Living in Arkansas, Ray Scheide is used to some stifling summer heat. However, it's hard to duplicate the sweatbox conditions he's likely to encounter at the Red River next week for the Forrest Wood Cup.
A veteran of five career Cups – he finished 2nd at the '06 Cup – Scheide likes his chances this year so he's been taking steps to make sure he's in tip-top physical condition heading into his first Cup since 2010.
He's purposely gotten on the water when the temperatures have been at their peak around his home. In addition, he's been working with a personal trainer for the last month so his conditioning is the least of his worries once tournament time rolls around.
He's gotten into a cross fit training program in the morning and then does a cardio workout in the afternoon.
"It kicks my butt every morning," he said. "That heat can really zap you. When we go back down there and we're practicing for 3 days in 100-degree temperatures with 15 to 16 hours of daylight, you need to get used to knowing how to keep hydrated.
"I haven't drank a Coke in 6 weeks. It's been all electrolytes and water. This is my sixth Cup and I want to be as ready as possible because I'd like badly to win one."
