Tracking My Hot Chocolate 15K Training with a Watercolor Sketchbook

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!

It's time to get serious about training for my Hot Chocolate 15K and Watercolors. I have work to do in both areas!

I’m combining two goals into one project: My Tampa Hot Chocolate 15K Training Log and a watercolor sketchbook. 

It’s my version of a Bullet Journal plus a Training Journal. I feel like switching from digital to paper tracking may help me focus. I still feel like I have a hangover from 2020 and the racing season that wasn't. 

My goals for this training cycle are consistency, engagement, improvement and enjoyment in running and watercoloring. I think it will be fun to visually track my progress in both areas.

Hopefully, at the end of 12 weeks both my running and watercolor abilities improve!

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Sketchbook Material and Color Palette

I decided to use the Hot Chocolate Race colors of Brown, Orange and Blue throughout the sketchbook. I did this because branding is embedded in my being, and to give the journal a themed look.

I'm using Strathmore 400 series cold press watercolor paper. I'm punching each 5.5x8.5" page to fit in a disc notebook system. This way, I can remove the pages to paint and rearrange them within the notebook.

I decided on a few rules for my Sketchbook:
~ Use #HotChocolateRace Colors + Accents
~ Daily Interaction with Sketchbook
~ Loose, Fast and Fun Drawings
~ Be Okay with Mistakes
~ Track Mileage, Shoes and Progress
​~ Move and Watercolor Every Day

Like all training plans, this one begins with the best intentions.

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Hot Chocolate 15K Training Journal Front Cover

It was easy to decide on the front cover art. Hot Chocolate, of course! I added a title and note about the training period.

The Hot Chocolate 15K/5K has one of the best cocoas I've ever had. You can judge for yourself by taste-testing at the race expo, or after you cross the finish line.

I'm using Windsor & Newton Cotman (student grade) watercolors along with a fun metallic palette I bought on Amazon. But, I think any watercolors will work for a training sketchbook.

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Race and Watercolor Goals

I have two goals: Race the Hot Chocolate 15K in Tampa on December 12, 2021 and Practice Watercolors. The sketchbook will illustrate my progress.
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I included a shoe tracker on this page. I want to see how many miles I put on the shoes I wear during the training cycle. I'll run in Puma Deviate Nitros; a Pink pair and a Lava Blast pair.

I tested the Pumas as a BibRave Pro, and fell in love with them. (You can read my Puma review here.) These are my second and third pair of Deviate Nitros.

Weekly Mileage Log

I decided to add a couple of pages that show my training mileage by the week. This gives me an easy way to see weekly totals and progress without flipping through the whole sketchbook.

Week One of Training

Each week gets at least one page. This gives me room to sketch and watercolor things I see or do during that week.

​Week One is all about the pumpkins appearing all over the neighborhood. Everyone is excited to welcome Fall and Halloween this year.

My watercolor skills are novice, for sure. Working out the page layout was fun. I like recording my mileage and thoughts in this format. I'm already thinking about next week's page.

Week One page of my #HC15K Sketchbook. I like it so far, but see plenty of room for improvement!

Here's where I am after one week on my sketchbook training journal. I'm feeling ready and motivated! Now, on to Week Two.

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Spooky Season Sketch Add On

(Oct 3.) I had to add the spider web house to my Sunday run page for Week One.  #SpookySzn

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Find links to my other #HC15K sketchbook pages here.

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Promo Code for the Tampa Hot Chocolate 15K or 5K 

Use code "HC21" at registration to get this FREE Buff.

If you’re interested in running the Tampa Hot Chocolate 15K or 5K, try to register soon.

Prices increase on Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5. Race day is Sunday, December 19, 2021.

You can use and share my promo code "HC21" to get a FREE custom Hot Chocolate Buff added to your goodie bag!

Register 👉http://bit.ly/HCTampa  

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