Back to Training for the Half Marathon

Meet Linda for a long fitness walk and catch up time since we haven't seen each other since I came back from vacation. A comfortable morning with temperatures in the 60s but quickly climbing into the 80s as we set out. Maintaining a fitness walk pace of 15 minutes/mile we traveled along the Roanoke River Greenway for 3 miles and then headed up Mill Mountain. Mill Mountain is a local landmark with a children's zoo and a huge neon star at the top therefore giving Roanoke the nickname "Star City of the South". The old road leading up the mountain is blocked to through traffic and several stately old homes are on the lower portion of the tree lined road.

One of the two archways on the road up the mountain - I remember riding up this road and through these archways as a child. The ride up was as exciting as the zoo to me when I was a child.

The star overlook is a must see for vistors to the area (there is a well maintained road leading to the zoo and star connecting to the Blue Ridge Parkway). This is also a popular destination for a romantic interlude.

Roanoke is a beautiful large town/small city located in a valley surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Trail are nearby. Jogging back down the mountain we discussed our upcoming half marathon(me)and marathon (Linda) at Douthat State Park in September . This is my first half marathon and my goal is to finish on my feet. We're claiming 9 miles for this fitness walk with some bursts of running. Serious trail running coming up this Saturday - stay tuned. I will spend the rest of the afternoon labeling some books for my other passion Bookcrossing !!