This Old Runner Writes About Running

Week 12: Hot Chocolate 15K Race Week and Watercolor Sketchbooking

12/21/2021

Find Links to More #HC15K Sketchbook Pages Here

Click to Read My 2021 HC 5K Race Review

This post wraps up my 12 weeks of running and watercolor sketchbook in training for the Tampa Hot Chocolate race on Sunday, December 19th.

I'll write a separate review of the expo and race before the end of the week. I have a funny story to share about finish line photos.

But for today, I'll post the final pages of my sketchbook and training log. It's hard for me to believe it's over already!

I plan to incorporate more sketchbook journaling in my training logs. The commitment to do both helped me train better.

Disclaimer: I received a free Hot Chocolate 15K race entry as a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro ambassador, and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

Week 12: Race Week

It seemed right to count down the final days during race week with individual cups of hot chocolate. I took two rest days and ran easy runs the rest of the week.

A cup of cocoa for each day of race week. The best one was served after finishing my HotChocolate 5K on race day! (Image: ThisOldRunner)

Holiday-Themed Sketches

If you're going to keep a training sketchbook, I have to say the last few months of the year offer plenty of fun things to sketch. I began training and sketching in late September, so my journal covered everything from Fall to Halloween to Thanksgiving to Christmas.

I practiced painting poinsettias leading up to Christmas. (Image: ThisOldRunner)

I got the idea to paint holiday cacti from a roll of wrapping paper! (Image: ThisOldRunner)

Final Shoe Tracking Results

This tracker helped me pay attention to rotating my shoes. I'm kinda thrilled that I KNOW I wore each pair an equal amount of miles. And yes, I'm still in love with Puma Deviate Nitros!

Logging the miles I put on my two pairs of shoes during this training cycle. (Image: ThisOldRunner)

Final Weekly Mileage Log

My weekly mileage increased a bit each week for 6 weeks. I cutback in week 7, then built again each week through Week 10. Week 11 was respectable; Week 12 included extra rest.

All-in-all, the training cycle went well. It began as training for a 15K. I switched to a 5K in week 11 due to other obligations on race day. (The shorter distance worked out well for me since it was warm and humid on race morning.)

Tracking those weekly miles! (Image: ThisOldRunner)

Another Fun Hot Chocolate Tampa Race Complete

Early morning pre-race views from above the starting line. (Image: ThisOldRunner)

Crossing the finish line in 93% humidity. I'm so glad this was a flat course! (Image: ThisOldRunner)

Check out the medal! It's an aerial view of a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows plus chocolate squares. Each city has a specific ribbon. The 15K medal is larger than the 5K. (Image: ThisOldRunner)

The race course had lots of city and water views, along with the big beautiful homes on Bayshore Blvd. (Image: ThisOldRunner)

Every finisher receives a medal, water, Honey Stinger hydration mix and a finishers tray filled with hot chocolate, chocolate fondue, marshmallow, pretzels, candy cane, rice krispie treat, oreos and a banana! (Image: ThisOldRunner)

A morning run along Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa is always a beautiful thing. (Image: ThisOldRunner)

Want to Run a Hot Chocolate 15K/5K?

There are still plenty of #HotChocolate races in the 2021-2022 season. Check out the official Hot Chocolate 15K/5K website to find a race near you.

If you can't find a location that works for you, take advantage of the virtual race option. Run when and where you want and still get all the sweet swag! Don't forget to use my code "HC21" to score a free BUFF!

#SceneOnARun #SeenOnARun #HCTampaBR #HC15K #HC5K #BibChat #Watercolor #WatercolorJournal #Sketchbook #UrbanSketchers #CreativeJournal #ArtJournal #Inspiration #MotivationMonday #InstaRunner #HolidayDecorations #HolidayRace #WeRunSocial #OptOutside #RunTampa #RunStPete #EverySingleStreet #EverySinglePerson #HoorayRunning #ChristmasIsComing #HollyJolly #BibRavePro

Week 10 & Week 11: Hot Chocolate 15K Training and Watercolor Sketchbooking

12/14/2021

Find links to more #HC15K sketchbook pages here

It's race week for the Tampa Hot Chocolate 15K and 5K! The holidays have begun, and of course I'm behind on posting. Training included the Boley Jingle Bell Run in downtown St. Pete this past Wednesday. It was a fun way to get the holiday season started.

Below you'll find my training sketchbook pages from both Week 10 and Week 11. There are definite holiday cartoon vibes going on in my sketches. I was inspired by the inflatables going up in the neighborhood!

I'll be back soon with details on the race expo on Saturday and Sunday's actual event.

