I changed my mind about the name of the Over-the-Counter Triathlon Experiment. To me, “experiment” conjures up images of the Scientific Method, Hypotheses, Theories, Results, Conclusions, etc. In seventh grade, I did a science “experiment” on which laundry detergent did a better job of cleaning a white cloth stained with coffee. Since I used bleach for one of the detergents (not technically a detergent), my science teacher downgraded me.
What’s the point of this story? Not much, except to say that I would rather call it the Over-the-Counter Triathlon Project. You see, “projects” in my mind are much simpler and don’t require any scientific method. Projects don’t break Rule 2 below, but they can still be great. I had a friend in elementary school who did his fourth grade science project on the Pythagorean Theorem. From what I remember, it was just an explanation of Pythagoras and his theorem. Granted it was way over my head in fourth grade, but its simplicity is what made it great. By the way, that same friend now has a Master’s Degree in finite mathematics from the University of Chicago and is just starting his Ph.D. program at George Washington University. The moral of the story is that projects work.
Now that we have that cleared up, without further ado, what is the Over-the-Counter Triathlon Project? Well, inspired by my chocolate milk Ironman Attorney post, I decided to figure out whether I can do better in a specific race based upon triathlon training with “over-the-counter” items rather than the fancy-schmancy expensive stuff that you can find at the specialty stores. For example, in this week’s long run, instead of using a carbohydrate gel (historically, I’ve used Clif Shots), I grabbed a few of my nephew’s Finding Nemo fruit chews and used them. The result? A “quick” 14-miler without any struggle. Note: triathletes really aren’t quick. We don’t spend time developing fast twitch muscle fibers. Devin Hester is quick. So “quick” is a relative term.
Okay, so what are the rules of the Over-the-Counter Triathlon Project?
Rule 1: Talk about the Over-the-Counter Triathlon Project. The opposite of the Fight Club rule.
Rule 2: The Over-the-Counter Triathlon Project is NOT Scientific. See above. If I wanted scientific studies, I would just read all about the fancy-schmancy products. I want to see for myself whether what they claim is actually accurate.
Rule 3: Year 1 – Only Over-the-Counter Triathlon Nutrition Products. Anything you can buy in your typical grocery story or supermarket. Year 2 – Fancy-Schmancy products.
Rule 4: No Performance Enhancing Drugs. I have no idea what a performance enhancing drug does, except that it probably enhances performance. I also have no idea where to get a performance enhancing drug. But, I’ve always wanted to have this rule apply to me, so I can feel like a professional athlete.
Rule 5: Have Fun! The most important rule.
So what’s the point? Actually, there are three points. First, I’m going to build in a fundraising aspect of the Project. Since I just came up with the idea this week, I’m still figuring out what this is going to be, but it will be there. Second, this site and this Project are about you, my readers, not about me. So I want to provide you interesting information and this is one part of that. Third, triathlon helps provide balance in my life which, in turn, makes me a better husband and father. Remember, my ultimate goal.
So that’s it. I’m working on a frequently asked questions page, and will post it when it’s ready. For now, just know that the target race is Eagleman 2011 for the first year and Eagleman 2012 for the second year.
