By Steve Morris

Putting things off until the last minute ñ the story of my 23-year-old life. With the Chisago Lakes Triathlon approaching at the end this month, I am starting to get a little worried. I canít help but get nervous, mainly about my swim.

Before you label me a buffoon, I must point out I have done a little swimming. Last week I went swimming at Fish Lake and nearly got dragged to bottom of the lake by giant man-eating weeds. It was awful. I could feel the green weeds on the tip of my toes with each kick of my legs. Someone should take care of that. In any event, after the swim I went for a run on some beautiful country roads.

A few days later I went swimming at Bush Lake in Bloomington, Minn. The weather was beautiful. Unfortunately, so were the lawn chairs my brother and I brought with. However, I did manage to get in a short swim.

For those of you following my column, I did get my bike fixed ($100 later) but I have not bought a swimsuit mainly because I donít want to spend the money. (I have been swimming in basketball shorts.)

I have yet to discuss my diet habits for this big race. If you count donuts every Wednesday from Koepís Bakery as a good diet I am on the fast track toward a personal record. I eat a lot of pizza, toast with butter and peanut butter and several other things. Enough unhealthy food to make any nutritionists cringe with disgust.

Despite my lackluster swim training, I am intent on finishing the race, regardless of the place I finish.