Wizard's challenge----

Why not just use a treadmill at the Rio? ;)

Quote: Nareed

Why not just use a treadmill at the Rio? ;)

It is a lot easier to cover a mile on a treadmill than on a track. Same goes for the stair-climbing machines.

Quote: Wizard

It is a lot easier to cover a mile on a treadmill than on a track. Same goes for the stair-climbing machines.

So stop at McDonald's for the nuggets and get them to the room. Do the run on a hotel treadmill, then the puzzles and eating challenge in the room. Easy.

Quote: Wizard

Yes! There is one on Sahara and Arville (SW corner). I suggest we meet there by 5:00 and then either walk or drive to Clark High School. It is about 1/4 mile away. Personally, I'll show up at 4:30, should anybody want to chat. In the unlikely event the field is occupied we'll just have to drive to another school with a track, or revert to plan A. Afterward, anyone who still has an appetite is welcome to join me for dinner.

Jim says he will not be participating in any eating challenge but plans to watch.

David and I will be at the McDonalds on the corner of Sahara and Arville at 4:30. If anyone can tell me where I can buy the NY Times in Vegas it would be appreciated. I will stop there and pick up the puzzles. I will join you for dinner but I am not sure about David as he might not have much of an appetite....

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Quote: SOOPOO

If anyone can tell me where I can buy the NY Times in Vegas it would be appreciated. I will stop there and pick up the puzzles. I will join you for dinner but I am not sure about David as he might not have much of an appetite.

I'm quite sure the Rio gift shop should carry the NY Times. I can always copy it at the library, as a last resort.

About dinner, I'd like to suggest the Bonito Michoacan. It comes highly recommended by my Spanish tutor for having AUTHENTIC Mexican food. I've yet to find a Mexican restaurant I'm happy with in Vegas, but my esperanza is high for this place. It is pretty close by too. However, I'm just one vote.

Quote: gofaster87

I'm so tempted to partake in an eating challenge. I was quite the eater back in the day. I once ate a 16 patty burger in 15 minutes. It had all the cheese and fixings and I downed it with a large coke and fries. This was done at In n Out years ago.

Jeez! I've heard of 4x4 at In-n-Out, but this is ridiculous.

Someone should bring a birthday cake to the dinner. Just sayin'....

Quote: FarFromVegas

Someone should bring a birthday cake to the dinner. Just sayin'....

I wasn't going to bring that up, but how did you know?

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Quote: Wizard

I wasn't going to bring that up, but how did you know?

You said it here

Quote: FarFromVegas

You said it here

Good memory! Thanks for remembering.

Quote: Wizard

I'm quite sure the Rio gift shop should carry the NY Times. I can always copy it at the library, as a last resort.

About dinner, I'd like to suggest the Bonito Michoacan. It comes highly recommended by my Spanish tutor for having AUTHENTIC Mexican food. I've yet to find a Mexican restaurant I'm happy with in Vegas, but my esperanza is high for this place. It is pretty close by too. However, I'm just one vote.



Jeez! I've heard of 4x4 at In-n-Out, but this is ridiculous.

I'll add my vote for Bonito Michoacan. If I cannot get the puzzles at the Rio gift shop I will contact you Tuesday morning.

Question...why is this event going on again? I know it was originally about the burrito at the Sahara which will be closed by the time you are in Vegas... but how did the running and crosswords get involved? Just wondering, I dont think that was discussed.

Quote: jsantee97

Question...why is this event going on again? I know it was originally about the burrito at the Sahara which will be closed by the time you are in Vegas... but how did the running and crosswords get involved? Just wondering, I dont think that was discussed.

My son just won the New York Times Crossword competition in the Junior division (age 25 and under) and placed 11th amongst all comers. He has also completed a 6 pound burrito challenge locally. He also likes to run, although not at a very competitive level. So I asked him if the puzzling and eating and running were combined as a triathlon how he would fare. He believes he would be competitive with anyone. So I just made my own suggestion for a challenge, and called it a "triathlon". The Wiz has been kind enough to show interest, and that's how we got to this place. So, the simple answer is, I designed it.

Quote: Wizard

It is a lot easier to cover a mile on a treadmill than on a track. Same goes for the stair-climbing machines.

Treadmills are bogus. They give me shin splints, I can't use them. If you never had a shin splint, its a real treat. You think you're going to die.

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Barring a snowstorm, treadmills will not be used.

Quote: SOOPOO

Barring a snowstorm, treadmills will not be used.

