Some time ago I wrote a post entitled The view from my treadmill.  In short, I spoke about the things you see from the treadmill if you look closely enough.  Well this morning, I saw things from a very different vantage point.

There is an elderly gentleman who comes to the gym early in the morning.  His clothes are not labeled with a swoosh or a logo;  his shoes are not high tech and his socks are your basic white socks typical for a man his age.  He does not move too fast or too slow and his focus is quite intense for 5:00 in the morning, at any age.

I have watched him from different vantage points in the gym.  Most every morning, I spend 10-15 minutes stretching on the mats.  From that spot, I can see most of the goings on in the weigh room.  This gentleman moves from machine to machine slowly and methodically.  He does not chat too often but his smile is kind.

This morning when I came into the treadmill area and picked my treadmill, he was two machines over. He looked strong and confident as the minutes slowly ticked down until he was finished.  I watched him carefully and discreetly from my own treadmill wondering what he is thinking as his eyes scan the gym.

Is he looking at the younger gents with a longing for that time? (Or is he looking at the young women working so hard and finding it so different from how women were when he was that age.)

Does his mind wander like mine about things that worry him?

I wonder if he left anyone sleeping while he came to the gym and will he return to her for coffee and breakfast? If not, does he have children and do they know how strong he is to come to the gym every morning and work on his body to be healthy?

He does not seem to struggle with the work out nor does he seem to worry about speed or pace.   He just “is”.

I have thought about him most of the day and I marvel at his routine.  He is proof that you can continue to be active and social for a long time. I want to be like that.  I don’t know if these hips of mine will still salsa to Pitbull or run with Van Halen but I sure as hell am going to try.

Time for bed soon.  Sleep tight my friend wherever you are. I’ll see you in the morning.