[CQ-Contest] What are YOU doing this summer in preparation for next year's DX contest season?

[k1zr at comcast.net]

Now that I'm back in the game big-time after taking a few years off (I had to unfortunately) to help build a successful high-tech start-up I'm focusing on two things this summer in addition to building a new station to help prepare for the 2010/2011 contest season. 



1.  Improve my CW copying ability.  I can run stations at 35 wpm all day long but if you asked me to carry on a lengthy QSO at that speed I'd huddle up in the fetal position and start sucking my thumb. My goal before the end of the summer is to comfortably rag chew at 35+wpm.  Unfortunately I cannot operate 24/7 so I've loaded up my Blackberry with dozens of CW mp3's from the ARRL's website and listen to them daily during my 62 mile commute to/from the office. 



2.  Remain in top physical condition.  To be a great operator I strongly believe that you must be top physical shape to endure the pain of a 48 hour DX contest.  I've lost the extra pounds that I didn't need by exercising regularly and making minor changes to my diet and now feel better than ever.  If you're thinking 'this guy's nuts, there's no chance that being in shape will positively influence my contest score' I challenge you to give it a try.  The worst case scenario is that your contest score stays the same and you end up becoming a healthy operator. 



I'd like to know what others are doing this summer to prepare themselves for next year's DX contest season other than adding aluminum and upgrading equipment. 



-Shane K1ZR