Running an Allstate Hot Chocolate race has been on my running list for quite some time and, while sad I wasn't able to travel to Atlanta and do the race in person, this was a really exciting virtual run to participate in.

The swag for this event is unmatched! I am a sucker for a good hoodie. If your race is offering a pullover or zip-up, there's a 99% chance I'm going to register. The quality of the material is great, and it is so super soft and warm! The hood is removable via zipper, and there are deep pockets on both sides at the waist, plus an additional pocket on the left breast next to the logo, so lots of places to stash things.

I got some great feedback from my followers on instagram about this year's medal as well. Almost like a racing locket, the medal was in the shape of a wrapped chocolate bar, with the center of the medal being able to open up revealing a delicious piece of dark chocolate to enjoy post-race! Also included were two additional pieces of chocolate, two packets of the signature hot chocolate mix, as well as a Honey Stinger waffle, Nuun tablet, and bib.

I ran this race in loops around my neighborhood as I was just getting over being ill and didn't feel like driving to my normal training route on The Greenway in North Augusta, SC. I actually preferred the neighborhood for this race, as I used the tailgate of my truck parked in my driveway as an aid station, and just stopped by every other loop (roughly two miles) for a quick drink of Tailwind or a Huma gel. Maybe the best part was, while nature didn't call this particular race, it was most comforting to know that if I had to take a quick restroom break, I could go in the comfort of my very own home vs a bright orange beacon of light (portapotty).

The most heartbreaking thing during this pandemic has been thinking we're going to get to race in-person only to have your live race switched to a virtual option shortly before race day. We're all incredibly anxious to get back to in-person racing, and of course a virtual option isn't quite the same, but I really love the Allstate Hot Chocolate series for being proactive, getting out in front of this pandemic, and protecting their participants, volunteers, and staff by switching all of their races to a virtual option for the foreseeable future. You know up front that you're signing up for a virtual event, and there is peace of mind with that. With the virtual option we can still treat ourselves to some amazing swag, represent our favorite cities, and keep motivated with a race on the calendar.

If you've been on the fence about participating in this race series, I can't recommend it enough. Check out their website and find the city you want to rep from the list of upcoming available dates, put some miles under your feet, and enjoy some of the best race swag out there. We'll be back to sharing a cup of hot chocolate at the finish line of an in-person race again soon!