31.52@9:41
The big run. Almost an annual tradition. Last year it was on my birthday, this year a day earlier. Both years it was on the day of the Strider's holiday party get together. Started out from Longleaf and was running before 7:00 am (6:47). Perfect morning, chilly and would not get much warmer. A little bit into the run saw Tom heading down Starkey Blvd bike path, he'd already been running for well over an hour and at a much faster pace.
Continued on up into Starkey Park. Took the long way around the loop to find the shelter where the party was since the usual one was not available. Said hi to a few people, a few pictures, small cup of warm coffee and some treats then back onto the trail.
Back to main paved bike path and then left at the power line dirt road and north to Ridge Road. Fortunately there's an opening in the fence (wasn't completely sure if there would be). Headed east until reaching the Suncoast Trail and then north a few miles before turning off the path into a neighborhood and zig zagging my way to the RaceTrac gas station on 52. Bought a muscle milk and Celsius. Was also snacking on large PayDay bar I'd brought with me and put it in the front pouch of the Camelbak I was using for water.
Return trip was good. No stop in the park like on the way up. That extra loop at the start of the run meant I was already over 50k mark and still had a half mile to go. I was good with walking it in.
Last year (and on a couple other years) I ran through the northern part of the Serenova Tract (harder to get to with Ridge Road in the way), there's always a schedule deer hunt around this weekend, so decided to avoid it. Also wore an orange shirt on the run (just in case I got too close).
Other thing of note is this wsa first time using the Shokz open air headphones, much better for running, able to hear the music and my surroundings.
In the evening was the company Christmast party, first one since 2019.
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