The 2021 Allstate Hot Chocolate Nashville event transitioned from live to virtual. While I will miss running in Nashville, I’m glad the event directors considered the safety of all participants.

With 2021 following right behind 2020, many spring races have switched to virtual events. The Allstate Hot Chocolate Nashville event is one of those races.
During this unprecedented time of racing, event directors have had to rewrite the book on how to coordinate events in a virtual setting. Some things you can’t replace virtually.

For the Hot Chocolate fans, those bowls of hot chocolate at the finish line were amazing! But since we can’t be in Nashville, they sent the chocolate to us. The finishers’ jacket was a fantastic upgrade. Warmer and thicker! I love this jacket for wearing after running on cold days. This year, Alabama has had unseasonably cold weather deep into our “spring” months. This jacket stays in the car for a quick warm up.
For race day, I chose one of my favorite places. The Tuscaloosa Riverwalk is approximately 4 miles of paved trail with plenty of views and restroom stops.

The weather was fantastic and I spent my miles thinking back on the 2020 Hot Chocolate Nashville event. It was so cold but I had so much fun that day!

I can’t wait to be back to live racing again. In the meantime, virtual events like this one are a great alternative. See you in Nashville in 2022!