How I deal with walking past a brewery

I don’t drink anymore.

A new brewery opened up in my neighborhood just after I got sober.

I used to love craft beer from small breweries.

I could have walked to this brewery.

I would have spent a lot of time and money at this brewery had it opened sooner.

Perhaps it’s better that it opened after I got sober.

Now on my runs I go by this brewery because it’s on the way to my preferred loop.

On the way out I’m running and on the way back I’m usually walking by then as I’ve hit my mileage goal for the day.

Do I need to go past this brewery…..uhh probably not. There are a million different routes to go.

Why do I keep going past the brewery then?

Maybe I like the superiority of running past their patio while they all sit their with their stupid beers wishing they were in good shape like me. Wishing they weren’t hopelessly addicted to the drink like me. The runner, running by who is clearly in a better place now.

They must think to themselves as I go by, that look there’s a sober guy free of alcohol. Doesn’t he look cool and fit. Doesn’t he look like he has no more worries in life. He looks like a guy who is clearly better than me, if only I could quit drinking this stupid beer. Oh well, I guess I’ll go get in line for some fries from the food truck.

Yeah I’m sure that’s what they are thinking. I’m sure they are focused on me, running instead of the million other things happening in their head and the dozens of things happening around them.

So I guess I handle walking/running by a brewery with some spite, maybe some resentments, and with pace.