Hot Chocolate 5K

I participated in the Hot Chocolate 5K with a friend last year, and it was one of those days that reminds you why you sign up again.

The weather was more pleasant than it’s been in years past—cool, comfortable, and exactly what you hope for on race morning. I caught the train into town, which gave the day a calm, unhurried start before the crowds took over.

Downtown was already buzzing. People everywhere. Music in the background. I made an immediate bathroom stop, then geared up and joined the steady flow toward the start line.

As I walked over, I ran into a familiar face…someone I’ve crossed paths with on a few hikes and at church. It was a small moment, but it grounded me, a reminder of how often worlds overlap in unexpected ways.

The three miles around town went by quickly. There’s something about moving through the city during a race that pulls you into a rhythm. Familiar streets feel different when you’re walking them, and before long, the finish line comes into view.

That’s the best part.

Not just because it’s over, but because of what’s waiting—hot chocolate, snacks, music, and that quiet satisfaction that settles in when you’ve finished what you set out to do. The photos, the energy, the warmth at the end all make it feel like more than just a race.

I enjoy this one. Every time.

It’s a good reminder of why I keep showing up—moving, noticing, and enjoying the moment all the way to the finish.