Week 10: Hot Chocolate Tampa Training

The grinch is back for the holidays. (Image: ThisOldRunner)

Disclaimer: I received a free Hot Chocolate 15K race entry as a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro ambassador, and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

This is the St Pete Pier pre-holiday decorations. I was working on my urban sketcher skills. I hope to do another one with holiday decorations on it. We'll see. (Image: ThisOldRunner)

Nutcracker teeth scare me. (Image: ThisOldRunner)

Still practicing glowy lights. (Image: ThisOldRunner)

Week 11: Hot Chocolate Tampa Training

Definite Dr. Seuss influence here with the cartoon trees. (Image: ThisOldRunner)

Holiday greenery doodles. (Image: ThisOldRunner)

Can't have enough decorated trees. (Image: ThisOldRunner)

Turns out, Dec. 12 is Gingerbread House Day, so why not? (Image: ThisOldRunner)

Always on the low side of 30 miles per week. Gonna change that in my next training cycle. (Image: ThisOldRunner)

And Now, It's Race Week!

It's RACE WEEK for Tampa’s #HotChocolate15K and 5K races! The expo is Saturday (Dec. 18) and the race along Bayshore is Sunday (Dec. 19). I’ll post info on the Expo and Race Day later this week.

If you’re in the mood for a fun holiday run, join us in Tampa next weekend! Register to run the 15K or 5K to earn some sweet swag. Use my promo code "HC21" to add a custom #HotChocolate Buff to your SWAG bag!

👉http://bit.ly/HCTampa

Week 9: Hot Chocolate 15K Training and Watercolor Sketchbooking

12/1/2021

Find links to more #HC15K sketchbook pages here

The Tampa Hot Chocolate 15K will be my first LIVE race in 2021. I sure hope I remember how to do it! I'm getting excited now that race day (December 19) is just 18 days away!

Let's review Week 9 in running and watercolors was very, very busy. It included hosting Thanksgiving, travel and more. Keep scrolling and you'll see what my watercolors look like when I'm in a PUNNY mood.

Week 9 of training for Tampa Hot Chocolate 15K and 5K is in my rearview mirror. My mileage totaled 29.94 miles.

Instead of a long run, I did 10.1 miles of cross-training (walking, running, lifting, pulling, etc.) while helping my daughter move. It was an excellent workout.

Week 10 will include more running and a time trial to see how ready I am for race day.

This week's miles totaled 29.94. As always, I didn't worry about rounding up. (Image: ThisOldRunner)

Disclaimer: I received a free Hot Chocolate 15K race entry as a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro ambassador, and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

Daily Miles as Pie

I painted my Week Nine overview page while traveling by car. I used my travel watercolor brush and paints. I attempted an empty pie tin in the top right corner, and failed. My solution was to die cut the page. That meant the page behind it would show.

It was fun to paint slices of pie to record daily mileage numbers. (Image: ThisOldRunner)

Die Cut Sketchbook Journal Page

When the die cut pie page is in the journal, the following page shows through. (Image: ThisOldRunner)

Runs and Puns Filled This Week's Sketchbook Pages

I planned on the background showing through. I Love You From My Head Tomatoes! (Image: ThisOldRunner)

Every Now and Then I Fall Apart. (Image: ThisOldRunner)

This may be my favorite pun. It was fun to paint feathers. Rise and Shine Mother Cluckers. (Image: ThisOldRunner)

It's All About the Hot Chocolate 15K in Tampa

And because this training cycle and sketchbook are all about the #HotChocolate15K in Tampa, there had to be a pun about cocoa! Mmmm, I'm already dreaming about the Hot Chocolate Race's proprietary hot chocolate blend. It's sooooooo good! (Image: ThisOldRunner)

Register Before the Dec. 5 Price Increase

Come join me at the Hot Chocolate 15K or 5K in Tampa on December 19 by registering now. The price goes up this weekend, so hurry up!

Don't forget to use my code "HC21" to get a FREE custom #HotChocolate Buff added to your goodie bag. Check out the finishers jacket and medal below.

Register here 👉http://bit.ly/HCTampa

All 5K and 15K participants receive a #HotChocolate jacket and race medal PLUS a sweet, chocolate finishers cup filled with cocoa, fondue and dippable treats.

#SceneOnARun #SeenOnARun #HCTampaBR #HC15K #HC5K #BibChat #Watercolor #Inktober #WatercolorJournal #Sketchbook #UrbanSketchers #CreativeJournal #ArtJournal #Inspiration #MotivationMonday #InstaRunner #SpookySzn #HalloweenDecorations #HauntedHike #WeRunSocial #OptOutside #RunTampa #RunStPete #EverySingleStreet #EverySinglePerson #HoorayRunning #Thanksgiving #Turkey #Grateful #Thankful

Week 7: Hot Chocolate 15K Training and Watercolor Sketchbooking

11/15/2021

Find links to more #HC15K sketchbook pages here

Week 7 of training for the Tampa Hot Chocolate 15K is complete! Five more weeks until race day (December 19) on Tampa's beautiful downtown waterfront.

I ran fewer miles this week, but did harder workouts. I'm feeling good and making sure to get plenty of sleep for recovery between workouts.

Keep scrolling for this week's watercolor sketches, plus a promo code for free Hot Chocolate race SWAG when you register to run the #HotChocolate 15K or 5K race!

