I do workouts next to a restaurant

It’s the afternoon and I’m walking through the parking lot in front of the gym. As I think about what I’m wearing– a dry fit shirt, athletic shorts– and carrying a water bottle and a towel, there are other people walking in this same parking lot but dressed quite a bit differently. They’re walking towards the restaurant connected to the gym. I’m underdressed… except that I’m not going to the restaurant. Now I feel uncomfortable but I don’t know if it’s for me or for them.

45 minutes later and I’m on the way out. Except now I have an empty water bottle and I’m really sweaty, walking alongside people arriving at or leaving from that restaurant. I guess it just seems weird to me that there’s a restaurant sharing a wall with a gym. Doesn’t it ruin the atmosphere for anyone trying to have a decent evening out? Pulling into a parking spot, making sure your shirt is tucked in, walking hand-in-hand with your significant other, but then glance around to see people in gym clothes trying to get buff. It must break the mood, right? Plus, connected to the other side if this restaurant is Dollar Tree.

It’s kind of like seeing an 8 in a group of 5s. Something just doesn’t fit. But I guess it’s nice that we can all coexist in this strip mall parking lot. Howdy, I’m Ben. I’m going to the gym to become a better triathlete. Have a good dinner!

-Out of the Wilderness