Leaving the Dogs at Home

There's a guy who works out on the lakefront in Chicago. He pulls SUV tires around.

The number of 45-pound tires he uses depends on whether he is training for strength or endurance.

He's planning to haul a sled to the north pole. With his own muscles. While cross-country skiing. Starting from Canada. 500 miles. Over sea ice.

His target date is March 2009.

While I'm shoveling snow this year,
I'll think of him trudging with all his gear,
across that thick crust of white,
and my efforts will feel oddly light.