There is a strong possibility that I am a masochist after all. Witness the following series of emails between me and my prospective doubles partner in the marathon (his are indented):
Any decision on the double in the Natchitoches marathon?
What with working on an instrument flight rating and getting ready to cox at the Head of the Charles, I need to know how much of a slacker I can be on my rowing :-) Also, Rudder's planning his annual ergathon Sept 26 (it was the 25th but I asked him to change it because of Yom Kippur) so I have to decide if I should actually do it this year or if I should just be the designated movie changer.
Sorry but I won't really have time to train which wouldn't be fair to you. Plus I have only been in a double a couple of times, so I probably wouldn't make a very good partner. Why not row a single?
Because I'm not a complete masochist! Actually, if I were all that worried about training I'd have found someone to train with, like Rudder and She-Hulk. I just need to do a little training on distance because I am NOT naturally a high-endurance person. I want to do the race in a double because (a little known fact) doubles are less effort to row than singles, not to mention faster, and I asked you because I wanted to do it at a leisurely pace rather than with someone who'd want to do it at a race pace.
So maybe we should try rowing together and see how it feels. Though if you want to stick with the single just to see if you can beat your previous time, or if you just flat prefer rowing a single I understand. Either way, I'll be there, whether I row or spectate.
Dam, you are far too logical, what you say makes a lot of sense in spite of my creeping feelings of old age onset machoism. I am presently planning on doing an open water race on October 3rd, so I will plan on getting together with you after that weekend and we will take the double for a test drive. For a change it will be great to share the public humiliation.
I keep telling people what someone told me an older woman runner says about coming in last in every 10K she enters, "But I'm miles ahead of the ones who stayed on the couch!"
Right, It still sucks!!! Oh yeah you are in charge of determining crew uniforms and all travel accessories and lining up corporate sponsors and working with the media.
I think crew uniforms translate to "comfort first". And come to think of it I may not want to wear a uni because I'll warn you, I cannot go 5 hours without a bathroom (or bush) break.
I think we should be sponsored by Energizer..."still going, and going, and going..."
What a Sissy, I only stopped 3 times last year. I know all the key bushes and overhanging trees. I'm thinking like running shorts which I usually row in. I need to buy a new pair anyway. The beauty of the double is you can take several changes of clothes and a barbecue.
Oh, I think a barbeque is way too heavy. But we've got a good camp stove....
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So yes, I just talked myself into several hours of pain and suffering I could easily have avoided, not to mention the chance to slack off this fall. But at least he'll keep me entertained during the marathon.