The midwest girl really didn't know what to expect with a trail half marathon in Texas! I've run trails before, but this race made any trail I've run before look like a cake walk!

The race is held at Reville Peak Ranch and has some of the most beautiful scenery in the area! Parking at the race is plentiful and they even have camping available the night before for those that want to take in the whole experience of the ranch. Since camping (sleeping in a tent) the night before a race was not my thing, it was hotel for me!

Packet pickup on race day as quick and easy! I will have to say that the shirts did seem to run a little small, but after the race there is an option to swap out your shirt if needed.

The course starts out on some single track through a nice shaded wooded area before heading out into the hills. Once you hit the aid station at mile 3-ish, the terrain starts to change! The course follows some beautiful trails that feature everything from crushed gravel, to rocks! Like I said, this was some tough trail and I ended up walking a lot more than I planned! I also took the time to take quite a few pictures along the course because this beauty needed to be captured!

There was a little confusion among some runners at the point where the course split around mile 6. The 8-miler went one way while everyone else went the other, but the 1st signs we saw only mentioned the Double Marathon, so we weren't sure if that was the way we were supposed to go. once we turned the corner, we found the signs for the half and full!

As I mentioned, I ended up walking a lot more than I planned but I was ok with that! there is also a very generous course limit, since there is the marathon and double (ultra) marathon going on at the same time - yes those folks were running this crazy course twice for the full and 4 times for the Ultra! Major kudos for those badass runners who completed that amazing feat!

The medal for this race was pretty sweet too!

Overall, this was tough! It took my a lot longer to finish this tough course, I struggled with the terrain and the heat, but I KNOW that I came out a stronger runner in the end for completing it! I am truly blessed that I had the opportunity to run this one!

So, if you are looking for a challenge, have a desire for amazing scenery and want to push yourself out of your comfort zone and reach new levels, give this race a look!