Dangerous virtual world

You might recall some of my posts about the internet, and specifically social media. I have always had mixed feelings about how it affects our lives and our real (as opposed to digital) relationships. I know first hand that is is quite addictive. I love reading blogs and commenting. I regularly check Facebook updates. I chat with my virtual friends as if they were real. Well, maybe they are but for most I have no proof of that, so since I have a soul of a scientist, until I can prove otherwise, until I can touch them, hug them, they will remain in the world of doubt. 

But one thing I know for sure is that social media can be, and in my case is, a very dangerous place. 

A few months ago, on this blog, I posted a question about goals, which would help me keep my motivation for training high. One virtual friend suggested California International Marathon. I did not think there was enough time for me to train. A simple 'sure there is', as if a virtual buddy knew better what my real body is capable of, and within minutes I was registered. 
So that was the first one, and quite possibly the craziest one.


Then some virtual somebody, I can't even remember who, posted about rowing challenge. If I rowed over 100km between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Concept2 rowing company would donate money to the charity of my choice. Oh, in case you don't know, I really don't like indoor rowing. It is BORING! For those of you who hate treadmills, let me tell you, rowing machines are much worse. So what do I do? I go on rowing practically every day. 
Does it end there? Nope!

Just the other day another virtual buddy asked if I would run a San Francisco half marathon with her. C'mon I am really not into races. Sure I run and I enjoy it, I think, too. I do not race. A day later I pulled out my credit card and said good-bye to $75. She assures me that she is real and that she and her (virtual?) friends had rented a house in San Francisco and I am invited to stay the night before the race. I am worrying that maybe the house is virtual.

This is NOT an inexpensive bike,
but I've been drooling over it for a couple of years now.
Not that I would ever spend several k on it.

And that does not end here either; one more virtual creature is tempting me to train for a Cinderella Ride. My legs are already complaining that I use them too much. I don't have a decent bike. I don't have the time to train. I am a runner, a hiker, not a biker... so why the heck am I so tempted? I think there is something in this virtual world, something like a virus, and I am infected. That's what it is.

Right now the only thing that keeps me from signing up for this is the bike issue. The only bike I have is a heavy and slowly falling apart mountain bike. I like it, I still use it but it is not good for any serious biking. But should I find an inexpensive road bike... 


I have to add something to this already published post. I've been just contacted by another virtual somebody who reminded me about the temptation of backpacking with her. You can all understand that backpacking is one thing I just cannot possibly refuse. The question is, who is this person. I mean going into the woods with someone who might carry tempting treats of cookies and marshmallows in her pack - dangerous proposition.


OK, yet another addition, from another digital friend: 
"You're doing Pikes Peat with your "virtual" buddies, right? YAY!"

OK, it seems I am living in a holodeck after all.

I gotta tell you, be aware of the virtual world. It can make you do things in the real world that your body will punish you for with aches and pains for ever listening to your virtual buddies, who for all I know might exist only in my head.