I am posting the comment/story from Annalene which she sent yesterday morning in one of the comments to my post on “Pictures: On Your Mark 10K Run”.
hi bald runner! congrats for finishing the 10k oym run with better time!
i am a frequent visitor of your blog but too shy to introduce myself (maybe in the global run this Sunday i will approach you) but with what i witnessed yesterday in the Bayani Run in MOA, i think i need to… (we joined that race instead of the OYM because Bayani was announced ahead of time).
BTW, going back to the real purpose for posting this, i noticed that there was this guy (i was not able to get his name) running without shoes. He joined and finished the 10k run with his bare feet. Initially, i reacted that maybe that is his style to be noticed.
After the race, while waiting for our certificates, i saw him in front of the church trying to get something….. well, he got his package wrapped in plastic bag, it was his pair of shoes, not for running but a totally dilapidated, torn rubber shoes with holes on the sides. He wore it without socks either.
My daughter approached him and even congratulated him to ignite a conversation but he left in haste.
Maybe, just maybe if i will spot him again… i will try to get his name and contact number and refer to your project donate a shoe.
Your project can really help less fortunate runners like him…
Annalene, thanks for sending this comment and observation on some of our fellow runners who are less-fortunate to buy and use a better running shoe. I am a “tough-hearted” guy but after reading your story, I was shocked and sad..and I could feel the pain and discomfort the “barefoot runner” had to endure in running the 10K distance. Would you believe I nearly shed some tears from my eyes after reading your story? Your story really inspires me to pursue this Project: Donate A Shoe with more attention and vigor.
I have to meet you this Sunday at The Fort. I’ll be at the Project Donate A Shoe Booth after the race.
To my fellow runners and visitors of this blog, if ever you can spot any runner in barefoot or wearing old and torn running shoes. please lead them to our “booth” or get their “race number/s” so that we can trace them through their addresses and find ways to provide these runners with better running shoes.
On the other hand, to those fellow runners who are more blessed and have old shoes in their cabinets/lockers, I am encouraging you to donate them as more of our countrymen need the things you don’t use as these become “brittle” and rotten if they are not being used regularly.
Bald Runner 
Like Analyn, I am an everyday visitor of your blog and also too shy to approach you. You and bullrunner have been an inspiration to me and I really enjoyed reading through your entries. You have such a motivating blogs learned a lot on your running tips. Hope to see at the Global 10k run.
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jun, thanks for the comment. keep on visiting my blog and everything is free here and i am glad that you are getting positive results on the tips we (the bullrunner and I) share with the other runners. i will be at the Project Donate A Shoe Booth after this Sunday’s race. pls don’t be shy to approach me.
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didn’t see that guy but my brother did. tsk tsk.
hey you’re in the army pala. my dad used to be an active runner for the PAF until last year. hehe
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marga, yup! i am with the army but retiring from the service next month. i am sure your dad knows me well. i am pma class ’75. thanks for the visits & hope to see you soon.
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aw, the big 5-6 ano? dad has i think 5 more years. he’s from PMA ’80. class mapitagan. 🙂
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oh and by the way i hope you don’t mind if i link you to my blog! thanks!
marga
http://transition-zero.blogspot.com
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My heart breaks to hear stories like this. Last March 30, at the Mizuno run, I noticed a couple of runners who had worn out shoes and clothes. I felt guilty for buying a new outfit just for the run. . anyway, after reading your blogs and about the donate a shoe project, I told my running friends that we should join this cause.. and we will..
I just starting running last year and your blog is an inspiration, I love reading it everyday. You remind me so much of my father (who is also an athlete — till now, he plays a lot of sports and he’s my idol in fitness and health, he’s already 64 years old). Goodluck on your sanfo run =) Godspeed!
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marga, yup! i’ll be 56 y.o. on may 17 and will be running the following day. i am sure your dad will become a general, too! extend my regards to him. thanks for the link. why don’t you try wordpress with your blog? hope to see you soon!
bambi/maya, thanks for the support. we have to start somewhere to help these less-fortunate runners and please spread the project to others. hope to see you soon tomorrow at the Global City Run.
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