Orange Mud Hydra Quiver Vest Pack 2 (Product Review)

Now don't get me wrong, I really don't have an issue with my Nathan Hydration vest. What I have a problem with is the bladder... I know it sounds incredibly lazy, but I put diluted Nuun in my pack and I have to actually wash it out and make sure it dries properly so it doesn't get moldy or gross. I've had the pack for two years, and it has served me well, but I was looking for something "easier."

From the first time I saw someone wearing an Orange Mud pack, I was intrigued. Smaller pack style and water bottles on the back...

Initially, I tried the HydraQuiver Double Barrel. The whole point of having a hydration system of ANY kind is to have enough fluid for me to get through an ultra or a 4-5 hour training run. The price point was just right at $109.95. I tried it out on a 10 mile training run... and hated it. The fit was "off," I was adjusting it the entire run and I chafed under my arms. Now, I am prone to chafing under my arms anyway. I think it just moved around on me too much. I was super bummed about sending it back. (PS - one of the best things about Orange Mud is their awesome customer service. They are responsive to emails and process and ship orders practically immediately. They also allow you to TRY the pack, and if it doesn't work you can send it back for a full refund. Yep.)

Lucky for ME, they just released a VEST pack. I was super excited to try a different variation of the bottle hydration.

Pic from Orange Mud website (I don't have a picture of me wearing it on my back...)

The Hydra Quiver Vest Pack 2 was a bit more pricey at $149.95, but still very competitive for a hydration system. I was able to score a deal with a Father's Day discount code, so I went ahead and ordered it. I was optimistic that the adjustable chest strap would make a huge difference for my small frame, AND IT DID. Spoiler: I love it.

First, the specs:

• Food/accessory pockets on the shoulders for quick access. (I use one of these pockets for chapstick, and the other for a small bottle of sunscreen).
• Front chest pockets for access to nutrition on the fly. (These pockets are much larger than they look. I can put a TON of stuff in them. In one, I put a map if I have one and my iPhone. In the other, I put all my nutrition and car keys - if I don't have a pocket somewhere else).
• Bottle based hydration for easy fill, easy clean-up. (Now, the pack comes with two Orange Mud bottles, but really, any sports bottle will work. I fill one with Nuun and one with plain water).
• Medical grade mesh for maximum breathability. (It is so small compared to my hydration vest, I don't feel nearly as "confined" and sweaty as I used to).
• Adjustable bottle capacity from 21 to 26 oz. (Comes with two 24 oz bottles, so 48 oz of fluid total. Less than what my vest capacity is, that held up to 70 oz. I feel that I'll rarely need more than 48 oz., so for now, this is not an issue).
• Dual side macro adjust, front micro adjust. (The chest strap makes a HUGE difference for me. I only find myself needing to readjust if I am adding another layer of clothing).
• Sturdy under a sprint or slow and steady. (No issues with this, although I don't ever actually "sprint").
• Glove like design for a comfy fit. (This pack DOES, in fact, fit me quite well).
• Bungee on the back, in between the bottles. (I used this feature when I went hiking last weekend and I was easily able to bungee a long sleeve shirt, and did not notice a difference in the fit after doing so).
• And... my favorite of all? MADE IN THE USA!!!

Like anything else I review, I really wanted to use this a few times under varying circumstances to get a real feel for it. I really like that it is so small and compact, and SO easy to clean. Even if my Orange Mud bottles are dirty, I of course have a billion other bottles that I could use in their place. It seems much more sanitary to me than a vest, and honestly, I was starting to have a hard time opening and closing the nozzle on mine, especially if my hands were cold. NO ISSUES WITH THAT!

If I had to make a complaint about this product, it would only be the elimination of the back pocket from the Hydra Quiver Double Barrel. There are some items I rarely, if ever, use on a run and want to store away out of the way of stuff I do use. (Tissue, batteries for a headlamp, first aid). However, Orange Mud (of course) has already addressed this, and I spied on Instagram recently that there will be an additional purchase option of a zippered "small pack" that would fit in between the bottles. When that becomes available, I may look into it.

