LJWorld.com

August 31, 2006

This chat has already taken place. Read the transcript below.

Moderator:

Good afternoon. I'm Dennis Anderson, managing editor of the Lawrence Journal-World. I will be moderating today's chat with "Red Dog" Don Gardner, founder of Red Dog's Dog Days, the "old style" fitness program open to the community. Dog Days this fall are at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursday at Memorial Stadium and at 7:30 a.m. Saturdays at 9th and Vt.

Red Dog:

thanks for having me as a guest.

Moderator:

Let me ask the first question. I've been doing Dog Days for three weeks now. When does it start getting easier?

Red Dog:

Never. As you do dog days it gets easier or you get better and it becomes easier.

RalphGage:

I understand that the Dog Days "rules" basically are no Walkmans, no iPods, no cell phones or pagers (unless you're an emergency responder) and Do your personal best, and respect and encourage everyone and don't make fun of anyone. Have there been other rules?

Red Dog:

YES. Dont make fun of old people with skinny LEGS.

Stanford:

Is "Red Dog" a nickname or a moniker? Whether you were given the name by others or chose it yourself, how did the name come about?

Red Dog:

Coach Duver nicknamed kids and he named me RedDog and I could never get away from the name.

mchapman:

How did you turn out to be a guy SO PERSISTENTLY MOTIVATED TO HELP PEOPLE when the world is full of men our age who judge their importance by income and "power"?

RalphGage:

What are the 2-3 most difficult workouts you've thrown at the group?

Red Dog:

It was fun working with kids and as time went on adults came along also and it was still fun. Power was never important to me and I'm no good with money--just ask my wife Beverly.

Red Dog:

Running up Campanile hill and the old military exercise of a half lap with push-ups abd a half lap with sit-ups, abd then do it again.

kbritt:

Do you have any recommendations on places to run in Lawrence? I run on concrete sidewalks which can be hard on the joints. Any safe trails?

Red Dog:

The levee in North Lawrence, with friends, not by yourself. When not being used, try the junior high and high school tracks.

kathylp:

How have you been able to get so many people to participate in Dog Days? Do you promote by word of mouth or articles highlighting the program?

Red Dog:

Both, with a lot of GOOD people helping me.

kbritt:

How many miles would you suggest an average person run a week without getting injured?

Red Dog:

As many as you can handle, but use your head and listen to your body. Also as you get older be careful running down hill.

Moderator:

You mentioned that you have a new job, checking in on Kansas University athletes to make sure they are attending class. How is that going?

Red Dog:

This is my third year and it is going well and I have a lot of good people working with me and our boss Paul Buskirk is very easy to work for.

bearb:

Congrats on your Governor's Award. Is Bev keeping it polished for you?

Red Dog:

Yes, she keeps it shinning.

kbritt:

Would you consider adding another session? Perhaps one later in the evening?

Red Dog:

Not at this time but maybe later with a lot more help.

clifford:

What are the plans for your future and Dog Days?

Red Dog:

If the people can put up with me? We need to keep all the good leaders and those helping to check people in. Catherine and Randy Glidewell and Beverly do all the hard work I would like to stick around for two more years.

Moderator:

We are running out of time today. I would like to thank our readers for their questions, and Don for his answers and dedication to the Dog Days program.

Red Dog:

Thanks to the readers. I would also like to thank World Company Chief Operating Officer Ralph Gage, Dennis and the online chat staff. And I cannot forget all of the Dog Day people today and from all of the past years. (And, yes, I did my own typing.)