Then came Wayne, the SFrunner.
Picked up Wayne at his hotel in Makati last Nov. 14, 2008 to attend the orientation of the Nike Running Clinic at Ultra. I did not register for this event knowing that it would be totally impossible for me to make it. Lucky for me though, my guardian angels found a way to make the impossible possible.
The chaotic traffic condition (caused by payday falling on a Friday) prevented us from reaching Ultra on the scheduled time of 7 PM. Thank God I brought one family size pizza with cheesy pops and a cooler filled with Diet Coke and mango juice which I hope Wayne enjoyed while we talked about running, races, and just about anything along the road. My son Gio also joined the conversation, throwing questions at Wayne from time to time which the SFrunner patiently answered with gentleness and all humility.
We arrived at the venue very very late, and as soon as we entered Brent gym, I suddenly felt uncomfortable because of the heat that greeted us at the entrance.
But my uneasiness disappeared when I saw Sir Jovie grinning at Wayne and me.
Contrary to my preconceived expectations (you know, BR must be stern and quiet kind of guy), he was warm, gracious and surprisingly funny. Why, he even dropped a hilarious joke which really caused my tummy to explode! But due to existing moral restrictions of our society, I dare not divulge it in this blog . . . sorry!
Sir Jovie, I enjoyed very much our lively chat, though very short. Thank you for helping me forget (temporarily) the pain of driving all the way from Las Pinas to Makati and then to Pasig. You are truly, truly a wonderful person. Your hair may be gone but your heart is overflowing with love and compassion for others.
Then Gio and I walked across the gym to say hi to Jaymie and her group: the ever-thoughtful Jay together with JunC, Marga and Annie. We talked and laughed for a while and then I went nearer the speaker to learn a few tips about running.
That's where I found Wilbert and Vimz who was so kind to accompany me to the ladies' room and showed me the beautiful oval track where they usually run. She also introduced me to the rest of the Happy Feet group whom I haven't met at the VSO (won't mention the names one by one anymore kasi baka masaktan yong nakalimutan kong pangalan . . . hirap talaga ng gurang!)
Thanks to Wayne for being instrumental in my attendance at the Nike Running Clinic Orientation. Because of him, I was able to finally meet the Bald Runner and all of you wonderful guys! (now I know how and why Mark & Tiffin came to be)