Overall thoughts on this product:

• I love, love, love it. It perfectly suits my needs. I can carry BOTH water and Nuun, and the cleaning process is the easiest ever. Perfect for me since I have NO time to to be washing out a bladder every time I do a run longer than an hour.
• The vest does not bounce or move on me at all. With the adjustable straps on both sides AND the front, it really does fit like a glove.
• The water in the bottles obviously makes noise, but every run I have done in this pack (I tested the pack out on four different hikes/runs totaling over 10 hours of wear time) I ran without music and did not find it annoying.
• Related - my need for this product will almost always be during the summer months. Since I overheat very easily, I wanted to be sure that the pack itself would not chafe or aggravate my skin on my shoulders or back. Every time I wore this pack I was wearing a tank top or camisole (thin strap) top. NO rubbing or chafing on shoulders, back, OR, most importantly, under my arms.
• There is a TON of space in those front chest pockets. If needed, I bet I could carry a cheeseburger in one. (Hey, you never know. I get hungry).

Ready to get one of your own?? You can buy one HERE.

High Line Canal Fat Ass

Saturday, March 15

I have run one Fat Ass "race" in the past, the Southside, back in 2012 when I was training for my first 100. I had a great time that day, and it was a nice change for a long run to not be on the treadmill.

I found the registration for this race on Ultra Sign up when I was registering for Bear Chase. At the time, I still planned on running in Moab, so I planned for it to be a mid-length run (around 15-20 miles), just to get some time on my feet. Other than a couple half marathons, I have not run longer than 13.1 since the double marathons of New Years.

ANYWAY.

A few weeks ago, I had to cancel my plans for Moab. The race is substantially more expensive this year, and my travel buddy bailed on  me. No way I could/would want to cover all the travel expenses on my own, PLUS, half the fun of the 24 hour race is spending time with my friend during the night sections.

But, I decided... I have barely been outside this winter, the forecast looks ok, maybe I will go ahead and run it anyway.

As the date approaches, information starts trickling in on the course, times, etc. TURNS OUT, the start time is 5:00. In the morning. Oh, and it is a point to point. Um. The organizer says "You should be able to get a ride back to your car." SHOULD?

I talked to my dad, and after some discussion, he said he would be willing to pick me up when I was done running and drive me back to my car. Did I mention I had offered to be a carpool vehicle and that I would be driving out of my way to meet people at 4:10 am (30 minutes from my house)? Oh. Yeah. That.

Oh, and did I mention that when I agreed to be a carpool vehicle, the organizer says, "all the 50k runners can meet up." But after looking at he map, the 50k meet up location was actually at mile 36... So. A maybe 15-20 mile training run for a race I was no longer doing became 36 miles. (or so).

3:11 a.m. Alarm goes off. I had NOT slept well. I estimate I got 2 hours of restless sleep. Grab coffee and my pack and head out the door right on schedule at 3:40 am.

I arrive at the church meeting point at 4:07. Turns out there were additional carpool vehicles I didn't know about and I was able to get a ride to the start with someone driving a van. This meant I would not have to find a ride back, and also, that I was committing to the full 36 miles.

We had been given a set of instructions where we could find the roving aid station, locations where there were places to buy food (gas stations), and the two "tricky" parts of the course.

Just after 5:00, and we were off. It had been 50 degrees when I left my house, but it was 20 degrees cooler in Waterton Canyon. I made the risky decision to just wear an INB tech tee and my INB ambassador windbreaker. I had brought throw away gloves with some hand warmers, but no hat or ear warmers. It was a tad chilly, but I figured I would warm up after I started running.

It was DARK. I was surprised that a handful of people weren't even using headlamps. Um, we are in the middle of NOWHERE and it is DARK and it is HOURS before the sun will be up. I was not running with music, hoping that I would end up pacing with someone roughly my pace.

The High Line Canal is a fairly wide trail (packed dirt) that runs about 70 miles in south Denver. I had run a small section of this trail last summer with Hope, and remembered it being beautiful and very runnable.

Due to all the snow we have had, the trail was hardened from all the horses/people so it was very rutted. I was very glad to have my headlamp as it was not as smooth going as I remembered. About 3 miles in and I had to stop on the side of the road to pee. It was going to be a long day. My hands were very chilled and I was having trouble opening the valve on my pack.

The miles in the dark were a bit lonely, I ended up not latching on to anyone and I was trying to avoid twisting my ankle. The first tricky section is a detour, and I was glad I had a few people that I could barely seen in front of me, as I might have made a wrong turn. There were a few miles that we had to run on the shoulder of a semi-busy highway, although traffic was very light at dawn on Saturday morning. Around mile 10 I got back on to the trail. I finally decided to pop in some music since I was clearly in this alone.

