30.07@11:31 (gave up and walked a bit) then 1.14@10:32
Needed time on my fit and since it was my birthday decided to try for 55 km (goal kept on evolving, I told a few people "about 30 miles" for my goal which kept me going to 30 miles).
It was also the day for the Striders Christmas party, which in past years was a bigger event usually in the afternoon but this was an extended post-run social hour.
So, after leaving from Longleaf, stopped in Starkey Park for a bit to say hi before I got going again. Next part of the run would be a run up the dirt road under the power lines, cut through Serenova Tract campground and then across the street to the Publix to pick up some refuel drinks.
First problem was a new large barrier cutting through Serenova Tract blocking the power line road - the almost completed new section of Ridge Road. Two lanes each way and a new multi-purpose bike path along the south side. There was a fence blocking the dirt road but saw a gate nearby that got me onto the bike path and then saw some access to cross the street and a gate on the other side, so went over that way.
After crossing the road and going through the gate on the other side turned around and saw a sign saying "No trespassing.." with some stern warning about construction zone and prosecution. Figured I'd better go a different way on the way back. Just up the dirt road a little farther I saw a couple on their bikes who I'd seen earlier. Asked them about suggested routes. They said there was a "wildlife crossing" going under the road a little bit to the east. (There's one just to the west but that one is swampy and wet).
I ran a little farther north and then turned east to go through the campground. I turned a little early and although I was on marked trails it didn't like familiar. There were some people in SUVs parked by a lake and I had the feeling they were hunting. I thought I ovherheard something about "good thing he was wearing a bright hat". Decided not to double back to the dirt road, forged ahead to the east. Trail kept on turning, like it wanted to loop me back. Parts of the trail were overgrown. Could hear cars from the parkway not too far off. Finally made it to the parkway but stopped by barbed wire fence. Stopped a few times to look at the map on my phone. Could head south and eventually get to Ridge Road which could get me to the Suncoast Parkway. Wasn't sure about the trail conditions though.
Fortunately, I soon found a spot in the fence where people had obviously crossed through, made it through and then found a semi-cleared path and was on the Parkway's bike path. That was a relief to get out of there.
Just under three miles heading north and I was at SR52 where there was a gas station where I stopped for a protein drink and some more gatorade and ice.
Got going again and ran by the north entrance to Serenova Tract and saw the sign saying it was closed Dec 17-19 for hunting event (I guess it is every year so won't be running here for my birthday next year). Headed west on the sidewalk, thinking maybe I could pick up another trail going south. Apparently there are no other trails going south from the road, every single access point is blocked off, it's either DOT, SWFMD, or private.
Oh well, looks like it will be more road. Westward to Moon Lake Road. Sidewalk wasn't so bad, kept me off the road. Decided to stop one more time for more gatorade at a Dollar General, glad I did or else would've run out.
Felt like I was on this road forever. Eventually passed Ridge Road, then it started feeling closer. Sidewalk disappeared at DeCubellis but there's a wide grassy area which looks like it is for two future lanes. Finally made it to the north end of Starkey Blvd.
With all of the stopping to check the map, the two store stops and the slower pace it was looking like I wasn't going to be done until 4:00 pm which was going to push close to 5:30 dinner at Brick Oven.
Hit 30 miles near the bridge going over Anclote River. Still had close to two miles to go, so after stopping my watch just past 30 miles, got going again to at least make it a 50k.
Didn't make my 55k goal but did complete a pretty big loop, avoided the hunters for the most part and stayed mostly hydrated.
Dinner was nice with my parents, Tom and Andy, Jessica, the baby, and Jessica's kids at Brick Oven. Jessica brought my favorte pie from JJ Gandy's for dessert.
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