Dreaming of Hercules

The Hammer HEED and Hammer Gel I ordered online have arrived at the local REI. That gave me the ingenious idea of combining my triathlon training with the trip to the store. The more I thought about it, the more sense it made. “On the way back, I can head over to Tortoise and Hare (a local store specializing in running gear) to get a pair of Yankz sure lace for the triathlon this Sunday. Then I can go for a run with the new lace system, my new fuel belt, and my newly replaced Garmin Forerunner!” I thought, blinded by my desire for expediency.

I forgot how hot it was out there.

It was over 90F and sunny in Ann Arbor today. Admittedly, it could be a lot worse; but I have gotten pampered by the mild summer days in my last four years in Michigan, and the temperature today, by Michigan standards, is record-setting.

The energy level that I had when planning the trip has dissipated as I stood in the simmering hot sun. My water bottle is dripping with sweat, and soon enough, I would be too.

The ride is very sluggish. There was way too much traffic. I ended up having to ride on the sidewalks in an effort to appease the vibes of aggressions coming from the vehicles behind me.

Gladly, there was no hassle getting my order at REI. In minutes I was on my bike again, heading toward the next destination – Tortoise and Hare.

This time things did not work out well. I got caught in traffic and failed to make a right turn onto the route I planned. No problem, I thought, I’m just taking a short detour. I forgot, however, that streets in the downtown area are closed off for the Ann Arbor Art Fair. A bit disgruntled and embarrassed, I ended up going straight home.

Even worse, my Garmin did not cooperate today. Maybe it was the heat, the display was exceptionally jumpy and the controls are irresponsive. There is a delay of over two seconds from when I pressed a button to when the machine acknowledged the command. Disappointing and frustrating. It is a new Garmin, for goodness sake!

My room did not provide any comfort when it comes to easing the heat. Before the eco-minded person that I am, I do not have air conditioning. (Truth it, I do not want to spend the money.) Switching into my running attire, with the new addition of the fuel belt, I headed out and ran toward Tortoise and Hare. I was determined to get the Yankz sure lace today.

Without much hardship, I stepped into the delightfully air-conditioned Tortoise and Hare running gear shop. I asked for a set of Yankz and spent sometimes strapping the laces in. They are tighter than the no-name flimsy speed laces that I am using right now, and with the 20% discount offered, they seemed like a good investment. Maybe what is more of value is that I gained some expert knowledge on choosing the right kind of running shoes. Recently my right foot was hurting in the metatarsal region. I originally thought it was because the speed laces I was using did not tie down the front portion of my running shoes, hence leaving too much room for the front portion of my feet to bounce, which let to them absorbing most of the shock. After consulting a store staff, it appeared that my running shoes are too arched and flexible for my flat feet. Good point, I will get new shoes.

The trip ended well. At this rate, maybe I will have wonderfully sweet dreams tonight.

Thursday, July 17, 2008