Two days after my barefoot runnin’ at Sta. Monica, I met a runner in Gen.Luna, Siargao Island. I still cannot believe I saw someone running while we are headed the surfing site- Cloud 9.
Wooden bridge to the view deck, the Famous Cloud 9, Gen.Luna, Siargao, Island
On our way to GL (General Luna, where the famous Cloud 9 is) I saw a girl running , after some more meters I saw another one a guy this time, running too. I can’t believe what I just saw- runners in this part of the island. I look at their shoes and they were Asics. I concluded that they are indeed runners (and not occasional joggers).
This was two days after my unforgettable barefoot runnin’ in a virgin beach at the north part of the island where running is unheard of. People look at me in amazement of what I am doing. So we arrived at Cloud 9, checking the waves for a short surfing session that late afternoon. After some time, I saw again the girl runner then followed by the guy, a foreigner actually. I was really getting curious so I approach the guy and asked him,
Note: Of course, I did not record the conversation, duh?! What I write here is the best that I can remember how our conversation went
James: “Hi, how’s the run? How many miles did you cover?”
Foreigner: “I don’t know, I just run for about 30 minutes…” (eager to leave, then left for his place)
James: (thinking in his mind 'suplado nito ahhh' and continues to survey the place)
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After some seconds
Foreigner: (looks back at me from about 10ft. approaches me) You’re a runner aren’t you? I can see those runner’s calves (pointing at my gastronemius muscles or calves)
James: (proudly) Yes, I am.
Foreigner: I was eager to leave because of my injury, (Pulled right hamstrings) but when I looked back I thought maybe you’re a runner too (pointing at my calves). So, I said to myself we might have a good conversation.
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He tells me about his plans of joining a race. He also told me of how we Filipinos call 5K and 10K races in the provinces a marathon. I agreed on that, as I know of small provincial towns calling 3K and 5K fun runs 3K and 5K marathon. But, I told him that in Manila, not anymore. Running scene has changed a lot in Manila.
He also shared to me that he reads Takbo.ph and Baldrunner regularly. He asked me if I know those sites. I believe all serious runners in Manila know about those two popular running sites. (How I wish he knows that I blog too) =)
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Foreigner: Do you know anyone from Takbo?
James: Actually, I know the owner of the site. I run with him several times in Manila (Alabang).
Foreigner: I’m actually training for a marathon this July in GenSan.
James: Is there a 42K race in GenSan? (I know there are 42Ks in Cebu but in GenSan, I don’t know).
Foreigner: Do you have minute, come over our house, I’ll show you something.
James: Hmmmm, actually, I’m going to surf. Is it far?
Foreigner: Just 30 meters.
James: Okay (Walks with the foreigner). What’s your name again? I’m James.
Foreigner: Bones
Bones brought me to his place ‘coz he wants to inquire about that marathon. In his laptop, he showed me Takbo.ph website bookmarked. He showed me the schedule, it says,
“7/25/2010 34th National Milo Marathon (GenSan).”
So, I told him, in the provincial races its only 21K not 42K. The Full Marathon is only available in Manila and that’s on July 4.
We talked some more about running. He showed me some of his notes and some stories when he started running. I learned that he has been running 42 1/2 years already. 4 years running in Siargao. The girl that I saw earlier was his wife, Lorna, whom he encouraged to start running too. She will also join the Milo Provincial Race at GenSan for her first 5K. 4 ther friends are encouraged into running/jogging, they do some 3K runs in the island. The meeting was brief. We exchanged contact infos and I promised him an email about the details of the race in GenSan.
As I leave his nice place, I said:
James: I’ll be back in Siargao, see you again, let’s run together here or when you visit Manila.
Bones: Sure. L-M-U-R mate (in Autralian accent).
James: What’s that? (American accent)
Bones: L-M-U-R
James: What does that mean?
Bones: Long May U Run mate (in Australian accent again).
James: Thanks a lot mate! Hope to see you again. (waves good-bye)
Bones: (Waves back)
JourneyingJames meets Bones, an Australian runner living in Siargao Island. He owns a cozy bar too.
I could have not met this cool guy if I’m not a runner. Well, I guess runners understand each other. There is something runners commonly share, I do not know what. The love for the road and trails? The fulfillment and satisfaction it makes after the run? I don’t know. What do you think?
Nice meeting you Bones! See you in Manila or in Siargao. LMUR!
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