A Crucial Test

I used my Friday off (it seems I only use about half of them) to move into uncharted territory of my half-marathon training plan. In case you weren't aware, I've committed to the Mississippi Blues Marathon, January 5th, 2008. I'll only do the half. I've never run more than the 10K, or 6.2 mile distance required for the Heatwave Triathlon, and only that distance a dozen or so times. Now I'm up to 8 miles.

Last weekend at the PPP, I struggled in the 80+ degree heat to do 5 miles. Yesterday morning at 8:30 the weather was 49 degrees and clear, no wind. I mapped an out and back course of 8 miles that started at my driveway and conveniently made the turn at the tip of the boat ramp parking lot 4 miles later. I thought I could do it, but decided if I struggled badly I would give up on the long distance running.

I made it easily. My legs began to falter a little with less than a mile left to go. Now I'm even looking forward to next Friday's 9.5 miles!