The 2016 race season started off kind of slow for me. I signed up for the Miami Marathon, along with the K-LOVE Cruise 2016 but #blizzard2016 also known as Jonas took care of that. Flights were cancelled up and down the east coast forcing us to hop a rental car and drive from Virginia to Florida. We arrived safely in Miami just as they were tearing down the marathon finish line. Turning the page I set my sights on warmer weather, no snow and the Tobacco Road Marathon in March. For a tune up race and to gauge my fitness I signed up for the Heart & Sole half marathon in Greensboro, NC.

heartandsole2016

The Heart & Sole Half Marathon and 5k is a small town race and one with a lot of charm. Arriving with my wife Michele at the race site on a crisp and cool Saturday morning I was not sure what to expect. The half marathon field was small, around 150 runners, the 5k saw another 50 or so. What we did find was great parking near the start/finish line and a simple race day package pick up process. We were also greeted by friendly smiles and a cheerful crowd as we all tried to keep warm.

RACE KIT:
J&A racing beanie
Julbo Sunglasses
Pearl Izumi champions high tech t-shirt
Race Dots “Don’t be a pin head”
Hinde leggings
Injnji toe socks
Garmin GPS forerunner 201
Pearl Izumi road N2 shoes
Nike fleece gloves
Nathan hand held filled with a mix of Gatoraide and GU gel

The race started off with a simple but effective race brief and a wonderful singing of the national anthem. I do not know who the girl was but she rivaled the singers I’ve heard at national sporting events. Great Job… With the brief out of the way it was just a few minutes before we were off.

For more on this race click here: http://briansrunningadventures.com/running-the-heart-and-sole-half-marathon-26-lousy-seconds/