another pair, because I wear them so much and it is nice to have a clean pair when the other pair is going through the wash.  This is a great gift for the runner on your list! 

  

  Happy feet in my 110% Flat Out Sox

•  Lastly, another perfect gift for the fitness enthusiast on your holiday shopping list is a gift card to a local sporting goods store or local running store.  I always seem to be adding to my running wish-list and with the ever changing technology and apparel in the fitness world, a gift card makes a great gift.  My Secret Santa, Mary, also added in a gift card to my favorite local running store (Big River Running) along with my ornament and I can't wait to go spend it! 

Happy Shopping to me!

I hope the above suggestions help with your holiday shopping!  Or maybe they will help you with your own post-holiday shopping!

Don't forget to comment below if you would like me to send you one of the FlipBelt 33% off codes!  Codes will be available to the first 15 people who comment below.

Happy Holidays!

"Always remember to fall asleep with a dream and wake up with a purpose." 

Winner of the Hot Chocolate 15K/5K Giveaway

Congratulations to Debby H. for winning the free race registration for the Hot Chocolate 15K/5K!  Debby, I sent you an e-mail earlier this evening and I hope you enjoy the Hot Chocolate race as much I do.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

It's not too late to sign up for the St. Louis Hot Chocolate 15K/5K on December 14th, though!  Head on over to the race site and use code PLLhat1 to get a free hat with your registration.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving with family and friends!  There is a lot to be thankful for and although my Thanksgiving was a bit bittersweet (being the first without my Dad), I am blessed beyond measure with a wonderful husband, two sweet young boys, a great mom and mother-in-law, and fantastic friends.  Life is good!

Tonight my oldest son is at a sleepover at a friends house and since the little guy is asleep, I think it is time for a big cup of tea and a book (or maybe the second viewing of "Pitch Perfect."  A great $4 Black Friday find at Target!), but I did want to hop on tonight to congratulate Debby on winning the contest!

"Books and chocolate make life bearable." 

Top 10 reasons to do the Hot Chocolate 15K/5K + a giveaway

So much for staying consistent with blogging for the month of November, huh?  Admittedly, I am in a big funk and needed some time to rest mentally and physically.  November, while not as busy as October, has had its share of business and I'm working through some grief issues about my Dad.  I'm sure they are normal grief issues, especially considering the time of year (holidays and all) and a co-worker is going through some issues with her father currently and it's bringing back a lot of memories of when my dad was sick.

Let us focus on happier things though, shall we?  Like running and chocolate!  Two of my favorite things!  I am really looking forward to running the Hot Chocolate 15k race in St. Louis on December 14th.  It was definitely among my favorite races last year and I'm excited to participate again this year.  I'd also like to offer you the chance to participate and I have a free race registration to give away to one lucky reader!  Whether you've participated in a Hot Chocolate race before or not, here are my top 10 reasons to be a part of this great race:

1. The race swag can't be beat!  Your race registration includes an amazing Hot Chocolate hoodie (see below for this year's hoodie).  I've mentioned this before, but I'll say it again, this is a phenomenal hoodie.  My hoodie from last year is still one of my favorite running accessories and the race registration is worth the hoodie alone!
   
2. Two different race distances for you to choose from.  This is a great 5K race for everyone from first time participants to seasoned runners.  There is also a longer 15K race that is perfect for someone training for a spring half or for someone, like me, looking to challenge themselves in between training plans. 
3. Speaking of the 15K, new for this year is a sweet (pun intended) finishers medal for all 15K participants.  I'm really glad to see the addition of the medal for the 15K race; that's quite a distance to run!  I also love that the medal looks like a chocolate bar and each city has a unique medal (the St. Louis medal is below).
   
4. Chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate.  Need I say more?  Yes, I do, because the haul of chocolate at this race is worth talking about.  After you cross the finish line and make your way over to the post-race party area, you are rewarded with the most amazing finishers mug filled with hot chocolate, chocolate fondue, and delicious dippable snacks (pretzels, banana, cookies, oh my!).  It was bitterly cold last year for the race and I don't think I've ever had hot chocolate that tasted as good as that cup at the finish line.  The fondue was amazing, too, and hit the spot.  All of your chocolate treats come in a cute mug which makes walking and eating a breeze. 