One of my favorite pictures EVER

Once the sun came up, I was hoping it would warm up a bit. The forecast for the day was overcast with wind, with snow/rain starting early afternoon. My "A" goal was to get the 36 miles covered BEFORE the moisture hit, hopefully to be done in 7.5ish hours.

There are a LOT of trail systems in Denver, and most of them are pretty well marked. However, I came to an intersection where the trail seemed to go in various different directions. I had thought that almost the whole section was supposed to be unpaved, but didn't think too much of it when I came across a fairly long section that was paved. I began to worry when I got to a major street crossing and the only signage was for the C470 bike path. Feeling it was better to be safe than sorry, I texted my dad (an avid cyclist) to ask if the bike path and the High Line Canal were the same. He says, "no."

Shit. I made a wrong turn, but at this point, I'm all turned around and have no idea where to go. I have the freeway on one side of me, a bike path, and this all intersects with another major road, and I don't know where to go... Luckily my dad was able to get me back on track. After standing around for 6-7 minutes and going over 1.5 miles total out of my way... so my "36ish" miles were going to be more like 37.5. GREAT.

Can you see the storm clouds rolling in??

Somewhere around that point is when I lost my groove. It was windy, overcast and chilly. I still had not seen any of the roving aid, although I was slow to begin with, and my detour only added time so I can't say I was surprised.

My right ankle was a bit achy, I couldn't tell if it was just from the distance, or if I had slightly twisted it when I was running in the dark.

Honestly, I don't remember much about the run. I took a lot of walk breaks, I took pictures, I was texting a lot with L and Heather. Somewhere around 5 hours in, I finally saw aid! There was a box of goodies on a picnic table by the rec center and I grabbed a handful of cookies. Saved my life!!

I was regretting that I had decided to run so far. I was cold, tired, and not having the best time. At some point, I lost one of my gloves, and that was really not much fun either.

I don't know what's happening here. This was a good 15 feet up in the tree

Thanks to a timer app I downloaded I got a full body selfie!

I certainly didn't make my time "goal" - but lets be real. This was NOT a race, this was NOT timed, and I paid NOTHING for it.

I was never so happy when I saw the mile 35 marker and shortly after, the turn for the parking lot where my car was.

Miles 1- 10 (11:14, 11:14, 11:27, 13:04, 11:43, 12:24, 15:22, 12:41, 11:30, 11:35)
Miles 11-20 (11:21, 12:19, 11:23, 12:51, 13:01, 11:40, 12:03, 17:05, 16:18, 12:15)
Miles 21-30 (11:46, 13:07, 12:42, 13:59, 13:31, 13:09, 15:40, 13:14, 13:43, 15:16)
Miles 31-37.6 (14:09, 13:59, 14:08, 14:04, 13:56, 13:06, 13:03, 13:00)
Average Pace - 13:00

Thoughts

• I am really glad that I brought all my own stuff, as I never saw the roving aid at any of the promised locations. I know for sure there were at least 2 people behind me that I passed AFTER my detour. I think about 30 of us started the run, but it looks like the roving aid was catering to the faster runners. Which is fine, but just be aware that you should always carry enough of your own water/fuel JUST IN CASE. I had filled my pack almost completely full (70 oz) and still had about 15 oz left when I stopped. This might not have worked out so well if the day would have been warmer and/or sunnier. I had brought more gels than I even needed, I think I took 7 total. Other than the handful of cookies, I only grabbed a fun size package of M&M's from the one aid box on the course. 
• Related - I'm glad I didn't end up needing a ride back to the start for my car, because again, I didn't see anyone affiliated with the run and I had no cell phone numbers as contacts for the man running the aid station or the man who organized the run. Again, it is always MY responsibility to make sure I know what I'm doing (thankfully, I had my dad to fall back on to re-route me when I made a wrong turn). And also, I'm glad I got a ride to the start because I would have had to wait on my dad to get my car. No bueno.
• Other than the lost glove and cold ears in the dark hours, my outfit worked out perfectly. I have not run in the windbreaker before, but with 20-30 gusts and temps in the low 30s, the jacket paired with only a tech tee was perfect. I was never cold, and the zippered pockets were perfect for holding my trash. If only I had put my gloves in my pockets while I was eating, I might not have lost a glove :(
• I probably was not in shape to be running this type of distance, but I got it done. Pretty proud of myself for sticking this out, definitely my training run ever. My maybe 15-20 miles became a 50k that was actually 36 miles, but after a detour, I really ran a 60k. 
• I got what I paid for. I could have done this with no support, but I wouldn't have. I would have liked to have met up with someone else and run at least some miles with someone else, but it didn't work out that way. The man who has organized all the metro area Fat Ass runs is starting a new running series - going head to head with Leadville. If you would like to read more about the series and possibly donate to the cause, the link is here.

