Taking Schmeis35for35 to Asia

When I decided to embark on this year-long journey in December, one of the things I counted on was getting ample training.  As most of you know, I work full time from home which comes with a variety of challenges but also the huge benefit of flexibility to make sure I can fit in solid workouts.  With a commute time of about 16 seconds to get from my bedroom to the office, I really don’t have an excuse to miss any training sessions.  These next 2 weeks are going to be killer though as I’m headed to Asia and traveling really makes it difficult to stay on track.

For those who are curious, I’m headed to Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, and Tokyo over the next 14 days.  It’s going to be a fantastic trip and one that I’ve been looking forward to for awhile.  American Express has call centers in all 3 places and I’ll be visiting each for a variety of reasons.  This will be my 3^rd trip to Asia in the last 5 years with previous trips to The Philippines and China. 

As a quick aside, my China trip was phenomenal.  I felt like a giant in Shanghai and Beijing and had multiple people stop me to get my picture.  I also had one family come up to me at a restaurant, stare at me for a good 30 seconds in silence, and then motion for their ~6 year old son to approach me.  His words to me?  “Hello, I am a boy.”

Now that was funny.  I told him that was great to know.  I liked that he was short and to the point.  Too bad the chick I’m stuck sitting next to on my flight can’t use the same short and to the point approach when she speaks.

If you haven’t figured it out, I’m sitting on the plane as I type this.  I haven’t flown business class for awhile but American is now handing out Samsung Galaxy Tablets to everyone preloaded with movies, TV, etc…not too bad.  My plan was to immediately put on head phones to somehow avoid the inevitable dreadful conversation with the person next to me but, of course, the chick didn’t take the hint.  My next strategy was to answer every one of her rambling questions with at most 2 words (preferably only 1 where possible) but this didn’t seem to faze her either.   

Now, I know a lot of people jokingly say they hate talking to people on planes, but I really mean it.  I should be President of the freaking PAPWWSTFU (Passengers Against Passengers Who Won’t Shut The F Up).  I really can’t stand it…and yes, I would absolutely rather stare at the seat in front of me and do nothing in case you were wondering.

In addition to firing unlimited random statements and questions at me at lightning speed, this woman has also somehow managed to lose her magazine, her pillow, and her head phones in the first 45 min of the flight and she keeps looking at me as if I were someone who cared…hilarious.  Apparently she doesn’t realize I hate people. 

Anyway, unbelievably, I only have one connection between Raleigh and Kuala Lumpur.  I’m on a direct flight to London now and then it’s on to KL from there.  Even though I booked my own travel, I somehow managed to schedule my departure time directly overlapping with some of the best sporting events of the year.  Purdue (where I grew up and went to college) is playing Indiana (easily our biggest rival), Michigan State is playing Ohio State for the Big Ten title, the Lakers are playing the Heat right after D-Wade broke Kobe’s nose in the all-star game, and Tiger just shot a 62 to come roaring back with a chance to win at the Honda Classic on the PGA tour.  Each of those sporting events is either just starting or getting ready to end and I’m missing them all.  Kill me.   

Also, how can so many planes still not have WiFi in 2012?  American, a quick FYI if you’re listening:  I’m pretty sure nobody actually uses a scolding hot towel to wipe their hands before they eat but Billions use the internet every day.  I’m just saying…thanks again for the hot towel.

All things considered, my flight actually isn’t that bad.  At least I’ve got a few brews and some movies that can make me forget about the games.  By the way, is it frowned upon to do shots by myself on the plane?  Calm down…that was a joke…I’m much classier than that.  I’ll stick to chugging beers for today.  Hey, don’t judge me.  You’ve seen my list and chugging beer is in my goals!  What’s a guy supposed to do to get better?

Since I’m bored, I may as well tell you some of the things I packed for the trip related to Schmeis35for35.  I’ve got my swimming goggles, Triathlon shorts, workout watch, heartrate monitor, running shoes, regular tennis shoes, and 10 different workout short/shirt combos.  In other words, I’m finding a way to continue my workout madness in Asia…guaranteed.  Sure, there are going to be some impediments, but that’s life. 

13 hour time difference?  No problem.  95 degrees with heavy rain every afternoon in Kuala Lumpur?  Piece of cake.  Packed work schedule?  I’ll figure it out.  Work dinners and drinks?  Of course they’ll get in the way, but I don’t have time for excuses. 

I’m exactly 2 months from my first half Ironman at White Lake and the calendar doesn’t lie (assuming it’s not Mayan).  In case the other 43 times I told you the half Ironman distance wasn’t enough, I’ll remind you that it is a 1.2 mile open water swim, 56 mile bike ride, and then 13.1 mile run.  I’m pretty sure that adds up to about the same distance as my flight to Kuala Lumpur.

Anyway, if I can’t get workouts in while I’m in Asia I’m essentially giving away 2 of my last 8 weeks of training before the race.  Even with perfect workouts, the half ironman is going to be impossible so missing 2 weeks right now doesn’t seem like a good strategy. 

So, where am I going to find the time?  Who knows, but I know I’ll find it.  That’s what winners do, bro.  See you back in the states in 2 weeks.

BUSY NOTEPADS,

Schmeis