Does race swag influence what races you want to sign up for? It does for me! I have always wanted to run one of the Hot Chocolate races, but I have never had the time to fit it into my schedule. When I had the chance to run the Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k I jumped at the opportunity. A virtual race this year meant that I could fit it into my schedule with zero travel time involved … and I could still earn all the fun (and chocolate) swag. Sign me up!!!
**Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k/5k Tampa race 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 bag of awesome swag came to my house about a week before I ran the Tampa virtual race. It was “Florida Cold” here the day it came, so the jacket was definitely something I was looking forward to earning. It is perfect for Florida, not too heavy, tons of pockets and even has a zip off removeable hood. I love it.
The goodie bag was also filled with 2 hot chocolate packets, a couple of chocolate candies and a Honey Stinger chocolate waffle. I am a big believer of not using/wearing race swag until you earned it on race day, so the willpower was strong to stay away from the chocolate for another week.
I ran my virtual race on Sunday, December 20th. I normally do not eat before a run, but I was hungry that morning. Perfect time to have the Honey Stinger Chocolate Waffle as a pre-run snack.
I am one of those weirdos who loves running on the treadmill. I did not have anyone to run with that day, so a treadmill virtual race it was. I plugged in my Christmas lights, watched some Christmas Vlogs on YouTube and had an awesome 9.3 mile run.
After my run was done I felt awesome. It was a great running day. I hung my medal on the wall and made a nice mug of hot chocolate to celebrate.
I would definitely recommend this race and hope to do it again next year. Maybe by next December in person races will be back and I will be able to enjoy the hot chocolate after 9.3 miles running through Tampa Florida.
Running on Sunshine 