Hot Chocolate 15k Chicago Recap

November 9, 2014- 1:40:48 PR*

Last November I participated for the first time in the Hot Chocolate 15k in Chicago. I rode down with some of my fellow mom's from my MRTT group. We had great parking, which happened by mishap. We were right across from Millennium Park and it took us no time to walk over to the start area. We all decided to start in Wave 2, I was in corral M. There were around 40,000 people at this race but it was very well organized.

 

The course was supported well and went down Michigan Ave to 35th then back up along the lake. At the finish they had this great cup of chocolate and hot chocolate, so good! We met up with other MRTT, warmed up in a tent, and headed home.

 

Pros: Easy location

Good course support

Nice Course

Great swag- hoodie, cup of chocolate, hat, and medal

Great packet pick up and expo

Free pictures

 

Cons: None really, some might not like the size

MRTT ladies

 

 

Biggest Loser 10k Race Recap

 

I'm back from my blogging break, well hopefully. Days just always seem to go by so fast! August 24th I ran my 2nd official 10k, the Biggest Loser Six Flags 10k. Packet pickup was small the day before at Sport Authority. I got a nice shirt and a draw string bag.

I arrived at the park around 6:30 as the race began at 7am at Six Flags Great America. I met 2 ladies from my Mom's Run This Town group Michelle and Julie once I got to the park.

I was surprised how few registrants they had for the race. I think they said only 500 or so, small for a national run. My friend from work Heather was also doing the race with her sisters.

 

The 10k had a disadvantage as it was just the 5k route run 2 times. Also only about 2 miles of the 10k were through the actual park. I was also surprised how few water stations there were and race support. Below are my pros and cons of the race:

 

Pros:

Smaller race and easy to spot friends

Nice medal, it spins!

Nice shirt

 

Cons:

No porta potties, had to use the one bathroom in the park that was open

Few water stations for such a hot day

Most of the race not in the park but in the parking lot

I got lost, route was not marked so well in places

No one cheering on course

 

I finished in 1:14:00 note I ran 6.4 not 6.2 and it was humid as can be.

 So I am sure I would be around 1:13 for 6.2. Would I run this race again, probably not but I would run another Biggest Loser one.