The Engineered Boulderer

As I might have mentioned once or twice that I’ve started running. While running I’ve just used my North Face shorts, but they’re certainly not made for it and are kinda bulky and heavy. Therefore, I’ve started looking for a pair of shorts to use for running. Unfortunately, that has proven harder than I thought. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of shorts out there, just not ones that appeal to me in any way, shape, or form.

What I want are loose shorts that go about halfway down my thighs with a small pocket for a key, but no-o-oo. Almost all the available shorts have those built-in underwear which just annoys the hell out of me. Why don’t you let me decide how I want to contain my privates? Or else, they are those tiny running shorts or tights that just look ridiculous.

So far I’ve visited Stadium and Sportsmaster in Lyngby and Fisketorvet, as well as Magasin and Løberen (running store) in Lyngby, with no luck what so ever. Thoroughly frustrating. Now I know that Løberen are getting new supplies next week, so I’ll try then and see if it is possible to get a pair of shorts I’ll like, otherwise I might just explode… or something.

Update: I bought a pair of Newline Trail Shorts. They are simple, lightweight, with no frills. I’ll try them out when I go running tomorrow. Might still go for a pair of those Prana shorts Thomas mentioned.

Today marks the end of a two week vacation for me. The first week was spent in France near the town Fontainebleau south of Paris. A whole week of climbing, camping, and eating wonderful french food. The second week was spent at home relaxing, and at my in-laws place in Sweden.

The first half warrents an entry itself, I will therefore save that for later. Also, I have a load of pictures I want to upload. That neatly leaves a few of my doings and mishaps since my return for this entry.

I started running on the treadmills at work during the winter. In May I bought a pulse watch and started running outside. After I returned from France I went for a run Monday and Tuesday. I wanted to do some kind of exercise Wednesday, but didn’t think I should push my luck by running three days in a row (lesson learned by climbing too much). I ended up taking Toby for a long walk, three and a half hour long. About two-thirds through the walk we were passed by a heavy summer shower, and got thoroughly soaked. I was very happy I brought my Gore-Tex jacket. When I said I got soaked, actually only my pants and shoes did, my torso was completely dry. Guess I should be looking for a pair of Gore-Tex pants.

Thursday evening we went to Sweden to visit my in-laws. Friday I (of course) had to get outside. I was planning to go for a 5-7 km run (I don’t know the exact distance, since I had no way of measuring it). Unfortunately, I took a wrong turn and ended up going a whole lot further. I ended up running 14 km (measured it by driving the same distance by car). It took me almost one and a half hour, and I was totally knackered. I had started out running like it was a 5-7 km run, and 14 km was a bit more than I had expected, especially since the last kilometer or so was uphill. I think I now have an inkling how debuting marathoners must feel, and it tells me I need plenty more running experience before I run my first.

Other than that we spent our time relaxing and going down to the lake for a bit of fishing (caught nothing), and to let the dogs cool off. Unfortunately, Toby found some fish guts left over by a luckier fisherman. Old fish guts do not smell good, and rolling around in them only makes the dog smell that much worse. No matter, it was time for his semi-annual shower.

We are now taking care of my parents dog Bella while they are in Canada for a wedding, and tomorrow I return to work. I do so miss that vacation…