It seems like I’ve been planning this race forever.  After our girls weekend in the Finger Lakes last September, we were anxious to plan another.

My running friend, Deirdre (who winters in Florida) suggested this race since we ran it in 2019 and had so much fun.

This racing series is popular around the country but it is no longer was offered near us.

So I signed up for the Tampa Hot Chocolate 15k because:

• Duh…Chocolate!!
• Florida in December!
• A weekend away with my running friends.
• A running friend winters about an hour away and she offered us a free place to stay.
• It would be close after my previous 10k 2 weeks prior so I would be sorta already trained for it.

Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. But I did run a 10K on Thanksgiving Day and then 8 and 7 mile runs on the weekends before this race.

But, again my goal for this race was just finishing especially since I would NOT be acclimated to the temps and/or humidity.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Because I wasn’t sure if we would be driving to Tampa for the expo, I paid the extra $20 bucks and had my bib and swag mailed to me.

We arrived late Thursday evening and first thing Friday morning, we went out for a run at a local preserve to try to get used to the heat/humidity

and then out to lunch

We spent most of the afternoon at the pool/hot tub.

In the evening, we had dinner with some new friends (who were also running the race).

On Saturday, we went for a walk in the neighborhood

and then again spent most of the day enjoying the sunshine at the pool/hot tub

I’m usually pretty good about watching what  I eat the night before a race… but this time I was very relaxed about the whole thing.

So yes, I had a huge ice cream cone in the afternoon (and more of that trifle for dessert that night.)

In the evening, we carb loaded on homemade pizza.

I set out my race outfit and went to bed early (not that I slept well but the intent was there.)

Forecast:

Race Day:

As I always do, I brought my race day breakfast from home: oatmeal.  Up at 5:15 am and ready to leave for Tampa at 6:15 am.

My stomach reminded me why I shouldn’t have had ice cream the day before…

Heidi was running the 10k and me the 15k.

Deirdre unfortunately sprained her ankle in a trail race the weekend before and couldn’t run but she and Kevin came to cheer us on.

Deirdre’s friends were also running the 15k and met us there.

Both races started at 7:55 am. We found parking in a nearby parking garage and got there plenty early… No port a potties. Instead real bathrooms in the Convention Center (yay!)

We watched the 5k runners start

Soon we all headed toward our start.

Neil and I were in the same corral (J) but Heidi and RuthAnn were further back.

Description:

You’ll start and end at the Tampa Convention Center, where the post-race party in the Front Drive and Sail Plaza will be waiting for you! And if that isn’t indulgent enough, checkout these additional highlights! The course will take you by awesome views of Columbus
Statue Park, the City of Tampa’s Pirate Ship, the Bayshore Fitness Trail, and the Historic Hyde Park North neighborhood. PLUS, you’ll run along the water the entire route.

start changed to 7:55am this year.

Anyway, here’s how the race went:

Miles 1-5:

After the national anthem, the corrals started. I think mine (J) was in the third group start.

It was very crowded and hard to run fast (which was good).

I started with Neil but quickly realized that he was going to be faster so let him go ahead.

The only hill in the race was in the first mile… running over the Platt Street bridge.

It was warm and humid!! It didn’t help that I felt kinda nauseous.

So I was determined to run slow and enjoy the scenery! As you can see from the course map, we ran along the water (Bayshore Blvd) the whole race.

Obviously I got thirsty fast and luckily there was a water stop every 1.5 miles. I stopped at EVERY one!

My one complaint was how tiny the cups were.  I drank at least 2 at each stop.  I also used the water stops for my walk breaks (until the end when I walked more often).

And so I stopped for water at mile 1.5 3 and 4.5.

Neil was ahead of me so he passed and yelled “You got this!” at least twice.

I wasn’t hungry but forced myself to eat a Gu (at least for the electrolytes.)

It was a beautiful day to spend at the beach… sunny and not a cloud in the sky (perfect running weather?  Not so much).

Miles 5-9.3

A little past mile 5, we turned around and headed back…

False alarm! At the 4.5/6 mile water stop, we headed back out again and then turned back to head toward the finish.

Two more water stops around mile 6.5 and 8.  I ate one more GU at the last one.

My pace kept slowing down and I started to walk between water stops…

I was dying at this point… hot… blisters but I saw my friends on the sidelines cheering so I started to get a second wind.

Finally I crossed the finish line happy as the announcer yelled: “Here comes Darlene Cardillo and she’s 70 years young!!”

Post Race Activities:

Heidi had already finished and gotten her refreshments… I was too tired to walk to get mine so she graciously shared (I ate the banana dipped in chocolate fondue).

I removed my running shoes and put on my Oofos. Ahhhh!

And we waited to cheer on RuthAnn

and then RuthAnn and I retrieved our refreshments on the way back to our cars. I did drink the HOT chocolate (and it was hot!!) and took the dippables home.

