L.A. McLeod, California Artist & Writer
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Sunrise at the Gym

2/5/2022

16 Comments

 
Picture
When I head out to the gym in the morning, the sky is still dark, the stars fighting for the last word with the approaching dawn.
I don’t really like to exercise, but I like the feeling of having worked out. So I crawl out of bed, swap PJs for yoga pants and a sweatshirt, then drive half-awake to my small group training session, thankfully only 10 minutes away.
 
When I’m running late, I can usually find a corner of the large, functional space among all the other women focused on their fitness.

But I have a secret motivation for showing up early.

I get to claim my favorite spot at the end of the corridor across from the gym’s east-facing front window. As we warm up and stretch, I watch shades of deep indigo and gray gradually surrender to a spectacular light show, a slow explosion of shimmering crimson and gold. The powerful beauty infuses my cardio with energy, my muscles with strength, my spirit with delight. Fiery brilliance of sunrise subsides, breathless, into gentle pastels…lavender, pink, coral. As we finish our workout, the sky settles on a hue barely blue, silhouetting the trees and street signs outside.

Sure, working out is drudgery. But for those few moments, my sweat was sanctified by extravagant, fleeting glory. I tuck away the memory of my early morning gift along with water bottle and towel, then step into the day with a hallelujah smile.   
16 Comments
Carol LaCorte
2/5/2022 06:21:42 pm

Beautiful!!! I never would have thought to pair a gym workout with a sublime sunrise, but there you go. I'm happy you found your favorite spot. I enjoy the same inspiring view, only mine is from a horse stall or a pig pen. It's not quite the same thing, but close enough. :0)

Reply
Leslie
2/5/2022 07:41:12 pm

I love that we can all enjoy it, different but stunning every day, from wherever we are. Horse stall, pig pen, sweaty gym -- all sublime!

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Jane S Daly link
2/5/2022 06:28:11 pm

I love my morning workout. I call us the Faithful Five. All of us ladies hold each other accountable to attend our 6:00 am class.

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Leslie McLeod
2/9/2022 05:45:50 am

It's so much more fun shared, isn't it?

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Denise
2/5/2022 09:17:26 pm

I over the last year began painting with watercolors. I’ve been eagerly working or weeks on sunset 🌅 and sunrise 🌄 pictures. Something just so amazing i. The beautiful hues of oranges and reds and blues and purples. I smile every time and Thank God for sharing this beauty with me. I continue to hone my painting skills, hoping to be able to replicate Gods beauty.
Thank you for sharing this Leslie 😊

Reply
Leslie McLeod
2/6/2022 07:38:23 am

What fun, Denise! Every day a new masterpiece to work from. Send me a photo of one of your favorites!

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Tim Gallagher link
2/6/2022 06:55:25 am

I used to love leaving Get Cut at the right time of year when the sun was rising over Didzar park. Sometimes there would be a morning fog to add to the atmosphere. But now I look out my window and watch the sun change the color of the hills. Gets me through the dreaded "abs round."

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Leslie McLeod
2/6/2022 07:40:08 am

ABS-olutely inspiring! We miss seeing you in person, though.

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Amy Lively link
2/7/2022 09:36:47 am

Now that's worth getting up early for, turning your workout into worship.

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Leslie McLeod
2/7/2022 10:58:37 am

The silver lining, for sure! :)

Reply
Clara
2/14/2022 09:27:23 am

I love running early in the morning and seeing the sunrise - I love to see how the sky colors change as the sun rises. It’s the perfect time of day to give God thanks for another beautiful day

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Leslie McLeod
2/14/2022 07:58:20 pm

Even better to be outdoors with the beauty all around you -- I can imagine how peaceful that must be for you, Clara.

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Peggy link
2/22/2022 07:04:02 am

Reading this as I start my morning. Love seeing this little glimpse into yours. Grateful for your lovely words and how they connect us across the miles.

Reply
Leslie
2/22/2022 08:59:07 am

Thank you, friend! I so appreciate all of your thoughtful comments :)

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Cecilia
3/13/2022 06:48:49 pm

This is beautiful thank you

Reply
Leslie
3/13/2022 06:55:51 pm

Thank you Cecilia ❤

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