review

“Disclaimer: I received entry for the Hot Chocolate St.Louis 15K/5K to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!”

The Hot Chocolate 15k/5k St. Louis was my first in person race since 2019! Isn’t that crazy? I will say I still was not 100% comfortable since the series is so large, and I will probably hold off longer and just do the small town races that are local to me. The expo I was 100% comfortable and they had it set up spaced out and everyone (except two people I saw,) had their masks on. Obviously, the race is outside and masks are not mandated. I had mine on and just stayed to the side where I could space out the best I could and then took it off after I got running. It was amazing to run through Forest Park again and I did love being in person for a race again. I just wanted to share my comfort levels at the beginning of this review and also that I am just ultra-sensitive and cautious during this time and also have a 5 month old daughter at home.

Let’s dive into the review!

The Expo

So, this was the first year back in person for Hot Chocolate St. Louis. The expo looked very similar to those prior. They did have a new location this year at America’s Center rather than Union Station. I will say I missed being able to go to Union Station, only because during the Christmas Season it is so pretty and they have ramped up what all is available there! America’s Center allowed it to be open and spaced out, once you were able to find the expo. Thankfully, the staff there were great and directed my family and I where to go and park. There was a monster truck event in town at the same time.

I want to share my favorite things about Hot Chocolate Expos.

Discounts on gear. This is the biggest. Every year I look forward to seeing what will be offered on discount. I think this is great, because someone like myself who has changed body sizes, may want to get previous years gear in a different size. This is a great opportunity to do that! They had a full rack of previous years gear to get at a discounted price. Then they had running man gear for 50% off and older accessories for 50% off. So don’t skip out before checking out those deals! I also love From First to Finish that always has a booth. They have St.Louis running logos they can put on anything you buy. Even though I live in Southern Illinois now, I love repping St. Louis running, because I do always have so much fun running through Forest Park or downtown St. Louis.

Honeystinger was sampling out their new hydration powders. I was crossing my fingers they would have the new cookies and cream Honeystinger waffle to sample, because how good does that sound? But I am excited to try the other flavors of the hydration powder.

All the treats were still offered and the allergen/ingredient information presented for those who have food allergies. I think that is something that really sets them apart.

I got my pre-race photo taken and headed back to the car to head home.

The Race

If you have followed my running, especially the Hot Chocolate Race reviews I do each year, you will remember that I always have issues with race day parking and my anxiety with this is off the charts. Well, this year I had my parents! I didn’t have to worry about navigating my way through the park or where to park the car. They were able to drop me off as close as they could to the start. I easily made my way into my corral. This was organized amazing because there were openings in the corrals to be able to enter in each than try to work your way from the back to the front. I was able to stand away from others until it was go time. They stagger the starts for the corrals which is also helpful. Not so helpful for how cold I was feeling at the start and then it started to rain, but helpful to ease the crowds. I honestly didn’t mind the rain. I was already outside and it was a downpour. It picked up as we started running, but I was just thinking about how grateful I was to be running and excited to be running an in-person race through one of my favorite places.

I am currently in a “building my base” phase of postpartum running. So, I am not actually racing or competing. I am working to just build a nice running base in a healthy way. That’s my focus for 2022 running, is just getting to a place that running feels comfortable and enjoyable for longer distances. My plan was to try not to walk much, but if I did need to, walk the hills (because I knew there would be.) There is the one specific hill in the first mile by the zoo that I really wanted to conquer and not walk until at least after mile 1. That was a success, which I was glad I didn’t walk because it was a bit stinky over there HA!

Mile 1 had a medical area and I believe water and mile 2 had water, Honeystinger hydration, and chocolate pieces. I feel like I didn’t see as many fun motivational Hot Chocolate series signs along the route, but maybe I wasn’t paying attention. Then at the turn for 5k and 15k, the St Louis Cupids are always there and IYKYK.

My all time favorite thing about this race, wasn’t the fact I was able to claim 3 new Garmin postpartum records (I’ll share that later…,) but the running guides for the visually impaired runners. One of the runners was being guided and we were going down a hill and they were having so much fun and they started to skip at the bottom and jump up in joy. I literally thought my heart was melting. That is what running is. I hope everyone can remember how joyful running can be. How blessed we are to get to wake up and are able bodied to do so. I love that there are guides who help lead those visually impaired to not be limited in the experience. Definitely something I would love to do at some point in time!

The finish line and post race party were pretty typical. The biggest thing that I missed this year and I know it was due to COVID more than likely was the big Hot Chocolate cup of cocoa you can get in! That’s my favorite. I was still pleased to get my cup of goodies and then I navigated my way to finding my parents as they advised spectators avoid being at the start and finish lines and for the most part I feel that was followed. It was nowhere near as crowded as normal.

I will always recommend the Hot Chocolate Series to anyone looking for a fun race opportunity. I think the swag is great and the post race treats are delicious! I mean…it’s chocolate. I was glad to be able to participate in person and look forward to keeping my legacy status going, so see you next year!