It just seem to fit in the progression the rules were heading into: from a street circuit, to a less complicated one, to a closed track. The next step would be a treadmill at a gym. My weakness is pointing put the absurdum in the ongoing discussion. It's fun ;)

Soopoo are you taking bets for people who can't attend? If so how do you plan on collecting/paying? I would like to bet 5 against, but will be rooting for your son, as this sounds like a great task to complete.

Quote: Knuckleball3

Soopoo are you taking bets for people who can't attend? If so how do you plan on collecting/paying? I would like to bet 5 against, but will be rooting for your son, as this sounds like a great task to complete.

I have been 'booking' the bets against. Your $5 bet is now booked. I will trust you to send the money when the Wiz confirms his victory. In the event he fails, I will pm the bettors to find out how to get you the owed money. I believe i now have the Wiz's $100, and 4 others at $5. Thanks for your rooting interest.

Thanks for booking it, and best of luck and health through the contest for your son.

Quote: SOOPOO

He expects to be able to run the 2 miles in 14 minutes or so. He expects to do the puzzles in 8 minutes or so. He will probably lose a couple of minutes in transition time, but that will leave more than 30 minutes for the McNuggets.

SOOPOO, I'd like to have a piece of the action, but I think David can do it under the one hour time limit. I'd be willing to put $10 against your $5 that he will not be able to do it in 49 minutes flat, or less. Are you interested?

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Quote: gofaster87

You can put me down for $5 and Ill attend. May 24th, 5pm at the Palms still?

The corner of Sahara and Arville is now the meeting place. We will walk over to a track for the running part. Your $5 bet is booked. Looking forward to meeting you.

Quote: Ayecarumba

SOOPOO, I'd like to have a piece of the action, but I think David can do it under the one hour time limit. I'd be willing to put $10 against your $5 that he will not be able to do it in 49 minutes flat, or less. Are you interested?

I love it!!! Only on a gambling forum would someone come up with the 49 minute option! But i cannot book that action. I want David to be solely focused on the 1 hour mark.

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Quote: SOOPOO

I love it!!! Only on a gambling forum would someone come up with the 49 minute option! But i cannot book that action. I want David to be solely focused on the 1 hour mark.

Not a problem. I wish him the best, and look forward to watching the video.

At present there are only 6 forum members who have bet against David.
1. Wiz
2. DJTeddyBear
3. Gambler
4. Rdw4potus
5. JimMorrison
6. Knuckleball3
As previously stated the Wiz has wagered $100 and all other bets are $5.
David tried mcNuggets for the first time and the 20 went down without difficulty.
Of course it would be the next 80 that might cause a problem.....

Ok book me for a bet against, even though I believe in him. It'll be worth it just for a detailed account of the action.

Is using paypal for transfer of the funds acceptable when the bet gets resolved good enough?

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Quote: cellardoor

Ok book me for a bet against, even though I believe in him. It'll be worth it just for a detailed account of the action.

Is using paypal for transfer of the funds acceptable when the bet gets resolved good enough?

Add cellardoor and gofaster87 to the bets for $5 each. I don't use paypal. In my little dreamworld here I was expecting checks, which I was going to mount poster fashion for david to keep as a souvenier. If he loses he will have to drop out of school to work to pay off his debts. (I'll black out the account numbers).

I have to admit that this is the funniest $5 bet that I have made in a long time.

Quote: gambler

I have to admit that this is the funniest $5 bet that I have made in a long time.

You didn't choose the monniker 'gambler' because you are afraid to wager on the absurd.

David called me to tell me he made a 'trial' of 50 McNuggets- he felt as he approached that number the grease factor was getting to him. He is considering adding some sauce to make the experience more tolerable. He took longer than he was hoping for the 50, but he still feels he can break the 1 hour mark for the triathlon. If anyone else wants to put up $5 to bet against him, I am still taking more action. We arrive in vegas on Monday and will be at the Rio.

Quote: SOOPOO

We arrive in vegas on Monday and will be at the Rio.

Darn ill just miss you as I will be at the rio until Sunday

I am enjoying this thread, on my very first visit to the illustrious Wizard forums. As the wife of an avid random-contest designer (some in conjunction with the Wizard), I have been a spectator at several running and McNugget contests, but never both combined! The McNugget contest was difficult to watch, so I'm warning you. Yuck.
Just my two cents for the planning phase: as a long-time runner on local high school tracks, most of them are locked by 4 p.m. at the latest. I have several 1 to 3.1-mile courses mapped out that could be verified online. They are on bike paths or around large soccer fields, so no chance of being run down by cabs or other motorized vehicles. If you're interested, Wizard, you know how to reach me!

