I’ve just recently jumped back into the gym. Ok, maybe not jumped, but definitely sauntered. (but not sashayed) The facility is overwhelming which always great when you’re the new guy. My favorite part is that when I walk into the main area everyone gives you the thousand mile stare and also passing judgment, “I’m in better shape that that guy”. So when I finally get comfortable with the surroundings I’ll still have the “look” to look forward to.

So how is the “Y” trying to kill me? The dang Treadmills!! On one specific day, a certain treadmill had my number. I ascended the machine and then put the correct speed that I was used to. Walking along for just a breif moment when all of a sudden the traction got shifty and i slipped a little. No big deal, maybe I wasn’t paying attention. I got so locked into the Today show hat I wasn’t aware of my surroundings. And then it happened again. this time I almost lost it and had to grab onto the sides to make sure I didn’t bite it. To let you know I’m surrounded by other runners and health nuts on all sides. I’m feeling a bit embarrassed (which is a really wild thing) but i give it one more shot and keep going. The treadmill attacks yet a third time this time nearly launching me backwards into some 120 lb woman who I’m sure was laughing and then was scared beyond belief with he thought of me making an entrance onto her machine. So I did the only thing I could do… retreat. This monster was too much for a mortal to beat. i switched machines and the world was returned to order.

As for Tim Grahl… He’s been incredible to lend me a bike of his (it’s a Redline Monocog) and this past Monday we got together to take a “stroll” on the Black Water Creek Trail. I’ve just recently been introduced to this route and it’s gorgeous. We headed out with my brother Ryan and Canadian Import Alex and headed down the 3.5 miles to the downtown area. The ride wasn’t hard, the day was incredible. and we made it downtown joking on the way about if I had to live out doors I’d probably live underneath a bridge by the black water creek trail. When we hit downtown (half way through on our adventure) we headed back on the Point of Honor Trail. Again, great day and lots of laughs. But now we’ve biked 5+ miles and I haven’t been on a bike in 8 years and Tim starts checking in with me, “Dan, are you ok?” Yes, of course I’m fine.. but sitting on this seat is the equivalent to balancing a pizza on a nickel. So we head on. While on the trail we all seem to notice that the birds have stopped chirping and that the silence is deafening. Tim starts to mention that on this part of the trail is where he worries about getting injured because no one would find him. THANKS TIM!! I’m from Boston. Sometimes nature is amazing, sometimes the sheer spectacle of creation leaves me awestruck… and sometimes I get the feeling that I went on a canoing trip with Ned Beatty and a couple of banjo’s! We press on through the proposed rape victim area and make it back to some civilization. Just as we’re getting back to the original trail we see a glorious (albeit man made) waterfall and it was pretty cool actually.

Tim checks in again (for the 400th time), “Dan, are you ok?”

This time I respond differently. “No, I’m not ok”

Tim: “Why, what’s wrong?”

Me: “I have a huge gut and it’s not letting me ride this bike!”

That got him laughing, so it was fun and we returned to the parking lot and then the slight chaffing that is never realized until the end of any trip (see going to the beach or hiking) I was just so glad it wasn’t just me. it’s incredible out here in Virginia now so get outdoors or meet me at the treadmill at the YMCA and we can battle it together.

For the life of me I’m having trouble figuring out why the bike seats are so small. Somebody help me.