Quick visit to the gym

So today I didn't figure I had much time (school is tough these days), so I thought a quick half hour tempo run would be good just to sustain me. Get out for a run, get over to my lab, and decide the gym for some core would have to happen too, but was thinking of something that would potentially be embarrassing at the gym (no, not the fact that I am consistently the skinniest guy in there).

Friday I shaved my Legs.

I have been made fun of for a long time for not shaving my legs, and all the cool kids are doing it, but it has always seemed like more effort than it's worth. After a cost-benefit analysis, I figured it was in my best interest to have some nice clean legs that would not be messy if I fell in that crazy long race in the states (where I have no health insurance, among other things). This was a good enough reason for me to justify doing it.

SHAVING LEGS SUCKS.

It takes forever, you feel ridiculously vain, and you wonder whether you'll actually ever fall? Prior to this event I had always just shaved around cuts to keep them clean, but it still gets messy with a big enough rash. Not sure how long it took but I did it.

It's harder than it looks-I swear

One shaved one not shaved (sexy, right?)
Oh you should see the tanlines after the race!

Glad I've got that out in the open-now for the story!

Anyone who frequents the cheapest gym in town knows what you're in for. You've got what I like to call the "resolutionaries", the older guys who are trying to be healthy, the older dudes who are trying to get back into the shape they were when they were 20 (these typically wear an OLD varsity shirt of some sort), the skinny guys looking to get buff, the guys who go to the gym to sit on the benches and text, and the monsters who will carry a protein shake all day with them, and leave the bracelet on their wrist all day. Some of these groups are more frustrating than others, but I have tons of respect for anybody who takes care of themselves, and is making a conscious effort to stay in good health, so no ranting today!

When I go to the gym just for my core, I might as well go to the nice big core mats in the cardio room, there are big exercise balls, lots of space, a more positive atmosphere, and, well, it's all girls-so it's a lot less gross and intense. The girls in the cardio room are an interesting bunch. There are a few varieties, ones losing weight, ones keeping fit, and ones that just want to have a nice bum and be more hot. They also all realize that most guys in the cardio room are there just to get their attention, stare at them (which some of the girls love and are there for), and just to generally try to pick up. Most of the girls have their headphones on, and try not to ever be caught looking at one of the guys, or to talk to them ever. Once in a while you have a nice chat though, and today I met a nice girl, she didn't have headphones, was smiling, stayed after her friends left, and wasn't afraid of eye contact. I chatted her up about leg shaving, she said it was OK and then I left-didn't try to get a number and I'm sure she'll say hi next time too.

Ultimately this is a message to the girls in the gym.

1-Yes I have shaved legs, and good tanlines-no need to stare.

2-If you don't know what you're doing, ask somebody or just share the equipment better please :)

3-Not all guys are out to get you, getting smile goes a long way when you're working hard on your own, so brighten up!

4-Can I have your number?