I checked results to see if I won my age group (70+).

According to the website: 1st Place in each Age Group receives 100% off next year’s registration and $40 merch coupon emailed 1-2 weeks after the race.

As we walked back to car, we looked for a place to eat lunch but instead decided to return home and eat near there.

Of course, a soak (and drink) in the hot tub was a prerequisite before our celebratory dinner.

Happy to report that I felt fine the next day (as a cold front blew in and offered perfect running temps.)

Additional Race Reflections:

The race was fun. It was even better running it with friends and with good weather.  This race company has organized races all over the country and it was very well organized.

I know I could have pushed myself and gotten a faster time.  But I didn’t feel great and with the humidity and warm temps, I preferred to play it safe.

It was almost a PW… 10 minutes slower than my last Hot Chocolate 15k on a hilly course. My 15K PR was even on a hilly course.

As you know, my pace is not what it used to be… and I’m not sure I care.

Age Graded times rock!!

The Good:

• Easy packet pick-up. (They even gave out chocolate samples.)
• Pre-race emails with instructions and maps.
• Bib and jacket mailed (with extra $)
• Real bathrooms at the start/finish area.
• Bag Check. Well organized before and easy pick up at the end.
• Water and chocolate stops along the course.
• Well marked course.
• Water views almost the whole race.
• Pacers for all paces up to 15 m/m.
• Very cool medal.
• Gender specific hoodies.
• No lines for post race refreshments.
• Free photos.
• Awards announced for top 3 but age group awards mailed.
• Useful awards (not another medal!)
• 5k and 10k options in addition to the 15k.
• Important Charity – St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
• Great weather (sunny and not too hot).
• Beautiful views of Tampa Bay.
• Flat course.
• Legs and body felt great after the race.

The Bad:

• Out and back course was a little boring.
• Water cups were too small.
• Humidity (but hey, it’s Florida).
• No shade!
• Upset stomsch (my fault!)

The Ugly:

• The blisters on my feet

Would I recommend this race?

Yes.  For all the reasons above.

Final Stats:

Next Up:

 

 

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This was my 8th time running the Troy Turkey Trot 10K.

I really enjoyed this race my first time I ran it in 2014 (in spite of the snowstorm) and now I look forward to running it every year.

In 2018, it was FREEZING and I DNSed the race partly because of the weather but mostly because I was going to be running a hilly Half Marathon 2 days later (which seemed more important.)

In 2020, the race went virtual and I did not run it.

In 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, I even ran both races – the 10K followed by the 5k.  Why not? I was already dressed and ready to run. The past few years, I was not as crazy. Just the 10K as in my first year.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

I did not sign up for the Turkey Trot Challenge this year. So there was no real training for this race.  I considered it just a fun event to get outdoors and justify all the food that I would consume later in the day.

Previous Troy Turkey Trot 10K times:

• 2014 – 57:03 (PR)
• 2015 – 59:33
• 2016 – 57:51
• 2017 – 57:42
• 20:18 – DNS
• 2019 – 59:06
• 2:20 – cancelled
• 2021 – 59:49 (PW)
• 2022 – 59:13

However, I ran a full marathon just a few weeks before the race and I decided the only way to forget about a bad race would be to do another.

I did 5 and 7 mile weekend runs

in addition for some shorter ones during the week.

So I guess my ambitious goal for this year’s 10k could be sub 1 hour but really just being out there and running with friends would make me happy!

I picked up my bib/race shirt the previous Saturday so I didn’t have to rush on race morning. It was just a drive thru at a local high school… and it went so smoothly!!

On Wednesday evening, I planned my Thanksgiving running outfit. I tried to be festive but also comfortable for the running weather that day. I was very excited that it would not be as cold as previous mornings and that there would be no snow on the roads.

I had my usual pizza the night before (even though I only had to run 6.2 miles)

Race Day:

I woke up early, had my coffee and oatmeal and then checked the weather. Clear, calm but in the 30s degrees. I added another layer under my shirt, my DIY arm warmers, grabbed a down jacket and sprinted out the door at 6:30 am.

There was no traffic and I found parking in a lot across from a bowling alley where I parked in previous years. I was still early so I waited in my car until I saw some runners heading out.

I walked a few blocks to the Atrium where we used to wait indoors for the race to begin.

Unfortunately, the Atrium was closed this year but we were allowed wait indoors in the office space next door.  However, no coffee shop, no two floors of space and NO rest rooms.

At least bag check was back. It was around the corner in a truck.

I left my jacket there for after the race. Lots of runners were hanging out. It was nice to talk with runners whom I had not seen in awhile.

This is a very popular local race as I mentioned so I always bump into so many runners that I know. I chatted until it was time to get to the start area.

The 10K started at 8 am followed by the kid’s one mile race and then at 10 am, the most popular event, the 5K.

The 10K course this year was the same as previous years.

