Magazine articles everywhere covering the topic of fitness advise, Bring a friend! Bring your mom! Your boyfriend!

Um, no. 

Lately, all my friends who go to the same gym have been coming up to me while I'm on the treadmill to chat. I don't chat at the gym. I work out at the gym. 

Why am I the ice queen at the gym? Even though it looks like I'm only walking, I'm not in the greatest shape. This is my sprinting. I can't talk to you without slowing down - and I can't slow down without stopping! When I'm on the treadmill or the bike, I'm hot, sweaty, sometimes fighting for air - and not in the mood to chat. I'm in the mood to drown the world away, to beat the treadmill's a$$. 

So, my apologies if I seem rude, in addition to sweaty and red faced!