Nov 24, 1999

Some years ago, I got sick of running in the winter with all the cold and ice. I joined a local gym, planning to use the treadmills or the indoor track. I think it cost $100 for three months.

One bitter cold morning, I decided to bail out on the weather and use the gym. I started on a treadmill and lasted two or three minutes before deciding that I didn't like having the ground beneath me move.

So I switched to the track. It was better, and I did 10 miles. But I didn't like the lighting and the blasting music and having to deal with people sailing by me who were running a half-mile or so.

That was my last day in the gym. I decided that I preferred being out in the elements. Since that day, I've never thought about indoor running again, other than contemplating the occasional indoor meet. (Rich Englehart, Newburyport, Massachusetts)

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