Race Review - The Chocoloate 5K

Yesterday was my husband's birthday.  We went out and enjoyed the evening then crashed at a hotel.  Then, after a night of restless sleep, we were up at 7am to get ready for our second race of our "15 in '15".  It was a cold morning - a whopping 10 degrees F.  However, I knew better than to bundle up to where I felt comfortable because once I started running, I would be too warm.

So we drove the 15 minutes to the race site.  It was at Teacher's Treasures Inc in Indianapolis.  The race was put on by +NR Road Racing .  Registration was easy and trouble free.  We had the option to have our race timed.  I chose to have mine timed; my husband did not.  So I attached my timing chip to my shoe and my bib to my clothes.

I always feel the need to use the restroom before a race - no matter if I used it merely moments prior.  The building had one unisex bathroom and everyone had the same idea.  The line was brutal and the race was about to start.  I opted to not use it.

We lined up and waited, most of us jumping to keep the blood flowing and to try to generate some sort of warmth.  The gentleman giving instructions for the race was hard to hear but we got the jist.  Before long - we were off.

I quickly weaved through the crowd and was soon in the clear.  I was at a good steady pace.  My feet soon grew quite cold as did my face.  However, once I got into the rhythm of the pavement, I soon forgot about them.  I was in the zone.  The race was easily marked with cones.  There was traffic but it was well directed.  There were numerous volunteers on the course for assistance as well as military personnel.

I had an app on my phone on that tells me my miles as I pass them and my pace.  It seemed I should have heard my first mile alert by then but nothing.  Shortly after, I was I like - "Dear Lord, I have had to reach a mile by now!"   I felt like my pace was slow but I kept going.

When I saw the water station, it was then that I knew my app must have not been working.  I grabbed a water to go, attempted to be cool and drink it while jogging, spilled most of it all over me, tossed the rest and pocketed the cup.

I kept plugging along and since this was a chocolate run, we were handed chocolate when we got our water.  My pace was steady and I wasn't fatigued but I kept thinking I have got to be close to two miles by now!  A few military were handing out more chocolate - score!

It was when I turned that last corner that I saw the finish line - already?  I thought for sure that I was moving slow and that I had only reached a mile.  I pushed hard and crossed the line.

I had no idea my time because I had my phone on "run" and not "race".  Grrrrrr.  So I would have to wait until the results were posted.  It wasn't long before they were.  I was amazed at my time!  I did exceptionally well and broke a personal record.  Holla'!

So the review of The Chocolate 5K in Indianapolis:
Terrain - pavement, moderate vehicle traffic but well directed, various city debris and rough patches Organization - very well done, registration was a breeze, course was clearly marked, NR Road Racing organized it, one water station on the course, chocolate handed out twice during the race, after the race- chocolate, water and a chocolate energy drink was available, tee shirt given, optional timing - therefore no awards given.
Cost - $30 before deadline; $35 after; $40 day of; teams of 4 $25
Time of Race - 9:00am
Overall - nice race, laid back, went to a good cause, no complaints other than hard to hear instructions
Award -  no awards given
My Time - 28.49

Race on, friends.
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My post-race face!

My husband crossing the finish line!