Giving in.

I love running outside. I love the sense of accomplishment I get from making it to a certain place and the views I get to enjoy along the way. I used to run my dog to Gasworks, climb the hill and take in the city view across Lake Union each morning. Each morning was beautiful and exhilarating with a slightly different sky above. The sky would still be dark, and the downtown buildings were yet to wake up. The only sounds nearby are the crazy crew ladies I always see at Pete's on the way to my bus and my dog running loose exploring each patch of grass. I used to run to work in Pioneer Square. I worked my hardest to keep up with the bike commuters and often caught up at the following stop-light. Arriving to work by foot always gives me an amazing sense of accomplishment. I used to run Greenlake on Sundays as a warm-up to a lovely JL yoga class. Depending on the weather and the weekend there are you regulars and then different crowds of families, kids, tourists, etc. to pass while huffing and puffing around the lake. Recently I have enjoyed the Cheshiahud Loop that circles Lake Union. However, after my a run in the soaking rain last week I decided it was time to give in. I need to learn to appreciate gyms and their offer of good health and energy through the rainy, windy and cold winter months. I'm just not down with spending that huge chunk'o'change each month for facilities I don't use all year round. So, to ease my way into it I am shopping around. I am doing the free trial circuit around the Fremont and Ballard area. It's kinda fun, other than the beginning sales pitch, but that is the reason they give you the free trials. Earlier in the week I went to Sound, Mind and Body in Fremont and had a physical exam by a PT which made me feel pretty good about myself. They have a really great facility with a good layout. The cardio machines all face the window that looks out onto the Burke Gilman and the Canal. The price however is more than a small chunk of change in addition to joining fees and fees to put a membership on hold. Kinda a bummer. This week I have been going to Anytime Fitness which is right around the corner from my house. Great location! Awkward atmosphere but it is cheap and has just about everything I'd want. If only they had a jacuzzi tub or sauna. Next on the list is Olympic Athletic Club in Ballard. This is turning out to be a pretty fun hobby. :)