After shamelessly searching for a Fastest Known Time nearby that was within my capabilities, I decided to attempt this one as an unsupported out and back. It would serve as a long run workout in my preparation for the Grand Rapids Marathon in October. The forecast was just about perfect with temps in upper 40s (F) at the start and low 60s at the finish.
I carried all water and nutrition with me in my running belt: 500ml of water, 500ml of Gatorade, 2 Gu gels, and ~130ml of Blank's Sports Nutrition hydrogel. The activity is continuous with no pauses during it.
I ran in my planned race day shoes (Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3) to get some more experience running in them and potentially break them in slightly. I started out a bit faster than anticipated, but I felt good and controlled and kept that pace. Starting around mile 13, I increased my pace a bit in attempt to get some race pace miles in. I was in the area of the right pace, but a bit slower than I would have liked. Nevertheless, I was satisfied with my pacing and effort.