Thank you AmyJoel. David and I are leaving early Monday morning and should be in Vegas noontime or so Monday. As previously mentioned we will be meeting the Wiz and all others interested at 4:30 at the corner of Sahara and Arville on Tuesday. If anyone is interested in meeting at the Rio on Monday night for Pai Gow, PaiGow tiles, or Asia poker, let me know. Did anyone make the 100 McNuggets when you were watching? Please say yes....

That sounds fun to play some Asian games at the Rio on Monday, but I won't be able to make that.

In the unfortunate event that they lock up the Clark HS track, I measured the block formed by Penwood, Wing, Sirius, and Arville as 0.95 miles. There should be minimal problem with cars in this mostly residential area. I'm willing to waive the extra 0.1 miles to allow for any impediments encountered during the run. Again, this is just a back up plan, and I hope we can access the track.

Joel of AmyJoel says he will join us on Tuesday. I think he won't mind me saying that he attempted the 100 McNugget challenge in his younger days, and got up to 85. As I recall, he said he could have got to 90 or so, but knew he wouldn't reach 100, so quit at 85.

I'm wondering how preparation for this event works. Is it like training for a marathon where you run maybe 18-20 miles (50 nuggets) a week before, then basically stop and rest for the event itself?

I hope things go well for Son-of-Soopoo today.

Hopefully the remote bettors in the crowd will receive some sort of appropriately detailed review this evening?

In his honor, I had walked to McD's and had McNuggets for lunch...

I was warned that there has been road construction on Sahara, causing traffic to move VERY slowly. However, the traffic map at mynews3.com doesn't indicate any such trouble today. To be on the safe side, I would avoid Sahara as much as you can.

Quote: rdw4potus

I'm wondering how preparation for this event works. Is it like training for a marathon where you run maybe 18-20 miles (50 nuggets) a week before, then basically stop and rest for the event itself?

I hope things go well for Son-of-Soopoo today.

Hopefully the remote bettors in the crowd will receive some sort of appropriately detailed review this evening?

We know that SooPoo jr. did a 50 piece trial run already. I will bring my video camera and I plan to post my coverage of the event on YouTube.

Quote: Wizard

I was warned that there has been road construction on Sahara, causing traffic to move VERY slowly. However, the traffic map at mynews3.com doesn't indicate any such trouble today. To be on the safe side, I would avoid Sahara as much as you can.



We know that SooPoo jr. did a 50 piece trial run already. I will bring my video camera and I plan to post my coverage of the event on YouTube.

Thanks Wizard! We are all looking forward to it.

Quote: Wizard

About dinner, I'd like to suggest the Bonito Michoacan. It comes highly recommended by my Spanish tutor for having AUTHENTIC Mexican food. I've yet to find a Mexican restaurant I'm happy with in Vegas, but my esperanza is high for this place. It ispretty close by too. However, I'm just one vote.

Bonito Michoacan

I'll have to second that recommendation!

We stopped by for lunch on Saturday before driving to Laughlin for the night on our journey home. I happened to see it mentioned a few weeks ago and put it on my note list for places to stop while in Las Vegas.

We started lunch with Margaritas, the El Arrimon for me and the Jesus Cadillac for my wife. Both were very tasty and were enjoyed with the complimentary chipas, bean dip and a delicioso red sauce.

No appetizers today just entrees. Dinner started with a red sauced, noodle soup which was very good, nothing i'd ever had before. Then, Fajitas de Camaron for the little lady and Carne a la Tampiquena for me. Both were outstanding! The highlight was the fresh tortillas that came with our meals, handmade/hot off the press from over in the corner. We commented that we haven't had Mexican food this good for quite some time. Living in New Mexico we can't find anything that resembles this, just the so-so New Mexican cuisine.

The wait staff and servers were super friendly, soccer was on the overhead TV's. And if it's you're lucky day, the man in the bar will be playing a little "Blue Bayou" on his synthesizer!!!

It was a great lunch that made the monotonous trip down to Laughlin a little better.

Quote: DJTeddyBear

In his honor, I had walked to McD's and had McNuggets for lunch...

That's a great idea! I don't even remember the last time I had a McNugget. I was going to make myself some sort of sandwich for lunch but I guess a trip to the local McDonalds is in order.

