Osprey hydration pack

It was time.

I needed a hydration pack of some sort, and had originally anticipated getting a Camelbak of some sort, but upon going to the Maple Grove REI, I found them to be less comfortable than I would certainly prefer, mostly due to the length of my torso. I wandered about the store, two different Camelbaks in hand, wondering if I would have to resign myself to getting one that fit decently well, when I came across the "actual" hydration pack section. "Ah ha!" and "These are a bit more expensive." and "They have Osprey? I like Osprey." were a few thoughts that went through my head.

Knowing from past experience that I fit into that med/lrg range by Osprey, I sought out one that looked feasible. I put it on, adjusted the straps, and LOVED the feel. Upon reading more tags and such, I found I could go down in both cost and cubic inches available. And I also went from a normal gray-taupe color, to a nice blue. Making sure with a salesman that I was correct in my own assessment of the fit (and I was), I kept it in hand, and wandered about the rest of the store to see what I could find.

I found a pair of shoes (in "charcoal," which looks like brown to me) and a new food bar by clif, which was particularly exciting to me in that there were "no gluten ingredients used." Yipee! And... it tasted really good... or, at least the blueberry one did.

It seems that people are starting to realize that those who are gluten-free are active, as well. Yes, thank you very much, I rather enjoy buying food and not just having to make all my own food.

In addition to realizing that I need to work on bringing hydration with me during my runs, I've also had to come to the clear realization that I really have to figure out food for before the runs. I think the key is fruit. I prefer morning runs, and so it can't be a lot, but it needs to be fairly easy to digest and certainly not heavy. While there are those out there who are capable of eating a pizza and then going for a good run immediately following, I really cannot do that.

So... with 15 miles to run tomorrow, it shall be my attempt to not only carry a hydration pack, but to start with consuming fruit, as well. I'm kind of curious how this will go for me, and how much my time may be affected one way or another.

I think the weather has turned quite lovely for the run. With the increasing warmth, and being so uncharacteristic of a typical Minnesota March, and the lack of shade due to the fact that trees have not fully bloomed yet, and the dry air besides, was making me quite hot during my runs. Four miles should not dehydrate me. Not in March in Minnesota. So. I'm quite grateful for the rain, besides the fact that I love the smell.

It is a good day for a run. So. For those of you NOT on a scheduled day of rest, I would highly encourage it.

Ah yes, and "note to self" in relation to runs: do NOT go for a run wearing lace underwear. It is exceedingly uncomfortable by the end of the run.