By Fred Jeter
Contributing Writer

The original treadmill (also called treadwheel) was invented in 1817 by Sir William Cubitt as a form of penal punishment in England.

The more egregious an inmate’s offense, the further/longer they were required to “walk/run in place” in the dark dungeon.

Now nearly two centuries later, the treadmill has been re-invented; it still can be tortuous – that’s for sure, only now it’s a form of more humane, self- inflicted discomfort.

Elizabeth Veserat is spending many hours on the treadmill this winter – totally by choice as a member of the Powhatan YMCA’s Ukrops 10K Training Team.

The 42-year-old mom of two is up to four miles per session – an exercise that tests her patience as much as her quadriceps and lung capacity.

“I think the boredom is worst,” she said. “Spending more than an hour on the machine is pretty monotonous.”

As she graduates to five and eventually six-mile sessions, the treadmill timer figures to tick closer to … yawn … two hours.

For companionship, she often treads with friend Debra Gills, or daughter Josie, 9.

“We’ve got lots to talk about,” said Veserat, who will participate in the walk portion of the March 27 Ukrops 10K (6.2 miles) along Richmond’s Monument Avenue.

The treadmill, now a centerpiece of training centers, has come a long way in terms of public relations. .

Those 19th century English jailbirds probably didn’t have drink holders, book rests, ear phones or piped in music, and they certainly weren’t hooked up to TV monitors.

It was strictly dread the tread in Victorian times.

The Powhatan Y’s tread monitors are set on three stations: local news, Fox and CNN.

“But at 5:30, when I usually go, it’s all news,” said Veserat, laughing at the minor inconvenience. “I think I’m going to start going a little later when there’s more to choose from.”

Veserat said she’s uncomfortable reading while treading, but that “books on tape” are a possibility.

This has been a banner winter for snow-man builders, fireplace romancers and kids who enjoy missing school, but a downer for runners/walkers who have felt like shut-ins due to persistent snow and temperatures fit for a penguin.

Twice, the Training Team’s Saturday out-door sessions have been deep sixed. 

Even in the worst of blizzards, the treadmill stays cozy and dry – except for the spray of sweat, and possibly a spilled cola.

“It’s been frustrating for our training team,” said YMCA Wellness Director Krista Evans. “The rougher the weather, the more popular the treadmills become.”

Verserat is hoping Mother Nature will allow for more open-air romps as race-day nears.

In the meantime, she treads on. “I haven’t really lost weight, but my clothes are hanging different,” she said. “That’s a good sign.”