Run

After going to the gym on and off for the last six months, it still seems to be a very foreign place to me.

Why do I go?  I'm not so sure.  Most people go to have a good looking body or to live a healthier lifestyle.  Do I care that much about a good looking body?  Not really.  Nobody's looking anymore anyway.  I don't need to look good for anyone.  Do I care that much about living a healthier lifestyle.  Yes and no.  But sometimes I don't even know what I'm living for.

Perhaps a bigger reason is to get out, to have a little bit of peace and quiet.  The gym is never a quiet place, but I can shut out the world with my music.  Then, I can just run and not have to care about what's going on around me.  In some ways, I can clear my mind and just focus on the running.

Or maybe not so much.  At times, the mind is so focused on running and so clear of other things that it starts to wander.  And the gym is really not a good place to let that happen.

If you maintain a certain routine, you end up seeing the same people at the gym.  Over time, there are people that I've come to recognize.  Some, because the things they do seem a bit odd.  Others, because I'm pretty sure I know them from somewhere.

And then, for whatever reason, there are people that you take notice of......

On weeknights, usually around 9pm or 10pm, there is a girl that comes by herself.  She's not very tall, nor very big, but seems to be pretty fit.  I always see her using the weight machines, on the treadmill or walking on the track.  I've noticed this person because, for some reason, I get the impression or gut feeling that she's kinda sad.

On weekends, usually around 10 or 11am, there is a girl that does weights.  She's always the only girl doing free weights.  She looks fit, and gives me the impression that she's training for something.  I've noticed this person because I have the feeling that she's not straight.  And watching her lift weights reminds me of someone else.

Over time, I'm growing to like running more and more.  If I can find someone to do it with me, I think I will consider doing a 5 or 10km run some time.  (That's probably the closest I'll ever get to doing a triathalon.)  But it seems that running is taking a toll on my body.  It seems my legs are always hurting after I run.  I think it's shin splints.  So, for the time being, or at least until I get some new shoes, no more running.

But I really could use a long run right now...

Run...to wherever...to nowhere....to the edge of the world......

You're right......
Running is a lonely endeavor......
Especially when I think of you.