My daughter has moved to Charlotte after graduating college so I was able to go down Friday night and spend the night with her so I wouldn't have to drive so early on Saturday!

She and I had a fun night doing some shopping, grabbing a pizza and stopping for some fro-yo before heading back to the apartment to get some sleep.

Kim had also stayed the night in Charlotte and we planned to meet up for dinner but then we realized it would be too late and while we were only a few miles from each other Charlotte traffic would add an additional 30 minutes to the commute. We decided we'd just see each other in the morning.

I woke up super early and drove to Kim's hotel to pick her up and find parking. We made a full circle around the block to realize that I had parked in the parking deck right at her hotel! LOL!

It was a little chilly when we got to the race so we went to the park, met up with some friends and then headed back to the car for a bit to stay warm.

I was able to meet up with my fellow BibRave Pros there too!!

Just before the race start we headed down and got into our corals and then we were off!!

This course is great! It is well marked and so well supported. There was an officer every 1/4 mile or so and there were other volunteers along the course too! We ran through a couple of neighborhoods, main roads and a short section of greenway!

The aid stations were awesome! I didn't stop at all of them but they had yummy goodies like Gummy Bears, Chocolate and Marshmallows! The stations also had Nuun and Water. I tend to carry Nuun so I go for the water usually!

I have really been struggling lately in my training. Life is so busy right now and I feel pulled in several directions and I am also struggling with sleep a bit. I also feel that after running my last 50K I have been in a running slump. I am working to push through this and find my joy of running again. Running a happy race like this one sure does help!! Everyone is happy and joy-filled at the Hot Chocolate races!!

My official time was 1:38! A minute faster than last year!! I was super happy about that!! Especially considering my inconsistent training! All is not lost and hope is found!!

After the race we got our medals and then ventured into First Ward Park to get our Hot Chocolate!!

The park was full of things to see and do!! There was a cute spot to take a pic with your time, lots of fun giveaways including sport beans, All State Beanies, etc. There was a gear store, several fun photo ops and loads and loads of chocolate!

I had planned to meet up with the other pros after for some breakfast but I really needed to get back to my daughters so I missed it. Next year I won't though I had total fomo!!

The medals, as always, were the best!!! Who doesn't love a medal shaped like a chocolate bar???

I absolutely love these races!!! I am already looking forward to running again next year!

Be sure to check out my review on Bibrave.com and see my results on Athlinks!!

Hot Chocolate hosts races all across the country!! Check them out and find one near you!! Maybe I will see you there!!

Link to this review