Workin' it at the gym

     I was doing calf raises on a leg press machine when a guy asked if we can rotate. I told him that I had 20 left and he expressed a puzzled look. When I asked him why he gave me that look, he said that I’m doing an awful lot of reps. He asked me if I am doing this for rehab. I said no. Then he said usually people who are injured will do a lot of reps. I said that I am kind of injured.
   
     At this point I am beat red, not only from lifting but from blushing! I was as red as my shirt! I felt so embarrassed. I said that I may have slight shin splints, so I am taking it easy. He asked if I run because shin splints are a common complaint from runners. I told him that I do run and that I am resting for my 5K tomorrow, and a 10K the day after. I haven’t ran in two days. He runs 2-3 times per week (check plus) now because he tore his ACL and got surgery. He showed me his scar. He ran cross country in high school and wrestled. He said that he doesn’t do as much crazy stuff as he did years ago, like cliff diving and snowboarding (check plus). I told him that my orthopedic surgeon said to stop running and do other things instead, like swimming. He agreed with me that it’s not the same effect as running.

     I believe in being at the right place at the right time. The gym is the place to be.

     Then I went to the next machine. There was an awkward silent moment. I left it up to him if he wanted to keep talking.

     He asked me what my major is. I told him that I am post-graduate in counseling. I explained my program to him. He said he is in graduate school, too (check plus)! I thought he was an undergraduate because he looks young and is short. He is graduating this May with his M.A.T. He has a B.A. in biology from Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. I think he is 24 or 25. I forgot what he said.

     He was rambling a lot and he actually said that he gets hyperactive when he has been up all day. (I think his nervousness was to blame, not the fact that he woke up early.) He was up since 6 a.m. because he was student teaching at a nearby school. We talked about the difference between SCU and MSU and why he chose MSU. Finances were a huge reason because tuition is more expensive to live out of state. I like that he said this: “I didn’t want to go back to live with my parents because I think I am a pretty independent person (check plus), but it is much cheaper to commute.” Loved it!

     We talked for about one hour. He has many check pluses. He is smart, close to my age, in school, has ambition, works out, and runs. I was so happy that I came to the gym at that time. I thought that if anywhere, I would meet someone at the gym.

     I was done with that machine and got up to go the next one. He said he is leaving. I noticed that he only had his keys in his hand and no cell phone to take my number. I wanted to see if he would ask for my number regardless. I did not see why he wouldn’t. We had a great conversation.

     We got up and he introduced himself as Dave. We shook hands and I told him my name. He said, “So next time you see me, you know my name.” I told him that I will be here. I said it was nice meeting him. Off he went.

     I was disappointed that he didn’t ask for my number. What a letdown. I thought of asking for his number, but I also didn’t have my phone with me. I like to leave the phone number exchange up to the guy. If he were interested, he would have asked. However, I think he didn’t ask for it because he didn’t have his phone with him. Maybe he thought I would not give him my number. Or he may have a girlfriend. I didn’t get the impression that he has one though…but you never know. I don’t want to be another secret.

    

Do you think that I should have asked him for his number? Why do you think he didn’t ask for mine? Do you think he is interested?

Keepin’ it real,

   Realist