Hot Chocolate 5k

I'm only about a month behind on the blog.  W and I have been extremely busy the past few months and it's becoming difficult to keep up to date with this thing.  We did have the opportunity to go to Columbus for this 5k the week before Thanksgiving.

The expo at the Columbus Convention Center was fun.  We both like getting in and out of these things and this one was pretty quick.  It's much smaller than the Columbus Marathon expo, but there were plenty of free samples (chocolate!) and some running stores represented.  Plus you can take pictures next to the giant inflatable mug of hot chocolate!

Good times.  We were able to relax the rest of the evening prior to the race.  Dinner was amazing at the Mellow Mushroom Pizza in nearby Dublin.  Just look at the options and tell me you don't want to go there.

Ohio was really mild this Fall but that changed at this race.  It was cold and windy the entire time.  And we had to get to the race start very early as this had well over 10,000 people in it.  So W and I stood around trying to get warm for about 45 minutes prior to starting.  We were reduced to shells of our former selves.

W has had a rough time training this year, so we went into this one with no real goals other than to have fun.  The race started at McFerson Common Park (across the river from COSI) and ran in a circular route in the downtown area. She started out with a little bit of light jogging which certainly surprised me.  I could tell she was having fun and was somehow staying warmer than I was.  I don't have splits for this one but she stayed pretty consistent.

The portion running straight north on High St. was probably the easiest going part as the wind was mostly blocked by the buildings.  W was still sprinkling in some jogging at various points.  She was very surprised by her effort.  If we can get her training consistent, she can certainly get back to where she was in 2015.

The last part of the race was where the wind hit us as there were few buildings.  We did jog the last bit and finished together in 55:04.  I think W's goal was to break an hour and she easily did so in less than ideal conditions.  The plastic finisher's mug included hot chocolate (duh) and other goodies.  It was ok, but W and I were underwhelmed.  More importantly, I was very proud of W for gutting it out and completing another 5k this year.

My last race of the year was a special one as it marked my 60th half marathon.

Next race: Amish Country Half Marathon- Berlin, OH