Elevation:

As someone was singing the national anthem, I squeezed into the crowd in the 10 minute pace group with some friends..

My plan for the race was to not to start out too fast and to run at an even pace and to save some for the last mile. (I know. I say that for every race. LOL)

Obviously this race was a lot less crowded than before the Pandemic (since there was also a virtual option). But for my pace, I was running with others the whole race. Though, it seemed that they all were passing me by.

Miles 1-3.1:

The course is fairly flat. You start running down Broadway and then over the Green Island bridge,

turn around and run back into the city. I knew from my first few steps that the legs were still tired from … the Marathon??. I tried to pick up speed but the legs were begging me not to try.

And I was WARM!!  The sun came out and it was blinding me on the way back over the bridge.

I enjoyed seeing the fastest runners sprint by, as well as, those behind me.  I tried cheer both groups on..

After the bridge, we took a left and ran along the city streets for few miles. The roads were closed to traffic which was nice. As I mentioned, the sun was shining and I was getting too warm. I regretted that extra layer, took off my gloves and rolled down my DIY arm warmers.

I didn’t have to look at a watch to know that I was running too slow to PR. I wasn’t sure if I would even finish under one hour.

There were three water stops.  I stopped to walk at the first one around mile 1.5. They gave out bottles of water which was annoying. First of all, I only drank a little and second, the can to throw away the bottles was at the water stop.

My legs were tiring and my hat was too loose and kept coming off the WHOLE race… UGH!!

I walked again around mile 3, I think.

Miles 3.1-6.2:

Around this point, we again turned around and headed back toward the start. There was a second water stop, again with bottles and I stopped and walked for a bit.

There was great crowd support.  Better than normal since the weather was perfect. There were even tables passing out beer. LOL

And again since it was an out and back, you got to see both faster and slower runners.

I was running with other runners but as I mentioned above, most kept passing me by. All of the friends that I started with (Linda, Anne, Nancy) got way ahead. One (Sue) who was behind me caught up and we ran together for a short time but I was struggling to keep a decent pace and she was not. I guess it pays to start out slow.

I decided not to eat my GU and even skipped the third water stop.

With the Hudson river in view, I knew that I was getting toward the end. I finally got sick of my hat and took it off and carried it.

I passed my former Tureky/Freihofer’s coach and high fived him. It gave me a little lift.

But to make matters worse, I developed a blister on the right foot.  I tried to not to change my gait as I ran but it wasn’t easy (as it hurt.)

Finally I could hear the finish in the distance. I wanted to at least sprint through the finish line so I walked one more time.  My neighbor (in white vest) appeared behind and said some kind words..

I crossed at 1:03:xx (GT).

A course PW but I was glad to be done.

Post Race Activities:

I grabbed a bottle of water and they gave you a medal.  The only refreshments were bananas, apples and some packaged snacks.  No chocolate milk (as in past years.)

I hung out for awhile chatting with my friends.

Then I checked out the results and found out that I came in 3rd in my age group (out of 3. LOL).

I got a neck gaiter.

I was used to hanging around to run the 5k so it was strange to be done running. But I was getting chilled (from sweating) and headed back to my car.

On my walk back to my car, I got to see all those crazy 5k runners in costume.

Additional Race Reflections:

No matter what my finish time was, I was glad that I decided to run this race.  I love the atmosphere of this race. I enjoy the challenge of a 10k as opposed to a 5k. It’s a great way to start off Thanksgiving Day.

I obviously have lost a lot of speed and stamina.  I’m pretty sure that I can get it back. How much remains to be seen??

Positives:

• The weather
• Race organization
• Easy packet pickup
• Race location – place to stay warm indoors
• Bag Check
• Mostly flat course
• Two distance options – 5k and 10k
• Virtual option.
• Knowing lots of runners.  Racing is fun with friends.
• Ample parking
• Well marked course.
• Varied scenery including river views
• A lot of pre-race information.
• Timing clocks at every mile.
• Three water stops.
• Enthusiastic spectators.
• Cool medal.
• Lots of media coverage.
• Instant results
• Cool age group prizes

Negatives:

• Bottles instead of cups at water stops.
• Unisex shirts
• No indoor restrooms
• No post race chocolate milk or bagels
• You have to BUY the photos
• No speed work (my fault)

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Definitely.  It is well-organized and there’s a distance for everyone. Many runners are in costumes.

(However, if I run a full marathon again, I may sign up for the 5k instead of the 10k. And there is also now a 5k right near my house.  We’ll see. I have a whole year to think about it.)

In pre-COVID years, 10,000 participated in these races. The attendance was still almost 7,000 this year. A very fun way to start the holiday.

Final Stats:

Then later that afternoon, I ate back all the calories that I had burned off. LOL

Next Up:

A fun 15K in Tampa, FL.

Happy Running! Did you run off that turkey? If so, how did it go? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

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There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these ladies and you should too.

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I’m also linking up here tomorrow:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs.