This past Sunday, I participated in the Hot Chocolate 5K in Columbus, Ohio. Never heard of it? Check it out here. They combine the best of both world (Hannah Montana reference anyone?).
Chocolate
+
Running
If you were every considering running and wasn’t sure WHY or HOW you would do it I think this run could get you off your couch and into the streets for some fun. My running buddy Ashley told me about this run months ago and it was a no-brainer for me. I told more friends and we ended up with a group of 8 girls who were ready to run and eat chocolate.
Only 4 of us showed up.
It was still awesome!
This is a “tree” of marshmallows. It may not make paper and may be a blown up thing but who cares… it’s awesome!
Unfortunately, it wasn’t great timing for the chocolate part for me but the running part was a must. I have been SLACKING on my running since the Akron Halfathon (remember that’s a half marathon) so I was in desperate need of a good race to get my mojo going again. It did. No doubt about it I love the race. I don’t love it for the competition or the prizes (because to be frank I rarely win any of those) but I love it because it is just good old fashion fun with friends who like to enjoy some fitness and have fun along the way. So my halfathon partner Ann, her friend Kaitlyn, and my running buddy Robyn and I set off at 7:30am into the very brisk air on the streets of Columbus and completed 3.1 miles.
Afterward we hit up the chocolate tent to get our fancy mugs and lots of tasty treats.
The Advocare challenge made it pretty difficult for me to enjoy but I don’t think Tim was disappointed about that.
But at least he came to support in the cold!
And I would be lying if I didn’t admit that I did eat my chocolate dipped marshmallow. I deserved a little cheat after a race right? If not, too bad. Too late. It was delicious. I’m not sorry. Yummy.
In terms of my body and the run something pretty awesome happened. Since I hadn’t trained in what 2 months I was a little worried that I wouldn’t be able to make it comfortable as I was almost certain I would be able to at least finish. Turns out this “wannabe runner” may have actually accomplished some serious goals over the last almost 2 years because 3 miles was nothing. I mean sure I was tired… and that last hill was a real killer… but I felt great. I started with Ann- she and Kaitlynn stopped to hug some friends so I ran the other 1.5 miles with Robyn and we chatted and enjoyed ourselves. Ann and I even reflected back on how we couldn’t even run 1 mile 2 years ago and now we were just off to run 3 without a worry in the world.
Well I was a little worried. SHH don’t tell.
So I was pretty proud that I was able to just get up in the morning and run 3.1 miles. Maybe I am a runner after all?
I also realized how awesome running is because you meet new friends! I know both Ann and Robyn through mutual friends getting married but our friendship has just continued on after that. We have running in common and as it turns out we have similar personalities and just enjoy being around each other. Both these girls have gone from a mutual acquaintance to a true friend who I care about and look forward to being with. I don’t know what you think but I think that is pretty darn cool. You start out dancing at a wedding together, you end up having sleepovers for bachelorette parties, running halfathons, and eating chocolate together. Running has not only brought me confidence in myself but also friendship.
So what should you do today? Go for a run. Meet a new friend =) and well, eat some chocolate!!!