   

   My post-race goodies from last year

5. If you are looking to introduce running to your kids, this is the perfect race to instill a love of running.  One of my oldest son's favorite treats is hot chocolate (well, anything chocolate really) so this race is right up his alley.  In addition to all of the delicious chocolate, there is also a great Kid Zone at the race complete with a bounce house (another favorite for both of my boys), an obstacle course, and games.   
6. The race expo for the Hot Chocolate Race is also top notch!  Packet pick-up is very efficient and I appreciate that there are fitting rooms at the expo so you can try on your hoodie to make sure you have the perfect fit.  If you discover after you try it on that you need a new size, you can exchange your hoodie at the expo.  There is also a kid zone at the expo, great music, fantastic Hot Chocolate Merchandise, a variety of wonderful vendors, and of course, chocolate samples! As I said, if you love chocolate, this race is for you! 
7. One of the things I loved most about this race last year beyond the hoodie and chocolate was the organization of the race and the caliber of volunteers.  I was extremely impressed with the focus on the safety and well-being of the runners last year given that it was bitterly cold and icy that morning.  Given that it was so cold and icy, I wouldn't have faulted the race organizers or volunteers for being a little subdued, but everyone I came in contact with had a smile on their face and words of encouragement, which I truly appreciated.  Putting on a race is no easy feat and getting up early on a cold Sunday morning to stand outside is not usually ideal, so thank you to all who were involved last year and who will be involved this year! 
8. Not only can you participate in a fun race by doing the Hot Chocolate race, but you can also give back to the community and make a difference.  Runners have the option to Go the Extra Mile by raising funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis, which is a wonderful organization that provides a home away from home for families of children with complex medical needs while their child is being treated in the hospital.   Participating in the Go the Extra Mile program not only raises funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities, but also promotes, supports, and raises awareness for the mission of the organization.  
9. Another new aspect of the race in 2014 is free race photos and videos!  High resolution shots will be captured and tracked using your unique bib number and after the race, you will be e-mailed your free photos and videos.  Race photos can typically be costly, so I love that the Hot Chocolate race is offering this great perk to participants.  Don't forget to smile for the camera! 
10. Did I mention the chocolate?  And the hoodie?  I can't rave enough about the great amenities that the race has to offer, but let me reiterate how fabulous the hoodie is and how delicious the chocolate goodies are.  The whole race experience from the expo to the finish line offers something for all of the chocolate aficionados out there!  

I am really looking forward to the race on December 14th in St. Louis and I hope to see a lot of you there!  If you would like to sign up, please feel free to use my code PLLhat1 to receive an awesome hat in addition to your race swag!

I'm also excited to giveaway one free race registration to the Hot Chocolate Race of your choice.  To enter, please use the Rafflecopter entry below and I will announce a winner on Saturday, November 29th.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway In the meantime, I want to wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!  There is a lot to be thankful for and it is important to keep that in mind.

"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them is the true measure of our Thanksgiving." 

Happy November!

Remember my last post when I said I had hoped that November would prove to be a bit less busy and would therefore allow me to blog more consistently?  Here it is November 5th and it is my first post of the month and my first post in over a week.  Hmm, so much for consistency.

I have been feeling a little off the past few days and chalked it up to allergies.  Our weather has been crazy lately.  The weekend before Halloween it was in the mid-80's and the boys were practically sweating to death in their costumes as we did Trunk or Treat at my oldest's school and a Halloween festival at the college where I work.  It's always hard trying to figure out whether to get the boys a costume more appropriate for fall weather or for warmer, Indian summer weather because you never know what you are going to get in St. Louis at the end of October.  This year, our costumes were more appropriate for cooler weather, which worked to our advantage since it was quite cool and windy on Halloween night.  We had a great time trick or treating with friends and the boys were darling in their costumes.  We typically try to dress somewhat alike so this year, we had Harry Potter (Nick), toddler Harry Potter (Jack), Hermione (me), and a Dementor (Matt).  I am going to savor these years when the boys will indulge my love of Halloween and family costumes, because I know that there will be a day all too soon that they won't want to dress up with Mom and Dad.

