See my lonely life unfold
I see it every day
See my lonely mind explode
Since I’ve gone away.

— vincent damon furnier

—

I arrive at the SCC fitness center to use the indoor track. My feet are a bit banged up, but my legs feel fine despite the weekend’s sufferfest, a testament to the Fit PA Fancy Pants Training Plan©.

The woman at the counter looks up and says, “Going for a run, right?”

Must’ve been the Freeda’s Run race shirt that gave me away. Or maybe because I’m a regular during the summer. Or possibly my biceps glaringly indicate that I’m not here for the weight machines.

“Yes,” I reply. I think I’ve mentioned my love of spontaneous conversation.

“Well, at least you’re running inside. You’d have to be crazy to run outside in this heat.”

“Yes,” I agree. “Yes, you would.”