I didn’t run yesterday. I knew my new running shorts were coming, but they didn’t show up till the end of the day. That’s not the only reason I didn’t run (or do anything else), but let’s pretend it is. The reality is that I wasn’t feeling well. My nose was running like crazy all day. It was getting really tender from all the wiping and blowing. I wasn’t a happy camper. But I went to bed early and felt great when I woke up this morning.

I didn’t know what size shorts to buy. This is my first pair of running shorts ever. I decided to get the ASICS Men’s 2-in-1 Shorts. I didn’t try them on till today. I should have known this before, but it’s pretty obvious to me now: I’m not built like the typical runner. I got the XL size, which has plenty of extra room at the waist (and a nice draw-string to take up the slack), but it’s pretty tight across my thighs. I guess my quads are bigger than the guy they built the shorts for. It’s not too tight, so I decided to cut the tag and keep them.

I really like them. I may have to get another pair.

I got a side ache a few times as I was getting going today. I was about to the top of the first hill and I had to stop and walk a bit, holding the right side of my abdomen with both hands. I hit the light green to cross Del Mar Heights Road at the top of the hill, but it wasn’t long till I had another side ache, so I walked some more. I ran down the steep hill on Lansdale Dr, but then walked up the other side.

I finally used my water bottle to spray water on my face. Suddenly I felt a lot better and got into a decent rhythm all the way to the turn-around at the 5k mark. I didn’t stop long, but I did splash my face again. I was jogging at what I consider my “forever pace” which is about 11:00/mile. I kept going until I was most the way up the big hill. I walked a bit then ran down the other side all the way home. I felt like I still had a lot of gas in the tank when I got back, but I have a lot of things going on today, so I couldn’t extend it. Maybe next time.

I did manage to get a new PR for my 10k.