Good Luck this evening David, I look forward to the play by play later.

Here is what you've all been waiting for, the results of the Vegas Challenge. In attendance were SooPoo, David (SooPoo jr.), gofaster87 (who I can confirm is not Rob Singer), Joel (a friend of mine who previously attempted 100 McNuggets, and got to 85), Joel's son, JimMorrison, and me.

I drove my Clark High School before McDonalds and the track was full of kids doing all sorts of after school sports. So using that track was out. Per AmyJoel's warning, I determined that it was just under half a mile from the McDonalds down Arville to Penwood Ave.. So we agreed he would run there and back twice. Before getting started the McNuggets were ordered, because David wanted them cool, and he prepared a lemon flavored drink, to help balance the grease of the McNuggets.

Shortly after 5:00 David started off on the run. Despite being on a sidewalk, with some draffic to dodge, he completed the 2-mile run in about 15 minutes, which is quite good. He ran right into McDonalds and got to work on the two New York Times crosswords. I thought that he had to two of them. He finished those in about five minutes, not much more time than it would take me to write letters at random.

Then it was onto the main attraction, 100 Chicken McNuggests, and he had 40 minutes left. SooPoo tended to all the particulars, making sure he had enough water and lemonade, and coaching. David dug right in, eating them as fast as possible. He dipped them in lemonade and took frequent drinks of water. Joel commented he liked the idea of dunking the McNuggets, but thought he was drinking too much water.

The first 50 McNuggets went by quite fast and with little difficulty. At that point David started to slow down a bit, he face got more pale, and it was clear that he was hitting the uphill part. At about the 60 point the peanut gallery thought he would still succeed, and lines were bandied around about -200 as the line on the "yes," but no in-progress bets were finalized. However, he obvious he was started to feel the pain more. At point one he took about a one-minute break to compose himself.

At about the 70 McNugget point he was still going at a steady, albeit much slower pace. He was face was sweaty, and perhaps a little green. Soopoo was offering encouraging words, but said he if didn't feel comfortable he should throw in the towel. David was obviously determined to give it his best effort, and keep right on going.

A about the 80 McNugget point it was obvious the pain was about twice as much as at the 70 point. With about 15 minutes left at this point, David did his best to eat as fast as possible, but you could tell each McNugget was both a mental and physical challenge to get down. It was very suspenseful for the audience. I think everyone thought he would probably do it, but only with great difficulty.

After swallowing nugget number 86 (someone correct me if I'm wrong), David stuffed two more in his mouth, but was having trouble swallowing. Then he said that some just came back up. Evidently just a little, because he never vomited. Father SooPoo recommended that he quit, and David agreed. What was left of McNuggets 87 or 88 he spit into an empty McDonalds bag at the ready. It was over and the "no" side won.

SooPoo paid the winners present immediately and everybody congratulated David on an outstanding effort. I'm very sure SooPoo will pay any other winners by mail, Paypal, or whatever.

Afterward there was a lot of discussion between GoFaster87 and JimMorrison about another eating competition for WoVCon. Maybe Joel will participate too. I'm sure there will be a thread about it soon.

So, that is it. Here are some pictures of the big event. Click on any picture for a larger version.


SooPoo and David. GoFaster87 is on the left.


Me and David.


First crossword. Note the drop of sweat waiting to fall off the nose.


First crossword completed, held by SooPoo. David working on the second one.


About Nugget 62.


This was just about the last one.


Group photo. Not seen is JimMorrison, who took the picture. I'm holding my $100 in winnings.

Much kudos for the attempt!

(i'm just going to assume, for us ordinary mortals, 100 McNuggets is probably a death sentence - or at least a trip to the hospital)

Good try! I wouldn't have come close.

If you watch Man vs Food on the Travel Channel, he has a food contest on every show. He rarely drinks anything, it takes up way too much room. McGreasettes are very dense and fatty, I doubt if the pro could eat 100 without retching. He always has trouble with dense food like pizza or fries or sandwiches. He does well on really hot foods like spicy chile or hot foods that kill your mouth with fire, but don't have much volume. He tried to drink 5 giant milkshakes and couldn't do it, too dense.

Nice try. Congrats on coming close.

How were the innocent bystanders reacting?


And on to the really important question: Did he get the crosswords correct?

I thought for sure he was going to win the bet when he killed the crosswords and was downing McNuggets like crazy. Even when he slowed down at 70 I thought he had it made. Great effort though and a good time. Nice to meet GoFaster, SooPoo and David.