"What the hell is that crap you're drinking?!"

That was a question my dad was asking me before one of my earlier races - it was like '82 or some crazy year like that. Heck, it was a different century!

My dad took me to races quite often - and I will always be appreciative of that fact. Although, I think it took me some time to realize how lucky I was to have a parent who was so actively involved in such an unusual sport(at least at that time).

This one race we went to - my dad and I - I decided that it was time to Guinea Pig a new idea I had read about in some health magazine a few days prior. What the article stated was that Alka Seltzer would help neutralize the lactic acid accumulation in your legs - but you had to take it right before the start of your race. Yep, you heard it right - Alka Seltzer.....just before your start....we're talking like 30 seconds before the gun goes off.

Here I am, chugging down a full glass of Alka Seltzer just before stepping on to the start line for this race. I was still trying to explain it to my dad as I was trying to get lined up. He just didn't get it - and for good reason. In short, swallowing Alka Seltzer 30 seconds before your race is NOT a good idea - don't do it! Learn from the GP. It's, to say the least, gross!!! Imagine burping that crap up during barf intervals - not a fun thing.

Ah, the good old days. Thanks for trying to talk me out of it Pop - but, I was just too hard-headed to listen.

Done learnt it tha hard waaay.