16 Hours, 15,000 calories

On Saturday, these two brave athleats challenged one another to consume 15,000 calories in one day. Inspired by the daily caloric intake of athletes like Michael Phelps and Tony Mandarich and feeling like the Apollo 11 astronauts were getting way too much press, Jer and Vojik embarked on a journey of gastronomic proportions. Since my digital cameras are dead all photos are, appropriately, old school shots taken with my Holga. Above, Jer and Vojik before the feeding began.

The day began with a weigh-in. Results: both men equally matched at 160 pounds.



Fortunately, Nurse Jamie was on hand to take blood pressure and ensure the athleats didn't eat their way into an early grave. Below is Vojik eating Carl's Jr. hashbrown nuggets while getting his BP checked.

Then the eating began. Here is a typical Vojik shot: note vacant eyes and bloated cheeks.


Most of the day involved the rest of us hanging out on Vojik's lawn and heading down to the cliffs to watch the surf. I was coaching Vojik, which consisted mostly of encouragement and counting calories.

Below, Jer's eating contest coach, Nate, and Vojik's neighbor.


Gnugnu, conjuring something.


New Lisa, watching Gnugnu conjure something.

Eating contest judge, Chase and Vojik's other eating coach, Amity.


Second eating contest judge, Pratima.


The participants hanging out on the lawn. Note Vojik's distended belly and look of hopelessness.

The athleats each consumed around 7,000 calories; about 3.5 days worth of food. Around 8 PM, however, Jer involuntary disgorged a protein shake and lost. It was a remarkable day and one I will never take part in but glad I witnessed. These guys were seriously hurting and I commend them for never giving up.

Moral: we need to find better ways to entertain ourselves.