As part of the advocacy of the Bald Runner to promote running to everybody, a series of invitations from the different corporate offices in Metro Manila had been attended and running clinics had been conducted to beginners and members of their respective running clubs. The running clinics consist of two parts/sessions—a 1 1/2 to 2-hour lecture in a classroom where the basics, principles and “tips” are presented and discussed to the participants; and the actual practical running & demonstration are done at the ULTRA Oval Track for about another 2 hours.

After a month of regular coordination with Celyn, one of the HP employees and one of the Team Bald Runner-Professional Group members who is a regular runner in our ULTRA Oval Track training, the running clinic was conducted last night, Friday, at the 34th Floor of the Robinson’s Summit Center Building along Ayala Avenue, Makati City with the participation of 25-30 employees of Hewlett-Packard Philippines. As what I usually practice in every running clinic, I immediately start the lecture once I enter the designated venue by asking some basic questions to know the extent of competency and level of running fitness of everybody.

The lecture deals with the basics, principles, and “tips” in running; and more of my experiences for the past 30+ years that I’ve been running. I emphasized on the “ways and means” for a runner to be free from any injury; their diet & nutrition; the selection of the correct and appropriate running shoes; and appreciation of the phrase, “listen to your body”. 

Sometimes, my lecture would be long and more interesting as I always give examples for every principle involved in training to improve in one’s capability to run faster and stronger.

One of my favorite runner-writer-philosopher whom I use as an authority on the “tips” of running is Dr George Sheehan. His past writings and experiences had been considered as “precious and timeless” piece of running advise for everybody. His books had been considered as “collector’s item” for every kind of runner. It is unfortunate that up to this time, I am still looking for those books he had written and published. If he is still alive today, he could be the Number #1 runner-blogger in the world.

Duirng the open forum, I found out that some of the participants had been regular runners in road races in Metro Manila. One of the ladies, finished a Marathon Race but she told me that she learned a lot on new “tips” during the lecture and she will surely remember in order to improve her next Marathon Race. Most of the regular runners in the group had just finished their first half-marathon during the Condura Run.

As I promised to them, the second part of the running clinic will be actual running at the oval track which will be done next Friday. Their footstrike, running form, and strides will be analyzed, assessed and corrected. I encouraged everybody to attend the second part as more technical information will be imparted to all the runners.

After a brief open forum, a simple closing ceremony was conducted where Celyn, Sherwin and Elaine gave some gifts to me and Coach Titus as simple token for the services we have rendered to the employees of Hewlett-Packard.

To the HP Runners, thanks for the warm reception and interesting questions during the lecture. The Elite Team Bald Runner and Coach Titus will be happy to receive you during your actual practical running application/demonstration this coming Friday.