David has signed on with a Herculean task of raising $32,000 for charity. His unique combination of power and endurance is, well, just the sort of thing we do around here but should prove extremely difficult. Here is David's reply when we wondered if he was going to attempt those fritters himself:

Steve,

I guess I should have clarified, that would be one fritter per person for my 32 friend celebration.  32 fritters alone would be more difficult than the 320 lb bench press! (gee, ya think? - ed)  Ironically the place I want to have the final celebration is a Mexican restaurant we frequently visit (at 3233 Roswell Rd), and right next to it is a bakery that my wife's company gives a lot of business to.  We're going to check their interest on sponsoring the fritters.  I have to ask you, what is the significance with the fritters?  Does it have to do with Lance Armstrong's recovery?  I'm curious more than anything.  I don't think I've had a fritter since I lived in Chicago.

Right now I can do the 320 bench, but I haven't started my marathon and century training.  I think the flags and jump rope will be tough.  But that's why I want to enter this challenge and why I'm giving myself almost a year to train and reach these lofty goals.  Hopefully I'll look like Arnold, Lance and Bruce Lee all rolled up into one when it's all over!

Take care,
David


And here is his initial letter with some thoughts on his endeavor.

Hello Birthday Challenge (and Mr. Steve Edwards),

I was made aware of your site and The Birthday Challenge from a friend of
mine, Mr. Jason Mittman.  After reviewing the philanthropic and physical
accomplishments of the other participants, I was convinced this was a
terrific idea.  I realized the duration of most challenges are a matter of
days or hours, however I was hoping to create a list of objectives that
would challenge me throughout the year.

I live in Atlanta, GA and in June of this year I turned 32.  I would like to
propose the challenge for myself to perform the following within 320 days.
Beginning August 13, 2001 and ending June 29, 2002.

1. Raise $32,000 for Cure Childhood Cancer or GA Special Olympics

2. Run a total of 1032 miles
3. Run 3.2 miles in 32 minutes running backward
4. Run 4.5 miles in 32 minutes running forward
5. Run 32 miles in 32 hours in the 32nd state (MN)
6. Run 4 times up and down St. Mountain (cumulative total of 3200 ft
elevation) in less than 3:20.  Performed 3 times.
7. Run outside in only shorts, socks and shoes for 32 minutes in 32F weather
8. Bike 320 miles in 3 consecutive days, crossing 3 states and reaching an
elevation over 3200 ft. (Blueridge Pkwy - VA, NC, TN)
9. Accomplish 10K/40K/10K biathalon in less than 3:20
10. Bench press 320 lbs every 32 days
11. Jump rope for 3 min 20 seconds, perform 32 pull-ups, 32 push-ups, 32
free standing squats, 32 crunches, 32 tricep dips, and run 3.2 miles in less
than 32 minutes.  Performed every 32 days.
12. Perform 32 consecutive Bruce Lee "Flags"
13. Jump rope for 32 consecutive minutes, with 3 min 20 sec cumulative break
14. Fast for 32 hours
15. Trim down to 32" waist (at 34" now)
16. Enjoy 32 oz of Coors Light and 32 Fritters with 32 friends at 3232
Roswell Road, Atlanta.

I figured by the end of 320 days I'd be in the best shape of my life or I'd
be dead.  But since I've never experienced the wholesome goodness of a King
Pin Fritter, I have no choice but to finish.

Of course the most important goal is raising the $32,000 for charity.  I
have begun to speak with local PR firms about assisting in the coverage of
my Challenge.  Jason Mittman mentioned you had terrific material regarding
fund raising and publicity.  I would appreciate your feedback and assistance
on how I may move forward.