Tread lightly

I stepped out of the locker room and headed towards the cardio area at 24 la jolla during lunch today. they have 1 row of bikes, a row of elipticals/stair climbers and a third row of treadmills. i usually find myself on the left bank of treadmills just b/c there's a mirror to the side there and i like to check myself out (my form, posture, etc) if there's no one obstructing my view.

today, it appeared to be empty. as i got closer i saw an elderly man on the floor. i figured he was doing side crunches. a few more steps and i notice his treadmill was still running and realized he must've fallen off his treadmill. i rush over to him and ask him if he's okay. he's inaudible. rather than scream for help, i look for a red shirted employee. they're scarce for some reason, but luckily the people that work there, also work out there (often). soon there old man is attended to by 4-5 workers and within a few minutes those guys are replaced with a half dozen firemen. i get started on my run and a guy from across the room gives me a head nod, a wink, and a subtle leather encased thumbs up (yes, all three. at the same time). the whole time i'm thinking 'how long was this man on the floor?' he had at least 10 ppl within a 15 ft radius of him, 'why didn't anyone hear him fall?' he seemed fine and walked out under his own power towards the end of my five miler.

the end. good story, i know.