On Treadie

Two months in, and Dort Munder is still going strong.

Here we are, a sixth of the way into the new year (at what point does the year become old, I wonder), and Dort has continued to work out despite an injury, increased workload, a couple of week-long trips, and life's general inconsistencies. Woot.

I, on the other hand, have clearly fallen off the resolution wagon -- in an attempt to update Dort's progress every two or three days, I've gone nearly two weeks here without an update. Still, my own lack in this case is yet another testament to Dort's own commitment to his cause: I undertook this experiment in order to help someone else with a resolution and track his progress publicly. I'll try to do better in the future?

Meanwhile, it looks likely that I'll be traveling for a couple of weeks and, as a result, be much less likely to update as frequently as I initially had in mind.

Also, there's this:

Here is Dort's new dear friend Treadie. Hopefully the weather will stay bad for a little while longer, so Dort and Treadie can get some quality time together. Why is it that whenever I look at a treadmill, I think, "An enemy of my enemy is my friend"?

Dort and I have a walk scheduled for Saturday, at which point I'll post something, certainly, more substantive about the world. Until then . . . keep resolving.

Upon His Return . . .

Me, personally, I've been injured and have had to take the past week off. The coming week doesn't look terribly likely either.

Dort Munder, on the other hand, is doing fantastic! Not only has he been maintaining the program, he's also taking steps (ha! a runner's pun) towards insuring that his resolution will last.

I'll note up front that Dort did about a week's worth of travel since the last post, including a trans-Atlantic flight -- not much room for working out on those planes -- and, of course, a second trans-Atlantic flight to get home. He missed two days of workout during his travels, but surely we will forgive him as he forgives himself . . .

And note: the important thing here is not that there were extenuating circumstances that barred Dort from working out -- the important thing, as I see it, is that he jumped back in with both feet as soon as he landed back on this side of the pond.

I visited Dort yesterday for a walk, which was of great benefit to me, because, as I say, my own workout schedule leaves me injured, so I've been whining about my condition, and Dort got me off my chair.

Lo! to my surprise, I found myself helping Dort put the finishing touches on his brand-new treadmill. Fantastic! In your face, harsh Appalachian foothill winters! It's a beauty. What a great way to continue the resolution. All of us resolved to workouts are certainly aware of the thousand things that can keep us from going to the gym or stopping by the gym on a snowy evening. Really.

Of course, not all of us can fit a treadmill into our lives, and we acknowledge that as well. The treadmill, rather is a metaphor for a continuing commitment to this resolution, to the workout, to the self-improvement inherent in this sustained, consistent effort.

Hazah! Halfway through February and maintaining. Best of luck to everyone out there who's sticking with their resolutions. Additional luck to those who might not have succeeded but are considering another go at it

Hydration, Tally, and an Update from Dort Munder Proper

Here's an update from Dort Munder himself:

Jackson

So yesterday (Wed) I did another 35 minutes on the treadmill at Wellworks. I improved my rate, mainly by starting faster now that I’ve found a comfortable speed, to the 18 minute mile. So that is two points shaved off of Tuesday’s 20-minute mile. If my math is correct, within nine day I will be able to teleport myself instantly?

On a more serious note, I added a small incline to the tread mill, and managed to work up a medium sweat and good cardio level.  My legs are tired but not beaten.  I plan to take advantage of the sunshine these next two days and skip the gym, instead walking back and forth from home to school, which is actually 1.5 hours per day, but not brisk.  I may break out into a run at some point – we’ll see

Dort

I, of course, suggested that by next week, he'll be walking so fast, he'll be travelling back in time . . . Dort and I are both terribly funny amateur theoretical physicists -- have I mentioned that yet?

As for my serious note, this is fantastic -- at this point, we're still seeking a comfortable intensity such that we can make gains without causing injury. For anybody else interested in working out with us, I'm of the opinion that an hour and a half worth of walking will be enough of a work out for a day at this point. Later in the season, we'll see, but, again, no need to overdo it.

Also, a tip: I'm noticing my skin is becoming dry -- which is one of my indicators that I might be getting dehydrated. It took me a long time to realize how easily I dehydrate in the winter, but it happens easily when we're running in the cold, not noticing the sweat. We're living in the dry heat of our offices and homes. We're not drinking water to cool down. It happens easily this time of year . . . I'm not dermatologist, but do beware of dehydration -- it can be awful. Some signs: dry skin and lips, brown pee, headaches (I'm sure there are others, but, like I say, I'm not hydrologist).

Also I just wanted to say pee in these updates.

Two more quick things:

1. I hadn't anticipated this, but it seems to be working fine: I'll probably post Dort's workout's consistently the day after the workouts -- I think it might be overwhelming for him to get a status report over to me late each evening, and I'm certain it would be nerve-wracking for me to sit around awaiting such a note. I think it works fine anyway.

And

2. I just started keeping a running (Ha!) tally of my own running for the year, and, while my spouse refers to it as obsessive and weird, I like it.

Dort's "Running" Tally:

As of 04 January 2012

Days Running: 3

Minutes Run: 100

Make that 3 things:

3. As a long time runner, I consider each moment of these workouts "Running," as long as we're in motion. Runners do not, under any conditions, "jog" etc. If we sit to rest, rest is good, but, at this stage, what other folks might refer to as "walking," and what we might also report occasionally as walking, still logs as running.

Keep up the resolutions. If anybody has slipped, right yourself, hydrate yourself, sleep and unstress yourself, and get yourself back in stride.