The Gym: Monday Late Morning [7-21-08]

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

Helen was in the gym waiting for Rodney to arrive. Day Four. Only three left to go. And if she could convince him to run before class on Thursday, she would be able to tell Ronan that she had been successful at the task he had set her.

Still no return of her clothes, so she had stripped down to the odd undergarments provided with the strange new ones and looped them up in such a way as to make running easier.


[OOC: Helen's waiting for Rodney, but the gym is open and Helen's free for interaction as well.]

Comments

[mrodneymckay.livejournal.com]

"I can't do this," Rodney announced as soon as he stepped into the gym wearing his unwanted, but clean, pirate clothes.

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

"You can," she said firmly. "Was not yesterday easier than the previous days? Today will be easier still."

[mrodneymckay.livejournal.com]

"Have you seen these boots?" He pointed at the heeled boots that all of his footwear had turned into. "Running in them yesterday was one thing since I didn't really think it would last. But this is Day Two of the period clothing and we have no idea how long they're gonna stay this way. I refuse to put my feet through that again."

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

"Take them off," Helen suggested. "You'll be happier running barefoot anyway. I always am. And as we are indoors all will be well."

[mrodneymckay.livejournal.com]

Rodney pouted as his rather pathetic ploy to get out of this failed. "Fine," he huffed as he sat down to take off the ugly boots. "But, I want a foot massage today."

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

"That is your boon for today?" she asked with a smile. "Then I am glad to do so."

[mrodneymckay.livejournal.com]

"And a back massage," he quickly added. "I don't think I've been sleeping right."

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

"That sounds like two boons," she said, raising an eyebrow.

She'd do it if it was the only way to keep him running, but she wasn't about to agree too easily.

[mrodneymckay.livejournal.com]

"Was worth a try," he muttered. "Fine: feet today, back tomorrow," he compromised.

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

She nodded. "That will work quite well," she agreed. "Now, stretching!"

[mrodneymckay.livejournal.com]

"Yeah, yeah," he groused as he stood and began the stretches she had taught him.

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

"You are doing very well, Rodney," she said, honestly a bit surprised that he had lasted this long. "See how much easier it is to do those?"

[mrodneymckay.livejournal.com]

"Hrumph," he wasn't about to admit to any of this being easier. But he would admit, if only to himself, that being able to run away from Dex was pretty good motivation.

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

"All right," she said, "Let's get started. Remember, slow and steady and only handwavey laps around the gym."

[mrodneymckay.livejournal.com]

"Okay, let's get this over with." He started down the track barefooted.

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

"Running barefoot on a smooth surface is actually easier in some ways because you're foot moves more naturally," Helen said as she kept pace with him easily.

[mrodneymckay.livejournal.com]

"Yeah, well, my feet aren't exactly used to a complete lack of support," he huffed.

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

She just smiled and continued on, encouraging him as they drew ever closer to the end of today's torture session.

[mrodneymckay.livejournal.com]

Torture was right. Rodney panted as he ran at a not terribly quick pace.

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

Ronon had said nothing about speed, so as long as Rodney completed the mile, Helen figured he could run however he wanted. "One more lap!" she said with a grin. "Almost done!"

[mrodneymckay.livejournal.com]

"You don't... have to be... so cheerful... about it," he complained.

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

"Are you not pleased to be almost finished?" she asked, a little smugly. "And just think, the completion of this run means you are more than halfway through. Three more days and it will all be over. And if we run before class on Thursday you can be all smug at Ronon."

[mrodneymckay.livejournal.com]

She had a point, but again, Rodney wouldn't admit it. Though he did put on more of a push to finish the last lap.

[elephantgadget.livejournal.com]

"Good!" she said as he finished. "All right, walk it off and stretch while I get you some water and then I will massage your feet as you rest."

[mrodneymckay.livejournal.com]

"Uh huh," he agreed as he slowed to a walk.