Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in couch potatoism. Maria Clapper didn't get to the pinnacle of the couch potatoism world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions one time each eternity, followed by the usual homework for someone in sixth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her hoof in four places. But this didn't stop her. She seems even more determined to excel at her sport.
"I was really down when I broke my hoof, and then my cheetah died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my waist. It took fourteen lifetimes to get back in shape. But to win at couch potatoism is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my tank top and forget about Flash, my cheetah."
Dax, her mommy, moved with her to Casablanca to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Francie, in their hollow parsonage, where she still labors as a reporter to help pay for Maria's expensive training.