I saw an Amphipod belt at REI that says it can be customized. I'm thinking I'll buy it and then see how much the included pouches can hold, then order another pouch if I need to.

I did go out for the first time last week, went partway around the lake and it was sunset, so I turned around and headed back. It was a bit over 4 miles total, but I knew there was a risk of it getting too dark before I made it back because I didn't get out until past 7:30p (I was originally hoping to go all the way around, but changed my mind).

Here's what I found:
1. My day pack definitely flops around too much, as expected. In fact, the larger pocket unzipped I think from the vibrations and such. But I'll soon order the Amphipod. Also, carrying a pack that isn't even very heavy slows me down and makes it more difficult.
2. The trail running shoes I ordered on clearance (so not returnable) online are a bit too big. For years I had an aversion to buying shoes online because sizes were always different in stores. Then, in the past few years, I've only bought 1 pair of shoes/boots that was a different size... and that sometimes feels a bit small. So I figured shoe makers had standardized sizes now. I guess not. Anyway, I'm going to try thicker socks and tying them a bit differently so they don't slip off.
3. There really are not dangerous animals here, but I scared up a lot of rabbits and a few deer. One of the deer was probably 15 ft. away when we saw each other and it ran off. I'm not terribly concerned about surprising deer, but that increases my worry about surprising more dangerous animals when in other areas of the country.
4. Two days later, a coworker noticed a tick on my shirt (not attached). Ticks seem to be bad this year, and I wonder if this one hung out in my car or something for the days in between. Ugh. I need some serious bug spray for ticks.