Aaron's Crazy Race

AARON'S LAST-MINUTE RACE ENTRY
Day 9 -- Still No Progress In Sight

Days like today I call "Maintenance Days." In prior years, that would mean working out enough to "maintain" my condition in terms of weight, muscle tone, and endurance. Now, to me, a "maintenance day" meant I didn't gain more than three extra pounds. Exercise wasn't even in the equation any more. I started the day getting Holly ready for school and then, after taking her there, spending almost an hour and a half with her principal and home-room teacher, Pat Baker, talking about what lay ahead for Holly in 6th Grade at a new school. Pat was particularly helpful in detailing the special challenges Holly might face as well as suggesting strategies for heading them off before problems developed. Pat was reason enough for anyone to send their child to Bixby School from Preschool through 5th Grade. She was extraordinary in her expertise, experience, powers of observation, and understanding of every child in the school.

Afterwards, I had to focus on getting my last guest for the TV show taping. I was hoping to find time to exercise but I still was tired and sore from last night's run so I elected to take the day off. That was an easy decision! It's nice to say to yourself, "Hey, you hardworking fellow, why don't you take the day off from exercising?" and then respond affirmatively to your own question. (OK, it is a bit spooky when one has conversations with oneself but at least you know you're having an intelligent or at least intelligible conversation!)

I ended up getting in touch with Mark Bliessner, who managed a rock group called "Big Head Todd & The Monsters" (www.BigHeadTodd.com). A Colorado band, they happened to be in the area working on some songs and, after some negotiation, Todd Park Mohr agreed to be on the show. That meant I had all three guests confirmed for next Monday. That was a relief because our next round of guest selections did not include anyone as interesting at BHTM.

In particular, it was exciting to have Todd because it was our first foray into expanding the TV show into the entertainment arena. BHTM currently was the biggest group based in Colorado (although I certainly was impressed with the String Cheese Incident and Leftover Salmon, among others) and Todd didn't do many promotional appearances. The band was about to play at Red Rocks on June 4th so Todd was willing to join me as long as the program was broadcast right away. I checked with the TV station to guarantee that would happen. My show staff members were excited about his appearance.

With all the party planning for Sunday's event as well as the usual workload, I found myself eating leftovers all day long. I downed a carton of curried quinoa with raisins and almonds mixed with a pound of shrimp and enjoyed every bite -- even though I wasn't proud of myself for all the other food I ate that day. I assured myself that tomorrow would be different.

Note: To enter in the Bolder Boulder and run with Aaron, go to www.BolderBoulder.com.

NEXT: Day 10 -- A Great Day With A Diet-Busting Caloric Grand Finale

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