I'm not sure what to say after this one - toughest course I have ever run (and walked) by a wide margin and if you are not a veteran runner, I would think twice. If you are a skilled runner, have at it. This was my second half in two weeks and I was no worse for the wear after having taken the week off from run running to do back to backs. I had been dreading this race since the moment I signed up for it because I knew it would be hot and I had an inkling that it would be difficult. But we don't only run the easy ones.

First, let me say that Travis, the race director, is very good at what he does and is exceptional at communication. He knew I was interested in running so he messaged me directly to let me know when he had set up registration. I do plan on running other Bishop Events in the future, just not this particular race unless I get a head full of steam, due to the difficulty.

The forecast for the day was not the greatest for running, the race started at 7:30 so there was enough time before it got to the mid-90s to get the race finished. There were plenty of water stations on the course.

The course itself started as a really great run, the beginning had gentle rolling hills - relatively continuous but not unbearable. The course flattened out at mile 3 and then there was a 1 1/2 detour into the woods to run off road. The rocks on the trail made running in my featherweight shoes very tough, but shade on a hot sunny day was a good respite. Back onto the road at mile 5 1/2 for some tranquil, tree lined running - I can't say how much the tree cover made the race more doable, without it I would have been sunk. This was just a very pretty nice run - if it were a little flatter, this would have been one of my all-time favorites.

I was feeling good for most of the race. As worried as I was, I was putting down the miles without too much difficulty. When I got to mile 7 with some gas left in the tank, I knew I was going to finish. Mile 8 to 9 had a steepish downhill that helped me save energy (to be paid for later) And then mile 10.5 happened......

The hills made me want to practically cry. I fought through the first two - they were one after the other after the other with almost no respite - and all uphill. The third one was a monster and for the first time ever in a half marathon, I stopped to walk - I just had to because of the hills and the heat. I decided to walk the uphills and run the flat/downhills, only there were practically none of the later for the last two and a half miles. Some of the uphills, it was a challenge to even walk. I did manage to finish in 2:28, four and a half minutes slower than my slowest race ever, but finishing this one in this heat was a win. This course had me beat, it's a very difficult configuration to finish with those hills. They really needed more water at the finish, I was given a small cup and did not see any other water/Gatorade unless I was looking in the wrong place. Looking forward to some flatter races from this company in the future.