(Half #19, 2015) The name says it all! It was a half marathon, and – paired with heat and two mighty hills – it was hell! Well, hell, it was only about 95°F at peak, still incredibly hot and not a cloud in the sky; but it wasn’t as bad as it could have been, I guess. By around 10am, the temperature had just reached the low 80’s. But I’m telling you, those two hills – those upward climbs beneath the relentlessly beating sun – took their toll. You’ve no one to blame but yourself, though. You knew what you were getting into. Nevertheless, I’d come prepared: I purchased a hydration pack, slipped on a pair of shades, and hit the road just moments before the sun had risen above the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The swag is awesome, by the way: * Gender specific tech shirt ** «Hell of a Half» Finisher’s Medal(finishers only) *** Spenco Sandals($ 50 Value) **** Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle ***** Running Visor(for those who sign up early) ****** Hot breakfast at the finish line ******* Disposable Chip Timing ******** Personalized Race Bibs(early registrants) And that’s not all. If you’ve decided to challenge yourself in Exeter, you’ll certainly want to have registered for Sole2Soul’s Race Series: along with running«Hell of a Half,» you’ll also want to run the«Heavenly Half» in Auberry and end with the«Judgment Day» Half in Bakersfield. Completing all three races in the same calendar year offers even more awards: ***** Soul Series Medal **** Soul Series Jacket *** VIP treatment at «Judgment Day» ** Name announced as a Series Finisher at «Judgment Day» * Race Medal Holder I’ve run to date both Heaven and Hell. Judgment Day is around the corner! And I have to say that this series, Sole2Soul’s – has easily been one of my definite favorites.