Week in Review

This will be brief. I am super annoyed with myself. There are two main reasons why I wanted a running coach.

1. Someone to remind me that I do NOT need to run every single race. I know that too much racing is having an adverse effect on my racing/running. I KNOW THAT. But I still have race envy. Ultimately, this means that some races are likely going to get cut from my "maybe" list. Including Disney Wine & Dine and Big Sur. (Sad face).

2. Someone to tell me what to do. I normally do NOT like having a strict schedule, but I really did pretty well when I stuck to RLRF and my 100 mile training plan for Moab. Suffering from burn out SUCKS.

What does this have to do with my last week? Well... I know I have just come off two very high mileage weeks - what with 2 marathons and 2 half marathons. I have been fatigued. I only had a few runs on schedule this week, and they were supposed to be "easy" and they were NOT. I know that when I get into the groove of a real schedule things will improve. I'm just impatient. Anyway.

On a side note, my Leadville marathon pictures are ready. And they are AWESOME. For real.

The entire set of pictures is awesome. In every one I am smiling and I look like I'm having a great time. I just need to remember sometimes that not every run is great, but there is always greatness around the corner.

Happy Friday!

ETA - I hope this doesn't sound like I'm not happy to have a coach. I am. Transitions are just hard, especially when I'm having a "bad" week with running. I'm super happy to have a coach that is willing to train me and hopefully "reign in my crazy."

June Rewind

Miles Run - 143.24
Races Run - 5 (1 half marathons, 1 14.5 miler, 2 marathons, 1 27.5 "marathon")
PR's Set - I guess zero. Although I did run two distances that I haven't run before (27.5 miles and 14.5 miles) - Is it cheating to count those as PR's?
Minutes of Plank - 8. Yes. 8. I have totally fallen off the wagon doing these. First it was because I was in Peru and I was distracted and busy, etc. Then I had the Peruvian jungle plague and I didn't feel like it. Then I just got lazy. Sigh.

So June was pretty intense. I did a LOT of crazy stuff, most of it at over 10,000 feet. VERY humbling to realize that I am NOT immune to altitude. I also ran my first marathon/half marathon weekend. (I have done a half first, then a full, but not the other way around). I got to run a marathon with my BFF in Seattle, and that was the most fun ever - well, until the monsoon.

Also, June has brought into my life... a running coach! I have just started getting some training plans and paces set up. I am super excited to see how this goes. I sort of like being a sheep and just having someone else tell me what to do. Hopefully this will help me NOT run all the races and maybe I will see some improvement in my running. He is also an ultra runner who has completed 100 miles and will help me train for my next one!

Eating/Weight still not under control. I have fixed this problem by not getting on a scale. Temporary solution, I guess.

How was the first half of 2012 for you?

Three (plus one) Things Thursday (in order of excitement level)

1. Sorta Excited - I'm running the Leadville Marathon on Saturday. I'll use that term "running" loosely, because it is yet ANOTHER race at altitude and essentially up a damn mountain. For your viewing pleasure - the elevation profile:

Part two... I'm also running the Copper Mountain 1/2 on Sunday. Did you notice that the title ALSO has mountain in it? I'm likely going to die.

I swear, I must be a sadist. Anyway, so there's that.

2. PRETTY DANG EXCITED - I got a running coach!!! HURRAH! I keep thinking that if I just had someone to tell me what to do, how, and when, then maybe I would be a stronger runner. So I took the plunge and have recruited Duane to help me in training for my NEXT 100 MILE ATTEMPT. What better type of coach than one who has successfully completed a 100 mile race. I've just started receiving information, and I have good news and bad news...

