I was able to get an earlier start this weekend, knowing it would get warm by the end of the run. Started out from Longleaf and ran up Starkey Blvd into Starkey Park. I didn't have any solid arrangements to meet up with anyone but was pretty sure I would run into someone. I ran a pretty even pace and started to enjoy the run as it got lighter. There is a time of the morning, as it gets light, when it feels less humid but since the sun isn't up very high it does not feel hot yet. It is the best time to run. I ran into a number of people I know about 2 miles into the park, Dixie, Eudair, David, Andrea, Katie, and Diane, and a couple others, too. David and Andrea turned around a short while later and the rest of us continued on to the end of the trail where it meets the Suncoast trail. Turned around and stayed with the group until there was about 4 miles left. I gradually picked up my pace and then got into a pretty good rhythm for the last 3 miles, with the last mile at 6:50. Average pace: 7:49
Hung out at the social hour for a bit. Dixie had gotten my text message to pick up a bag with my shirt and towel in it, so I was able to change into something dry. Then he gave me a ride back to my truck. It was good that I didn't have to run back, because I think 18 miles was a good amount for today.
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