Thursday, June 16, 2011

Calling It Quits at 44 Hours

Well I made it 44 hours into the competition and had to bow out. I filled my bladder to a point beyond capacity and didn't feel safe trying to hold out for the next bathroom break that was still 4 hours away. I really didn't want to leave at all and I was starting to enjoy being in the car and watching TV shows on my netbook! But oh well life goes on and sometimes things don't work out as intended. Tony and Alex are troopers and will probably be doing this for a while, I am saddened I can't be there competing with them. Good luck to those fine men. Maybe next year for me?

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Second Day In The Car

As of the second day within the 1996 Lexus ES 300 we are finally down to 3 out of the original 5 contestants. Left with us are me (Matt Morgan), Anthony Martini, and Alex Paul. This morning our first guy quit at about 9:30 AM with Victor Allen exiting the car due to an ailing knee injury and at approximately 6:30 PM Willie Huddleston left the car due to fear of a headache and earache combination leading to some pain that he was worried about.

Now that we are down to 3 people we have plenty of space to ourselves after the initial 24 hours, this will definitely help extend the length of this competition and hopefully make it more entertaining for those following us.

The first night I didn't really sleep well because of the fact that I started in the back seat which would contain 3 people when the car is the full with 5. So I was squished between a 275 lb mountain of man in Willie Huddleston and 180 lb Anthony Martini. Being in the middle seat of a normal sedan between these two guys definitely was a test of my mental toughness and fortitude. So tonight I really look forward to getting a great nights sleep along with relaxing and watching some movies to help pass the time. Mainly, I want to thank my girlfriend Michelle Luscre and her family for being such a strong beam of support for me throughout this whole competition. She has been down here for hours every day along with bringing me food and just sitting next to me to provide emotional support. So thanks Michelle. :)

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Car Survivors Throwing The First Pitch

First Few Minutes In The Car

We started the night off going over the rules, signing waivers and then throwing out the first pitch. A few of us were very curious about the status of the car and what condition it is in. We are hoping to get a car facts sometime tomorrow to make sure this car won't explode the moment the winner drives the car out of Canal Park. We have been interviewed by local press and are trying to get the word out about the contest to drum up interest and hopefully some donations from local businesses to sweeten the pot for the winner.

As videos and pictures are taken I will upload them here and to twitter to help chronicle this journey for the 5 of us. Wish me luck!

Monday, June 13, 2011

Monday night preparations

The night before the car survivor competition I have spent my time preparing for the trials and tribulations I will be facing over the next week. I will enter a car with 4 other competitors vying for the rights to proclaim themselves "Car Survivor Akron 2011" and win a 1996 Lexus ES with ~185,000 miles on it. The car is valued at $4,000 which is more money than I would make working over the entire summer, so I feel that giving up a week or two of work will be well worth it especially considering I have the full support of my boss and co-workers in this venture.

I have my laptop ready along with my Droid 2 to keep me occupied for however long I am imprisoned within the metal prison. I have been told by Akron Aeros officials that the Wi-Fi where we will be staying at is spotty at best but I will be able to access the internet with my computer through my phone. I hope I am the only one among us to have this available allowing me to keep myself busy and occupied for a longer period of time before growing frustrated out of boredom. Along with this I have basic toiletries, protein bars, baby wipes and changes of clothing.

I have spent the last few days getting my body prepped to handle the 6 hours breaks in between bathroom access and I am fully prepared to sit in the car for up to two weeks. With the possible winnings from this contest I plan on being able to use the money I saved up for a new car to pay off some student debt, get back in school and finish off my B.S. in Physics.

Overall, I feel pretty good about my chances and I know my body and limits well. I contain a high threshold for the uncomfortable and monotonous along with being easily entertained. I look forward to crowning myself Akron's #1 Car Survivor of 2011!