• Duane did NOT freak out about my race schedule. (Shock!!!)
• Duane DID, however stress ONE race that I should eliminate from my schedule... Sorry Kim and Lisa, looks like Utah is going to be a no-go for me. (My major running problem is #runalltheraces - and if this one needs to go so I can bring my "A" game to my next 100, so be it *sniff sniff*)
• I will have 2 cross training days and at least 1 rest day, depending on the week, I'll have 2. I think that sounds AWESOME.

3. MOFO EXCITED - I have selected my next 100 mile race. I have 10.5 months to get into TOP form and COMPLETE a 100 mile race. I am super duper excited that Duane was able to help me find the perfect race, the Born to Run 100 miler:

• It falls ON my birthday. I am pretty sure that is a sign right there.
• There are NO cutoffs on the course - I just have to finish in 30 hours.
• The course is a loop course - 20 miles, with aid stations approx. every 3 miles. I LOVE THAT.
• I may have recruited a couple pacers already. I will NOT make the same mistake I did at Moab, where I ran ALONE.
• The course is tough... 2500' gain PER LOOP, but it is "runnable" and 100% trail. I like that better than slickrock and sand.
• The finisher rate is higher than Moab. Two women finished last year (out of four) - I like those odds a bit better - especially if I am properly trained.

4. CANNOT CONTAIN MYSELF EXCITED!!!! - ARIEL WILL BE HOME IN TEN DAYS. TEN DAYS. TEN DAYS. I miss having her around, I sort of "forget" how much we do together until she isn't here. I hope I can squeeze in a weekend of camping when she gets back.

Post Race Blues

I have spent the last four months doing a rigorous training schedule, all in the name of COMPLETING a 100 mile race. Well. I finished the training, but did NOT finish the race.

NOW WHAT???

Yes, I have a lot of races scheduled, but mostly they are "just" half marathons. Now don't get me wrong. A half marathon is my favorite distance, I enjoy running them. But I know I can run one. I will likely not PR, or even come close, but I feel comfortable with the distance. I don't get pre-race jitters when I run them anymore. After 57 of them, the "thrill" is gone. (Although I am really looking forward to my travelling races - especially Seattle and... yep, WEST VIRGINIA!!) But maybe that is the problem. I am aching to be aiming for something more.

My schedule is pretty full through... well, the rest of the year. I probably can't add anything in. I already foresee my training going into a funk because I have nothing really to look forward to.

With that said, I think I am going to join the Tuesday night run club at the Boulder Lululemon store. It's only a 40-45 minute run every week, but maybe getting my butt off the treadmill will help.

I'll stop whining now.

(Mostly) Wordless Wednesday

And THIS is what a completed training plan looks like:

All I have to do now is rest. The next time I put on my running shoes, I'll be at the start line of the Moab 100. I'm as ready as I'll ever be.

THANK YOU to all those that have supported me and taken the time to send some encouragement my way.

See you on the other side!

Ultra Ridiculous!

Be prepared to hear about practically nothing but the Moab 100 until... probably April. It has taken over my life! I thought I would share an update of my training. When I first registered, I got a training plan from my hero, Fast Cory, and posted it here. This is what it looks like with almost all the runs completed (all that is left are the days in black):

Interestingly, I am one week into taper, and obviously running WAY less. I am down three pounds to the lowest weight of my entire training cycle. I am actually really enjoying my taper! I can sleep in until 8 am every day!

What Was I Thinking? (And a Winner!)

So remember that one time that I signed up to run a 100 mile race? And remember that I posted a super awesome training plan? And remember that towards the end, I was going to have to do some CRAZY LONG RUNS?? Well. This week was MADNESS.

Sunday - Austin Marathon
Monday - No run (I moved it out one day)
Tuesday - 6 miles
Wednesday - 6 miles
Thursday - 24 miles
Friday - 30 miles

I. RAN.  ALL. THAT. All those miles. Everything but the Austin marathon was done on a treadmill. That's a LOT of iTunes. Anyway, I am super proud of myself for completing all that running. Next week is actually my PEAK mileage week. And then... taper. I'm back to 20ish mile weeks. I don't even know what to do with that. My lowest mileage week was about three months ago, at 40. MIND BLOWING.

Anyway... a winner!

And the winner is... Abbi, from Higher Miles! Shoot me an email with your address and I'll mail out the YMX shirt asap! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Terrifed.

Seriously, terrified.

