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Chicken, Broccoli and Candy Bars
Did you ever see that scene from the "I Love Lucy" series when Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel are stranded in a cabin during an avalanche and Lucy has the only food, a part of a cheese sandwich? Lucy tries to eat her sandwich without making any noise, because any slight sound will get the attention of the others. Well, that's how I felt most of Saturday.
You see, I was asked by Jim Tyler to videotape the "Battle in the Burgh" on Saturday. It was the bodybuilding and fitness show held at the former Seton Catholic building, or, for us old-timers, at the former Mount Assumption Institute.
Anyway, part of my usual preparation for any videotaping job that will keep me away from the refrigerator for hours includes stuffing my pockets with "goodies," such as hard candy, chewy candy, beef jerky bits, and even a cheese sandwich. As I entered the competition area, it was obvious to me right away that I was going to stick out like a bear at a picnic.
All these muscular competitors had been dieting for months, following a strict regiment of protein foods, keeping journals on calories, carbs and protein intake. They'd spent countless hours pumping, posing, flexing, oiling and shaping. They'd sacrificed, worked out and eaten more chicken and broccoli in the last four months than I had in my lifetime. And there I stood with my pockets stuffed with candy bars.
An hour into the competition I started thinking of those creme savers and sweet tarts in my pockets. Oh so quietly, I went to work, trying to unwrap a few without catching anyone's attention. I have to admit I felt plenty guilty reaching for a Baby Ruth, knowing all the sacrifices these men and women had made to enable them to stand on that stage and flex.
By the end of the show, after about six hours of videotaping, my pockets were almost empty, and I was thinking of pizza or, at least, those new salt-and-pepper potato chips I've discovered. One of the competitors, a longtime acquaintance, passed by me on the way out and asked, "Are we going to see you on stage next year, Foxy?"
A seed had been planted. Just think, Foxy up on stage, head shaved, tanned and oiled. His waist ten inches less and his shoulders rippling. Foxy showing his biceps, triceps and quads to an enthusiastic audience. Frankly, I never knew that biceps and triceps and quads were supposed to look like that!
Yes, Foxy on stage wearing those tight little shorts and --- "Nah, I don't think so," I told him. "I like chicken, but it's all that broccoli I'd have a problem with."
In truth, I left with a new-found admiration for the men and women who dedicate themselves to bodybuilding and fitness. It becomes a passion and takes so much willpower, determination and sacrifice. Congratutions to all the competitors for putting on a great show. Congratulations to Jim Tyler for offering the community such a well-organized event. And my sincere thoughts have nothing to do with the great chocolate-covered brownies that were sold at the Bake Sale in the lobby!
Comments
Foxy,
I know this is unrelated, but I just saw in today's press that Dan Hoffman from PSU has a chance to tie the great Paul Dingman for career wins. The only man I know that can throw a ball through a car wash and not get it wet. Possibly a future blog topic or even better: Fox on the Run with " The Dinger".
(Foxy's note: Hey, great idea, Jim. I'll give him a call today!)
Posted by: Jim Manchester | May 9, 2006 9:26 AM
G'day Foxy!
This is what happens when we reach "39" and think staying this age is just fine.
I can remember years past when I didn't meet the weight limit of 110 lbs for donating blood. Alas, I've learned at 39+ no matter what I do, those extra pounds are there, for I yield to the temptation of casino buffets and my favorite health foods - seafood with drawn butter and chocolate. 110 lbs is but a memory.
I look back at the times, when all the children and cats were there. I could find none of them when I needed help with something. Yet, try to unwrap a hidden candy bar, no one around: poof, they all appeared and I, of course, shared my caché.
I, too, admire "people of fitness". One thing I've learned is life is too short and too dear not to enjoy the occasional hot fudge sundae and food court dessert bar.
I do like broccoli - but, it's just one more thing to get through until the chocolate pie with whipped cream!
Foxy, please give my best to all my friends "down east".
Lynda
Posted by: Lynda (Bouyea) Bevins | May 8, 2006 2:19 PM