Halloween 2014 - Toddler Harry Potter and Harry Potter

Toddler Harry Potter, Hermione, and Harry Potter at Trunk or Treat

Dementor (Matt) at Trunk or Treat

Despite my denial about how I've been feeling and attributing it to allergy issues, I am, in fact, sick and took a sick day today for the first time in quite awhile.  I'm not sure what I have exactly, but I'm losing my voice, my throat hurts (not like strep, but different than a normal sore throat), I'm coughing up a storm, I feel feverish, and just generally feel blah.  I normally don't stay home unless I'm on my death bed, but I've learned that I don't do myself any favors by trying to be superwoman, so I decided it would be best to stay home and rest, particularly since I have a busy week coming up with events at work (the college where I work is celebrating its 150th anniversary).  A little soup, tea, and naps seems to have helped a bit. 

This week, I am going to wrap up my Ragnar adventure with things I learned along the way and some tips I have for anyone who is going to participate in a Ragnar race or is thinking about it.  I'm happy to answer any questions you might have (nothing is off limits), so feel free to fire away in the comment section below and I will answer! 

It seems fitting to finish up my Ragnar adventure since I just received my medal in the mail over the weekend!  It's a long story, but it's been a long time coming getting this medal.  It's nice to finally be able to hold it and see it.  Plus, receiving it in the mail brought back a lot of memories!

At long last my Ragnar Napa Valley medal arrived

I hope everyone is having a great, and healthy, week!

My Ragnar teammate and friend, Smitha, posted this quote to her blog's Facebook page (check out her here!) and I love it.  It's so true!

"It's important to remember that each foot strike carries you forward, not backward. And every time you put on your running shoes you are different in some way than you were the day before." 

Happy National Chocolate Day!

Who knew such a thing existed?  I guess I should have known since it seems like there is a day for everything, but I can definitely get on board with a day for chocolate!  It's a good thing I love running to counteract my love of chocolate, which brings me to some some exciting news related to chocolate and running!  This year, I am a blog ambassador for the Hot Chocolate 15/5K and I couldn't be more excited because the race last year was definitely a highlight for me and I'm excited to spread the word about such a great race.

 When I first heard about the Hot Chocolate race series last year, I was immediately intrigued by the name, but the two things that sold me and led me to sign up were the post-race treats (hot chocolate and chocolate fondue? Yes, please!) and the awesome hoodie which served as the race swag last year.  The hoodie was my favorite running accessory last winter and it got me through many a cold race, including the Hot Chocolate race, which happened to fall on a bitterly cold St. Louis day.  I'm a sucker for thumb holes on my running tops/jackets, so this hoodie had me at the words "thumb holes."

December 2013 before the race with the amazing hoodie with thumb holes

December 2013: post-race chocolate deliciousness.  

I loved everything about the race last year, barring the frigid temperatures, but what can you expect in mid-December?  The expo was a lot of fun (there were chocolate samples!) and I loved that they had a fitting room for you to try on your hoodie to make sure you got the right fit.  Race day, as I mentioned, was brutally cold, but the race volunteers were amazing, race officials monitored the cold temperatures and the slightly slippery road conditions to keep all runners safe, and the post-race party was great!  All in all, it was a wonderful experience, which you can read more about here, and I am really excited to participate again this year when the Hot Chocolate Race returns to St. Louis on December 14th!

Last year, I did the 5K, but this year I am going to challenge myself to do the 15K, which I am looking forward to.  Not only will all participants receive another awesome hoodie this year, but new to 2014 races, all 15K participants will receive a sweet, city-specific medal in the shape of a candy bar.  I'm so glad they added a medal this year for the 15K runners; my friend, Mary, ran the race last year and it was her longest run to-date and I thought she really deserved a medal after that race, so I made her one online!

From the Hot Chocolate 15K & 5K Facebook page: a look at the sweet 15K finishers medals from the Denver race 

I'm also excited to share that as a blog ambassador, I will be giving away a free registration to a reader!  Stay tuned for information on the giveaway in the near future!  (The registration will be available for any Hot Chocolate Race within this season.) 

In the meantime, if you'd like to register for the Hot Chocolate 15/5K race, feel free to use the code "PLLhat1" to get a free hat with your registration!  I've recently become quite attached to wearing a hat while I run, so I'm excited to add another hat to my rotation.    

Fantastic race swag, including a hoodie and a hat with the above code.  

For more information about "America's Sweetest Race", the Hot Chocolate racing series, including the other cities hosting races, catch them on their webpage, on Facebook, and on Twitter.  

It's been a busy month for the Roeseler's and as much as I love October and Halloween, I am looking forward to a somewhat more quiet November and hopefully, more consistent blog posts and workouts! 

"Don't count the miles. Make the miles count."