Today I started week 12 of my 18 week ultra marathon training program. Training to run 100 miles. I have reached the stage where I am having my doubts. I am starting to freak out. I remember being afraid for my first marathon. My first 50k. And DEFINITELY for my first 50 miler. But this just seems insane. Can I do it? What if I can't? What if I fail? What if I completely fall apart? What if I get sick? What if I get injured? What if I run xx miles and then get pulled for being to slow and DNF? What if I am too afraid to even start?

I'm sure this is all normal. But the closer the date gets, the more apprehensive I get. I have virtually NO support going into this. While I train alone, I don't know if I can get through 100 miles alone.

How do you approach things that TERRIFY you? I need some inspiration!!

Five-ish Things Friday

• I ran 19 miles yesterday.
• I ran 24 miles today.
• I WON SOMETHING ON TWITTER!!! Cannot wait until it comes!!!

• I got an unexpected bonus at work! CASH!!!
• I have eaten ALL THE THINGS the last few days. Luckily, thanks to crazy ultra marathon training, I have not gained any (substantial) weight. Tiger Butter? Peppermint Bark? M&M's??? I have NO WILLPOWER :(  :(
• It snowed again. I really really really really don't like snow. That is all.

Four Random Friday Thoughts

1. I ran 22 miles on the treadmill this morning. That means I was up at 3:30 in the morning and running at the gym by 3:55. That is four Fridays in a row. I think that proves I am pretty damn dedicated to my new crazy ultra training schedule. I'm freaking out a bit for next week... I have a 19 miler one day with a 24 miler the day after. Eek.

2. If you missed it, I am OFFICIALLY REGISTERED for the Moab 100. **swoon**

3. My hotel is booked for the New Years Double! I got a ridiculously cheap rate, $81 for 2 nights! Some of my relatives are thinking of joining me in Allen. AND, I got free tickets to "The Spirit of the Marathon." Super. Psyched.

4. A had her first ballet recital tonight.

Wordless Wednesday

Five Things Friday - Short and Sweet

1. Unimpressive Customer Service - Runningskirts

My sister placed her Black Friday order two days after mine and had it last Saturday. It took TWO days of calling, emailing, posting on Twitter and Facebook to get a response from someone. I was informed my orders shipped (yesterday), even though I had confirmations that they shipped last week. Not impressed.

2. Impressive Customer Service - Athleta

I purchased some winter running gear on Black Friday. One of the items I received was sent in the wrong color. Even at 8 pm I was able to get someone on the phone who was able to help me out. After posting on Twitter I even received a personal message apologizing for the error and asking if I still needed help. Awesome.

3. Ultra Training - Success!

Monday - Speedwork (6.46 total miles, fastest 400 @ 1:42)
Wednesday - Easy-ish (4.4 miles)
Thursday - Easy-ish (10.02 miles)
Friday - Mostly easy-ish (24 miles)

Total running miles for the week - just under 45 miles!

In celebration of an awesome week, this is the shirt I'm wearing today

4. Three races registered for this week:

Austin Marathon (yes, the full)
Platte River Half Marathon (local race, did it this year too)
Pittsburgh Half Marathon (Will be excited to see the other B run her first FULL marathon!)

5. Plane tickets obtained to Peru for a STEAL - Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Marathon is definitely happening!!!

Black Friday - Ultra Training Style

Most people that were up around 3:15 in the morning on Black Friday were out shopping. Me? I was on the treadmill in my basement, getting in the first long run of my new training program. So how far did I have to run?

Did you know that I watched Gone With the Wind all the way through and it STILL didn't last my entire run? That's a LONG time on the treadmill. How did it go?

Basement Treadmill = INFERNO. Never been so hot and sweaty in my life. Had to change clothes halfway through my workout. Went through three towels, 1 32 oz powerade zero (orange), 1 GU (plain, nearing expiration date), 1 pack chomps, 1 pack Honey Stinger chews, 1 small Luna bar (white chocolate macadamia), 2 17 oz bottles of water and a 12 oz diet wild cherry Pepsi.

Goal - 20 miles @ MP+30 (10:54) 

Actual - 24.08 miles @ 10:51

There were some stops in there - bathroom, clothes change, dumping water on my head, feeding A, letting the dog out...

The nice thing was that I finished early and A and I were able to go out and do a little shopping at a reasonable hour. By the time we went out all the crowds were pretty much gone, and everything I had hoped to pick up was still available.