Water woes

First of all, I have to introduce my new toy.

YES!  I got a Garmin!!  This was on such a good sale on amazon.com (I think they're discontinuing the model), that I couldn't resist.  I've been suffering from "Garmin envy" for quite awhile, and now can intelligently converse about average pace, etc.  I used it today on my run, and LOVED it!!

However, that was about the only good thing about today's run (other than I finished it).  I set out at about 7:00 a.m. for a 9-miler.  I have really been trying to experiment with what works best for me as far as hydration.  I've tried waistpacks, but found I really didn't like having anything around my waist while running.  I've also used a camelbak back pack, which has worked fairly well.  It keeps my hands free and carries stuff that doesn't fit in my pocket.  However, it's a bit bulky, and does cause my back to get fairly warm while wearing it.  I've been looking at the handhelds (a water bottle with a strap that wraps around your hand), and have tried them on at stores.  They felt pretty comfortable and have gotten great reviews, so I bought one and tried it out today.  HATED IT (at least for running)!  The first thing I had to do was dump all the ice out, because my hand was freezing.  It also just felt awkward to carry it while running, and I always felt like it was slipping because of my sweaty hands.  I know a lot of people use them and like them...it just wasn't for me.  I was ready to chuck it after a mile, but the zippered compartments on the outside of the band were carrying some of my other essentials, as well, so I suffered through the whole run with it.  Some people stash water bottles along their route before heading out to run, but I worry about people taking them, or worse, tampering with them.  Maybe I'm a bit paranoid that way.  I think the camelbak  is going to be my go-to hydration on long runs.  It really is barely noticeable once I get going other than the warmth.

That wasn't the only water problem I had on this run, however.  At about mile 3, I - shall we say - felt nature calling.  Sometimes, I can run through this, but the call was getting louder, and I knew there wouldn't be a bathroom available for quite awhile.  This was at a pretty quiet section of my run.  On one side of the road is what's usually a dry lake bed, but right now looks something like this (minus the boat, a lot more reeds, and taller mountains in the background).

I carefully made my way through very dense reeds to find a spot with appropriate coverage.  I thought I found the perfect place, stepped down, and was over my ankle in marshy water.  So, when I resumed my run, not only did I have a slippery, sweaty water bottle, but also one soaking wet foot.  To my extreme dismay, Fortunately, I had about 6 miles to go, so my foot could thoroughly dry out.  Oh well....I know not every run is going to be perfect! Sometimes, too, it feels like a much bigger accomplishment to finish a run like that, and this was definitely the case today. 

In other news, here FINALLY is a picture of my new little nephew, David, and big brother Caleb.  I just LOVE this picture, and can't wait to meet the little guy in person.

Also, a HUGE congratulations to my brother, Jon, who graduated from college today.  I know it wasn't easy with a full-time job and a family.  Love and miss you, Jon! We're so proud of you.