It was a beautiful day for running with light winds and generally clear skies. I started shortly after sunrise at 6:02am from the Bear Creek Staging area lot and ran counter-clockwise. I didn't see a soul on the trail until I returned to the car a little less than 2 hours later. Most of the vegetation had been trimmed, but there are some sections on the southern part of the trail that have poison oak/ivy/etc creeping into the trail. I've been recovering from a few foot injuries over the winter / spring so this won't set a land speed record, but felt good to get back on out on the trails and feel confident in my stride. Reminder that this trail requires a permit that can be obtained online from EBMUD. And please sign the trail register at the start of your run.
This was Memorial Day Weekend and my Run to Remember event (https://www.wearblueruntoremember.org/). I was matched with USMC Corporal Dean Pratt, who died 8/2/2004 while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom. I reflected on Dean's memory during the run (https://thefallen.militarytimes.com/marine-cpl-dean-p-pratt/293311), with immense gratitude for his ultimate sacrifice and my opportunity to honor his legacy in the smallest possible way. Semper Fidelis.