I'm training for a half-marathon that will take place along the Snake River in E. Washington on March 2 - just under 7 weeks away (yikes!). I'm a bit behind my training at this point last year. The weather over the holidays was difficult for outdoor running, so while I got in some treadmill sessions and maintained my strength training, I didn't get in many long runs.

Today I decided to reverse this pattern. My previous long run was 6 miles, so I decided to do 7 miles today. I will add a mile a week to the long run for the next five weeks before tapering off.

Conditions today were cold, in the low 20s, with light snowflakes falling for the first half. I ran out a back road that went between snow-covered wheatfields and by a few farms. The road had light snow on the shoulders and a few areas of ice that I could fortunately avoid easily. I saw only a dozen cars over the whole run, plus a hawk, a dog, and two horses - no other runners, ok with me. I confirmed the truism that just getting out the door is the main battle.

I am so happy that back in May I indulged myself with a high-quality insulated windbreaker (rated down to 0 degrees) that I bought on a hot late spring day on clearance. I love it - keeps me warm, it's light, and even a bit stylish with a nice maroon color with black trim. So with gloves, a cap, a water bottle, and Merrell Trail Glove shoes, I was set. Enjoyed the simple winter landscape and the solitude. My form was ok and I did the +7 miles in a little over 70 minutes. So much more satisfying than the treadmill!
Felt tired in the legs on the last couple of miles so I know I'll have to still build up the endurance. But I'm pleased with how it went and that I have a plan to cover the remaining training period.

Now looking forward to some roast chicken for Sunday dinner ...