Curse you and die, Mike!

I have never been more sore in all my life. And that is saying something because I've done plenty of rigorous athletic activity off the bench will little or no training. But I'm am absolutely fried and that is after maintaining a respectable run/bike regimen.

This guy Mike, who I thought was my friend, had me come over do a CrossFit workout on Tuesday. Like I said, I thought we were friends but he proceeded to take me through 17 minutes of hell (he busted it out in 13). It consisted of 5 sets of 21 thrusters (a squat and shoulder lift combined) and 21 double under jump roping. The name of the game in CrossFit is speed. Everyone does the same workout. I couldn't believe the workout I got in 17 minutes but I believe it now! I'm not a puker but I was seriously feeling the urges. I thought the mascot was over the top but 'Pukie' (pictured above) is the perfect symbol of this workout ideology.

I'm 48 hours removed and I'm limping around the house scrambling for the Icy Hot and begging my wife for a massage. He made me a believer. CrossFit is the best bang for your workout I've ever come across.

You've gotta be kidding me!

Take a good look at this kid. Doesn't this shot remind you of your 7th grade track meet? Kid looks like he couldn't beat his way out of a wet paper bag (as my dad used to say). Guess again. His name is Alistair Brownlee from Leeds, GBR and he's 21 years old.

That smile on his face? That would be because he just finished the 10k in the 2009 ITU World Championship Series in Madrid Spain in 30:30 mins with a total time of 1:51:27.

That is just wrong.

Two great options. I'm torn

I am wrapping up my master's degree in two weeks. I will have a paycheck and a bit more time on my hands (I hope). I have two options for an end-of-summer event. I seriously need some help with this one:

Option 1: The Heart of America Marathon in Columbia, MO on Labor Day. A small race, small entry fee and nice venue. I've never ran a marathon and really want to.

Option 2: This one is way more work, way more money but way more rewarding. It is the Pelotonia Bike Tour for Cancer Research in Columbus, OH at the end of August. Lance is riding. It would be 100 or 180 miles and I would have to raise between $1500 and $2000 dollars. I hate fundraisng. But it is a great cause and... did I mention Lance was riding? Judas!

I just can't decide. I think I might regret biting off more than I can chew with the Pelotonia with starting a new job but it is definitely the more epic of the two options. My sweet wife says she'll support either one and that makes it even harder. Usually she is in integral part of these kinds of decisions.