Hot Chocolate 8K Recap

A few years ago, I ran the Hot Chocolate 15K here in Charlotte. I have been wanting to run this race again but life has not lined up enough that I could make it happen. Unfortunately, life was not lining up again this year.

However, Peter shared a post on Facebook about the Hot Chocolate 8k in Albemarle, NC that he was organizing. Hot Chocolate, a race, and an open weekend, I signed right up.

Darkness still covered Albemarle as I eased my way in to town. I located a good spot to park and headed for packet pick up.

At 8 AM under an ever so slight drizzle, we started the race. We all caught a break with the 55 degree temperatures. I sported my WWC singlet.

Several guys went out in front of me. The downhill start makes everyone look awesome. As the course began to encounter some hills, I was able to make up some ground. By the mile, I caught the 3^rd place runner. By two miles, I had moved in to 2^nd place. The leader was still moving away. All I could see was the flashing the lead police vehicle vanishing in to the distance.

The 2^nd and 3^rd miles are stair case of climbing. Then, the course levels out as it heads back toward downtown Albemarle.

My labored breathing told me this was about my upper limit. I had a good gap on 3^rd place so I could focus on running to the finish.

Peter marked the course well, and there were plenty of volunteers at the intersections to keep us moving the right direction.

When I turned on First Street, I glanced at my Garmin, and this gave me a rough idea of my finish time.

The course makes a big loop, and once it returns to the Y, it makes a loop around the block.

I finished in 31:24 and 2^nd place overall. This was my first true road race since last February. Getting a chance to hit the road again was nice. I may jump in a few more road races this year.

Yes, after the race, I got to sip some hot chocolate. The taste was awesome. Also I want to give a shout out to Peter and crew for putting on their usual top notch race. If the opportunity presents its self, I recommend getting over to Albemarle for a race. I have never been disappointed.  

Kickin’ up trail dust,

The Cool Down Runner