A gym is very quiet on a Sunday. Women who would otherwise be sweatin' to the oldies are off doing other things - cleaning house, getting churched, day tripping, brunching on bacon and Eggs Benedict. How I envy them their bacon. Don't get me wrong - I love my job almost as much as I love bacon, but these early morning shifts can be a challenge. Up at 6, bus at 7, through the gym doors at 7:59.

We are a gym inspired by the Curves model, but proudly independent. We also deal in cubic zirconia. It's a long, odd story, but the result is a jewelry case in our front entry that's jam-packed with (mostly) tasteful costume jewelry. There are several blingy cocktail rings that could easily put someone's eye out, which might come in handy in the event of a stick-up.

On another note, Ottawa is quite a lovely city. I realized this afresh while traversing it by bus more serenely than usual - that is, without the start-and-stop traffic and sardine-like crush that's typical of weekday travel. It's a perfect day for running, and I did see several runners tearing up the bike paths. I used to run three or four times weekly as my main form of exercise, but since working at the gym and working out five days a week (might as well take advantage of the free membership!), more than one run a week feels like overkill. I miss it, though, especially the long fall runs, thick with leaves and the last gasp of summer. Next year I'll aim to do more, and throw in a few races. One of my life's greatest highs was a race announcer saying "Let's give these athletes a hand!" as the first race I ever ran wrapped up, and the sweet sweet self-satisfaction of knowing that I, former gym class laughingstock, AM AN ATHLETE.

I have strong sturdy legs, sculpted arms and pecs that make my less-than-ample bosom stand at attention. On the other hand, my belly always makes me look mildly pregnant and I have the posture of a swayback mare, which doesn't help. I have stretch marks and childbearing hips without the children to explain them. But I can run 10 kilometres with relative ease and work a stability ball like nobody's business. I am small but I am a powerhouse.

I

AM

AN

ATHLETE