I know not for everyone, but I think for some people there is "shame" associated with being gay. A guy from my running group who's name is Jim and I think of him as my mentor. He is married man with 2 grown kids. Who knows about some of my struggles. It is great to have an adult man, as a friend, an ally and just somebody you can trust in general. I think what is great about him is he he does not take life too seriously. I am an runner, but he is a triathlete. I do not swim, but he emailed me kidding around and said put on your speedo and come join me in the pool(don't worry he is not making advances. I know him well enough, his wife, and he is just teasing) But I responded back to him. I do not do speedos, but I don't mind looking at Greg Louganis in one. I think he wants me to feel comfortable because he said people like Greg louganis are well built. I felt shame for emailing him that I would like to see Greg in a speedo. When I told Jim I was training for a race. I mentioned to him when I run on the track I compare myself to other runners in the group to size myself up to who I might be running against when I compete later this month. I told him I think of 2 people from our running group when I run to keep my pace steady, but one more in particular because he is a little faster. I think I told Jim once that I looked at that guys match profile, because I had a crush on him. These are my own feelings of "shame" Jim has no problem with me being gay or talking to me about it, the bigger problem is with me. I think its important for me to keep myself aware of this. Thanks for letting me share Justin
