Started with the loop near Tunnel Hill a bit later than planned, but it was a good day and good running temperatures. Laura and I started in Tunnel because it was the longest stretch without aid and wanted to break it up some, so we didn't have to bring as much water or supplies with us. We enjoyed the remote start and rolling hills early on, winding through the back roads north towards the lake. We turned on Sulfur Springs road and started picking up more traffic as we got close to town. Not much of a shoulder in this area, so we had to be careful with incoming cars and the occasional boat trailer.
A little shy of a half marathon into Lake of Egypt, to get our first chance and aid and our first view of the lake. Both were welcome, enjoying the best Dollar General we've ever been into (fruit, veggies, salad offered here!). Quick refill of the bottles and we were off again, making our way towards Goreville.
Still some traffic on RT 37 but some better shoulders made for less stressful running. Still plenty of hills to get our walk breaks in (smiley face). Uneventful middle miles as we got into town and again stopped for more liquids and a bathroom break.
The home stretch from Goreville back to Tunnel Hill had us running into friends by chance two different times! It was a nice surprise and broke up the miles some, since the day was feeling long and sun bright without enough sunscreen. We finished less than our 6 hour goal and had a great time!