America's Biggest Eaters: 'Notorious B.O.B.' Bob Shoudt

(CANVAS STAFF REPORTS) - "Notorious B.O.B." Bob Shoudt, aka "Humble Bob," is a bit of an anomaly in the sport of competitive eating. At 43-years-old he is older than most of the other eaters; he is a dad of three kids; and his family are vegetarians.

The meals Shoudt shares with his family are vegetarian, so he usually only eats meat at sanctioned competitions that allow him to tear into hamburgers, hot dogs and wings. Also outside the competitive eating world he maintains an active lifestyle. The IT manager from Philadelphia is an avid mountain climber.

Notorious B.O.B. started his career with the International Federation of Competitive Eating in 2002 and said that he does not think he'll retire. Though he mentioned that his modeling career is getting some interest, "If that takes off, then my eating career may end."

After finishing 41 3/4 hot dogs and buns last year, Shoudt is hoping for a strong showing at this year's Nathan's Famous July Fourth International Hot Dog Eating Championship. He has improved each year and hopes for a personal best, targeting one goal: eating his age, 43, in hot dogs and buns.

But he does not think his age affects his abilities, not really. "I think the older you get the more you know your body. You know what to expect," Shoudt said.

"I think what separates the top eaters from the field is the mental aspect," Shoudt said in an e-mail interview. "Most people can only tolerate a certain level of discomfort in anything they do: running, weightlifting, walking. Whatever the activity is, they will only push themselves so far, and then they back off. The top eaters can mentally push themselves past that."

Hot dogs and buns are a difficult competition for Shoudt. He said that he has trouble finding a rhythm with the food. He likes foods that he can consume more easily in smaller size. "With hot dogs sometimes I'm eating half a hot dog, sometime a third," explained Shoudt.

But for this year's Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Championship, which he describes as "baking in sun," Shoudt said that he is training with the same hot dogs and buns that will be served during the event.

"Right now I am cooking up 65 hot dogs at a time," he explained. "I eat for 11 minutes as fast as I can (contest is 10 minutes). Then I continue to eat until I finish all of the hot dogs. This usually takes around 20-23 minutes for the whole process.

"I have been doing this five times a week. I have my technique down. I am pleased with my progress. I think this will carry through to the finals where I am hoping for a good showing and a new personal best."

Shoudt said that Nathan's is a great venue to see a competitive eating event saying "the place is crazy."

Since the field of competitive eaters is so small a lot of the eaters are friendly and share a certain bond, which Shoudt liked to going through boot camp. "You always have that bond with the others, though once the competition starts you try to crush the other person."

More. This year's event is filled with all the drama and excitement of a world-class fight:
• Joey Chestnut is going for his fourth consecutive title.
• Pat "Deep Dish" Bertoletti is trying to get to the top.
• Sonya "The Black Widow" Thomas seeks to remain the top woman.
• Bob "Notorious B.O.B." Shoudt is looking to eat his age in hot dogs and buns.
• What surpise does "Eater X" Tim Janus has in store for the crowd.