Perhaps taking inspiration from Michael Jordan, duathlete Paul Thomas plans to come out of retirement for the second time. Paul's accomplishment includes a fourth place finish at the 1994 Duathlon World Championships and in 1999 he won the Dannon Duathlon Series title.

Thomas was part owner and worked for nearly two years as the marketing guru at energy gel company Carbboom. He recently left the company over differences of opinion, which led him to consider a return from racing. I might do a half ironman as well as duathlons. I feel better as a human being if I have a base level of fitness, but it is hard for me to find that balance. He is getting over a knee injury and he just started training again.

Paul, one of the more colorful professionals in the sport, celebrates his 33^rd birthday on Sunday at Big Jim's Barbecue in San Diego, the same location where Bob Babbitt and Paul Huddle host The Competitors, a one hour radio show. Along with George Hincappie, Thomas will be a guest on the show. The show airs on 690 AM from 9-10pm PT on Sunday night. It is also available on the internet at www.competitor.com.

If you have a chance to visit Big Jim's Barbecue during The Competitors Paul will be raising money for the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Companies such as Clif and Sock Guy have donated product which will be available in schwag bags for a $20 donation.