Amazing experience running this year’s Houston Hot Chocolate 15k!
I enjoyed everything about it.
Starting with the expo the day before at the Minute Maid Park in Downtown Houston, kudos for choosing such an amazing place. Enjoyed every minute of it, I got my package, The swag is just amazing! Visited different tables with great information, did some shopping, enjoyed the spectacular views of the baseball field. And it smell delicious because they had chocolate, marshmallows and hot chocolate every where.
Race day I was nervous, it was my first 15k. Everything was very organized and very well put together. Race started right on time.
I truly enjoyed the race course. You start at the heart of downtown and make it all the way to Memorial park. Very nice views of the buildings, city life and of the parks. Aid stations were well situated and the energy of the volunteers was contagious, they had hydration drinks, marshmallows, water, energy gummies, very well thought.
The celebration at the end was absolutely fantastic. Great big green area to sit, relax, enjoy the music and of course the amazing hot chocolate and s’mores they had for each runner. I’m so thankful that I was given the opportunity to run in this race, I had the best time. See you next year for more hot chocolate!

When I first saw the opportunity to race at the BigTex Run in Arlington I got super excited. First because this would be my first real in person race this year and second because it was here in Texas just 3 hours from my home. I quickly made plans and decided to go with my husband and fellow BibRavePro, we would take our RV, go to the race and make it a fun full weekend.

The description on their website about the whole event was also super exciting. The theme was that everything in Texas is bigger, Big Race, Big Celebration, Big everything, with free beer and optimal BBQ to celebrate at the finish line.

We left the Friday before the race, with plenty of time to drive the RV and make it on time to their fun pop-up party for packet pick up as described on their website.

We made it to Texas Live! Backyard which was incredible. A huge entertainment place with outside sitting and indoor restaurants located between three legendary arenas, AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field and Globe Life Park, super impressed about the location.

Packet pick up did not go as expected and it was somewhat a let down because we couldn’t find the pop-up party nor the packet pick up place. It was not located at the Texas Live Backyard, after asking several managers of different restaurants they finally guided us to the correct restaurant where they were handing out your bib number and tank for the race. No real party, no Expo. The other issue I had was the lack of social media interaction. I looked at various social media channels trying to find updated information about the race packet pick, but could not find a lot of details or updates.

We still decided to hang around, to have dinner and we ended up having a great time that night.

Next day was race day, race was scheduled to start at 8:30 am. We arrived around 8, parking was great, there was a nice crowd, and fun music playing. Got excited and a little nervous, but I was ready.

Race started on time, the route was great, I ran around the beautiful streets of Arlington. I felt great during the race, no knee pain and I got a couple of PRs. I finished 31 out of 75 in my gender, woohoo!

I did enjoyed the scenic views of Cowboy’s stadium, and the Texas Rangers brand new Globe Life Field Ballpark and we finished at Texas Life Backyard. They had music, and a nice free cold beer.

Overall a great experience, this event has great potential, I had fun, I ran, and above all I was able to finish the race, just that made it all worth it. I would definitely come back next year.

Thanks to @bibrave for another amazing opportunity!

I completed my virtual 5 mile run for the @imtdmm IMT Des Moines
Marathon today. Running today in this kind of weather was just amazing.

This year they had the Virtual 5 Miler and that’s what I chose. Again I ran my own race, I chose my route, I decided to hit the trails for a couple of miles and even though I have ran this route before there is always something new to see and enjoy. It was simple beautiful, so thankful.

I want to thank the organizers of this fabulous event, I was a virtual runner but the amount of support, encouragement, and resources was spectacular. From the beginning they had lots of of opportunities to participate and be part of, like podcast, FAQ’s, training tips and guides. They sent monthly newsletters with great information and race instructions. I felt that their organization was excellent.

As a virtual runner I felt included and part of everything they had to offer to all the runners.

I got my bib on the mail a couple of days before the run, like they promised. They included links to add your time after the run and I got my finisher certificate. Now I can’t wait to get my medal and swag next week!

Overall a great experience, and I felt great completing my 5 miles.

Until next year @imtdmm maybe I can join you guys live 😍

Took it to the trails today for my @backonmyfeet Virtual 10k run 🏃🏻‍♀️ and that was fun, perfect morning for this race. The hot and sometimes unbearable weather is improving and I can feel the fall weather is here.

One of the things that I truly love about virtual running is that it is all about me, I choose what I want to do, I choose the time, location, and I just focus on my own race. It was quite relaxing and enjoyable.

Running for this cause was a great experience. What this organization is doing to fight homelessness is amazing. They have programs in place to help homeless people get back on their feet, every one deserves a chance and they are providing that chance and making a difference.

Back on My feet is a healthy community and you can volunteer at their transitional housing and recovery facilities to build community through health and fitness. You can help by signing up as a morning circle-up volunteer and support a group by leading a morning walk, jog or run. How amazing is that!

I was not looking for a PR but at one point I realized that hitting it maybe possible. Unfortunately, my knee started hurting at mile 5 so I had to slow down. Still, I was able to finish and got my silver :)

Overall I had an amazing experience, the swag was very nice, super nice running tee, cool bib, loved the medal, and the fun finisher banner to celebrate.

You can also help this great organization by running, donating and/ or volunteering. Let’s combat homelessness together.

Mission accomplished 🏃🏻‍♀️🚀
4 miles✅ 11:00 /mile T: 45:05

As soon as I heard about this race I was all in. To be part of this adventure was very exciting, this is history in the making. This is the beginning of exploration and discovery, I had to be part of it.

Moreover, they are raising awareness and funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® and I love helping amazing causes such as this one.

I got super excited when I received my swag the day before launch day. Loved the pullover, hat and super cool finisher’s medal.

I decided I wanted to run on launch day to take part of the experience virtually. There was a nice drizzle 🌧 when I started which I didn’t mind because it made my run nice and refreshing in this Texas heat. Overall I felt really good, and decided push a little at the last mile. Happy about my performance and time.

That night I sat down with my kids to watch history take place. I was in aww with the whole experience. This was fun!