The Sweaty Equestrian Blog: Tales from the Saddle, Gym, & Kitchen

Making a Run for It

12/6/2020

Mr. Sweaty and I have been talking about the X22i treadmill for over a year. We have its bicycle cousin, and between us, we spin its little magnetic-resistance wheel dizzy.

Both the bike and the treadmill are those NordicTrack machines with the iFit membership capability -- you know, where they have virtual trainers to take you on runs or rides all over the world (or in studios). It sounds corny, but I do work harder with the app than I would on my own. Mr. Sweaty especially likes having indoor options for working out on our hottest, coldest, wettest, and windiest days.

Hence, yesterday's delivery of a very big box:

NordicTrack isn't offering assembly right now, due to COVID. It took the two of us (and let me tell you, it does take two!) about two hours to unwrap and piece together our new toy. That's not bad, considering I had to move the entire contents of our gym out of the way and back again.

Now, there's nothing left to do but run!

I've been an off-and-on runner since I was 20. Trail running is my favorite, but I did a street half-marathon in about 2002. Mr. Sweaty, meanwhile, has run a bunch of halfs and one full marathon, and is faster than me to boot. He puts in a lot more miles than I ever will.

Cardio is not my strong suit. I consider myself more of a strength athlete. The truth is, while 23andMe claims my muscles produce a certain protein that makes me better at power than endurance, I'm not exactly destined for the Olympics in either category.

But, I have a goal for 2021: I want to do a Spartan race. That means I have to run. At a minimum, I should be able to do 5 miles at a decent clip in order to be prepared for race day. I've no idea when that will be, but as running is a weak point, I want to start training now. (First I need to get some foot pain dealt with, but that's a post for another day.)

While I'm learning to run, Mr. Sweaty is learning to ride.

Did somebody say
Ride and Tie?

My first (and only) Ride-and-Tie at Owyhee River Challenge in 2015

Hey, a girl can dream.

Anyway, our garage gym is re-assembled and ready for use. Zoom zoom!

How about you? What are you doing to stay fit during this COVID winter?

Welcome

Thanks for dropping by! I'm an endurance rider in the northwest region of the United States. This blog explores the mental, physical, and technical aspects of being a better horseman, athlete, and human.
It's a place for riders and horse lovers, whether fit or simply fit-curious, to ponder what it means to saddle up strong.

~ Tamara

For more of my story, come visit the About page.

Aboard Jammer on our way to 100 miles at Oregon 100. Photo by Darlene Merlich

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