Fit: Spinning Like a Record

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ONE HOUR OF SPIN CLASS is enough to make most people's seats sore. So, try 24 hours.

That's what Ron Sarchian will be doing, starting at noon on Saturday at the Gold's Gym in Ballston (3910 Wilson Blvd.) as part of the chain's first national Spin-A-Thon, benefiting the America Diabetes Association. But for the three-time Guinness world record holder, spin instructor and former stuntman, it's not such a big deal. "This is a lead-up to a record I want to go for next year. The current record is 85 hours. I'm hoping to do at least 100," he says.

Even for someone who's punched a bag for 36 straight hours, and kicked and punched more in an hour than anyone else in history, a 24-hour spin takes some preparation. "I'll be riding at a constant speed, so I don't need to worry about going hard," he explains. "But I've got to get my legs used to pedaling and my butt used to the saddle."

For his rear, he has a secret weapon: gel seats. When one flattens, he'll pop in another. As for the legs, he's been lunging, squatting and, of course, cycling. The 43-year-old's been averaging 35 hours per week on a bike during training.

The one aspect he can't practice is sleep deprivation. "You can't build up a tolerance for being tired," he says, sounding like a man who's tried. In the wee hours of the spin, he'll keep his eyelids up with movies.

Sarchian will be treating the ordeal like a bona fide Guinness attempt. He'll aim to maintain a speed of 12 mph, and he'll take a five-minute break every hour to, um, take care of business.

Even that takes planning. "The idea is not to have to sit on the toilet," he says. So, while he'll carb up a few days before (pizza, pasta and cheesecake are likely candidates), he'll then switch to liquid nutrition and a few lighter solid foods, like fruit and Fig Newtons.

He's not sure what his body will do when it's all over, besides sleep. "I'll probably end up feeling numb, but not in a bad way," he says. Previous endurance feats have reminded Sarchian of getting a tattoo — painful at first, followed by a total lack of sensation.

His advice for those who want to get into the record-breaking game? Don't. "I'm single. If I were married, I couldn't do this. Most people don't have the time," he says.

And you need a real passion for what you're doing. Sarchian, who's father died of testicular cancer, has used his earlier records to benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation. He was attracted to the Spin-A-Thon because of friends with diabetes. "What's a little bit of hurt when people are dealing with a disease like that? I don't think I could do it if I were just to say, 'I'm going to get on a bike today for 24 hours,'" he says. "Motivation is just as important as nutrition and hydration."

He'll need more motivation soon. Less than 24 hours after he stops spinning, he'll be back in California training for his next world record, which he plans to set in June. Luckily for his sleep schedule, this one is the most round kicks in a single minute. "But it'll be a very hard minute," he says.

Sarchian will be flanked by four bikes, which are open to the public. Call 703-516-4653 to reserve an hour or two with him. Or, call your local Gold's to take part in its Spin-A-Thon this Saturday.

Photos courtesy Ron Sarchian