20.25 miles @ 8:16 average pace. Went down to Clearwater Beach area with Dixie. Arrived nice and early just after 5:30. Last time we went down there, starting time was 6:00 and it seemed kind of late. The air was a bit warm and humid with no breeze until it started to get light out, then it felt much cooler until the sun was up higher. We started out at an easy warm up pace, did the first ascent up Clearwater Bridge, then onto the causeway then over to Sand Key, up and over another bridge (75 feet). Spectacular views of the Gulf and intracoastal waterway especially in the very early morning light. Headed south for a bit before heading back to the mainland via the Belleair Bluffs bridge, then headed north after stopping to refill water bottles at a park which had a cold water drinking fountain and a hose in case one managed to spill a lot of Gu by accident (but it wasn't me this time!). At 13 miles, Dixie had finished up his run right by a Hess Express, so he graciously topped off my drink bottles with some very cold Gatorade. I then continued on back to the Clearwater bridge, where I went back and forth on the causeway and ascended the bridge 4 more times. Definitely was feeling the effects on the last mile as well as getting caught by the sun. Finished strong with the last mile just under 7:00 pace. On the drive back, we drove the course where the Dunedin July 4th midnight run will be, only it will be a lot darker during the actual race! Should be interesting/challenging as I've never raced that late.
Great morning of running and glad to finish off another 20 mile run at the end of another 70 mile week.
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