Disclaimer: I received a free Hot Chocolate 15K race entry as a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro ambassador, and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

A Gratitude Attitude for November

I decided to illustrate some blessings this week. Here are just a few:

Fall Flowers
Being a BibRave Pro
Turquoise Watercolor Paint
The Starting Line for Hot Chocolate 15K in Tampa

I'm thankful for many things, include race starting lines, BibRave, Fall Flowers and my new Turquoise tube of watercolor! (Image: ThisOldRunner)

Weekly Mileage Page

When I began this sketchbook, I promised myself I would be okay with mistakes. It's harder than I imagined, but there isn't enough time to redo pages with mistakes. Which is why there are extra red blobs on my mileage page this week.

I'm disappointed with the wreath. Next time I'll draw one with more grapevines forming the circle. I like the leaves on this, but overall the page is "meh" to me.

Sketchbooks are for learning, experimenting and practice. This is such a practice page. (Image: ThisOldRunner)

Festival Fun

We wandered into a neighborhood church festival on Friday night and BAM! We were hit with all kinds of nostalgia. It was fun to see the rides, hear the screams, and smell the funnel cake and popcorn.

I took a ton of photos and posted them on Instagram the other day. Below, is one of my favorite images remade in watercolor.

I watched this little guy make his way to the snack shack. His face was lit up by all the bright lights advertising popcorn, cotton candy and snow cones.

I may have been smiling as wide as he was when he got his multi-colored cotton candy.

It was fun to be under the night skies in the middle of a rambunctious Fall festival. All the sights and sounds were so much fun! (Image: ThisOldRunner)

Reference photo for the snack truck watercolor image above. (Photo: ThisOldRunner)

Register Now! Use My Code for Extra #HC15K SWAG

Come join me at the Hot Chocolate 15K or 5K in Tampa on December 19 by registering now. Don't forget to use my code "HC21" to get a FREE custom #HotChocolate Buff added to your goodie bag. Check out the finishers jacket and medal below.

Register here 👉http://bit.ly/HCTampa

All 5K and 15K participants receive a #HotChocolate jacket and race medal PLUS a sweet, chocolate finishers cup filled with cocoa, fondue and dippable treats.

Week 6: Hot Chocolate 15K Training and Watercolor Sketchbooking

11/11/2021

Find links to more #HC15K sketchbook pages here.

Wow, the week ran away from me! Here is my sketchbook from Week 6 of training for the Tampa Hot Chocolate 15K on December 19th.

I'll keep it short and sweet this week since I'll be posting Week 7 in a few more days.

Full Week of Workouts

I worked and played hard during Week 6. I also tried watercoloring Fall foliage. It was super soothing, but I need more practice. (I think a similar card I made for my brother's birthday looks much better, but I can't show you that one.)

Disclaimer: I received a free Hot Chocolate 15K race entry as a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro ambassador, and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

Fall is Pie Season, Right?

Fun Fact: A long time ago, my friends and I ran a Bake Sale every Fall for 10 years as a fundraiser for our kids' grade school. Since then, when Fall weather arrives my brain is triggered to pull out baking recipes.

This year, I found this interesting take on Apple Pie that I want to try. So, I made a watercolor recipe page.

Pro tip on apple pie baking — use Granny Smith apples. Yep, I know the apple I painted below is red, but use green Granny Smith in your pie. They taste delicious and don't get too mushy.

My New Favorite Buff® Headwear

If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter, you've already seen my new Buff® Ecostretch. Hands down this one is my favorite color scheme.

I love that it's so versatile — it wicks away sweat one day, and keeps me warm another. It's perfect for any activity this time of year!

Now for my watercolor review: the background (pseudo tabletop) watercolor wash stinks. But, somehow, the Buff® saves the page.

Psst! Sign up to receive the BUFF® newsletter to get 15% off your first order. (www.buffusa.com/bibrave)

Are Fall Colors Ironic in Florida?

I'll readily admit I miss the kind of Fall scenery you find "up north" but I absolutely LOVE Fall in Florida.

Although we don't have colorful corn in St. Pete, I enjoyed painting it in watercolor. Corn husks can be so graceful, sometimes.

Weekly Mileage Reached 25.78

Do you round up your workout miles? I know some runners will loop the block to end their workout on an even number — like 7, instead of 6.95. I don't feel the need, but that's just me.

I was very happy with my workouts during Week 6. I really enjoyed my Sunday long run.

It's Starting to Snow, Man

I jumped ahead to winter one day to paint these cute snowmen when I saw an artist on Instagram painting them.

It was so much fun to dress these guys in different hats and scarves.

A couple of them are floating 'cause I was thinking of it as practice more than a sketchbook page.

That's the beauty of a sketchbook though — you can do whatever you want.

I hope everyone has a good week of workouts! Hooray Running!

#SceneOnARun #SeenOnARun #HCTampaBR #HC15K #HC5K #BibChat #Watercolor #WatercolorJournal #Sketchbook #UrbanSketchers #CreativeJournal #ArtJournal #Inspiration #InstaRunner #BuffBR #TrueOriginalsBR #BuffHeadwear #WeRunSocial #RunTampa #RunStPete #EverySingleStreet #EverySinglePerson #HoorayRunning

<<Previous