Morristown, NJ (WFN) -- A pianist from Morristown, New Jersey, is keying in on a serious goal: He's training to break the world's record for the longest piano playing session.

However, his friends are worried the stunt will be his requiem.

On December 24, 39-year-old John Conte will attempt to break the record for non-stop piano playing by tickling the ivories for more than 49 hours and 15 minutes, not counting potty breaks.

Conte, who describes himself as "overweight and out of shape," says he's taken up walking and changed his diet to prepare for the toll the challenge will take on his body.

But many loved ones don't think that's enough.

In fact, one of Conte's friends is taking out a life-insurance policy on him in case he drops dead at the keys.

But while Conte says he's astonished that people are lined up against him, in his words, "I feel strongly that I'll succeed; it's a mind over matter thing."

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