Phone Calls on Runs

Sometimes when I am out on a run (usually also out of breath and wheezing!) I get a phone call from a client.

After greetings, it’s “Are you OK?” “Should I call 911?”  “Are you all right?” “I can call back.”

I explain I am just out running. I tell them I am __ miles into a __ mile run. Then, it’s “You run?” “You’re kidding…right?” “Wow.” “You do this often?”

Now, here’s what interesting. After the disbelief is suspended, clients often become quite appreciative and impressed. There is a noticeable shift from “client” status to “friend and partner” status. The business relationship is now a relationship built on respect and mutual engagement for success.

Sometimes those conversations turn into a 20 minute walks with a friend covering a wide range of topics. Sometimes those conversations are cut short because the client is not sure what to say/do next… but they always call back within five minutes and the conversation continues.

Then there is my daughter Kelly. I confess that I often schedule a run in her neighborhood just because I know what she will do. I will drop by, leave my car in the driveway, and take off on a run. If I am gone more than an hour, she will inevitably call. “Where are you?” “Are you ok?” “Are you coming home?” “You’re where?!” “Don’t over tax yourself!” “Do you have enough water?!” “How are your knees?” “When will you be back?”

I love it. I love hearing her voice. I appreciate her concern. I always look forward to when the call comes. And sometimes I lengthen the run, just to make sure I get the call.  Is that wrong?

I am truly blessed with family and friends. Some live in my house. Some live across town. Some live half way around the globe.

Sophie is on the right side of the guy in the yellow shirt!

I got a call today on Skype from Sophie Huang from Shenzhen China. “Sophie” is a very bright, energetic, and competent young adult with whom I had the pleasure to meet while working with study groups on college campuses in Nanchang China. She wanted to wish me happy birthday and to know how the Stockholm Marathon went and if she could contribute to the cause. (She can’t send money over the internet, but wanted to mail me yaun, RMB in an envelope!) and yes, the call came during a run… and her first words were, “Are you OK? Are you running!?”

My Belly--the Community Project

Run: Younhidong

4.55 miles

1:05

Run: Mt. Ansan

5.37 mile

1:12

Run: Younhi Stream

5.22 miles

1:12

Weight: 244

I love visiting Asia. I love the people. I love the food. I love the culture. Every trip is a wonderful experience. But I do have to prepare myself mentally. By Asian standards, I am a big man. People notice. I am finally ok with that. But why is it that in a culture with gracious manners, polite references, and no physical contact, complete strangers feel free to walk up to me, poke me in the belly (or worse yet, rub it) and laugh?

As is my practice, I attended church Sunday. It was great to see old friends and meet some new ones. The kids are all growing so fast. And, of course, the slim and trim ahjimas ( a Korean term of "endearment" for middle-aged women with an attitude) gathered 'round, poked and prodded my belly, declared that I was too fat, and took control of my diet for the next two weeks. Mrs. An, a wonderful cook in the kitchen and consumate professional in her career, put me on a nurtri-system soy powder shake, mixed drink, lots of water, pills, yada, yada diet. . . along with kimchi, kim, namyang, udon, and anything else they want me to eat. My eyeballs are floating, my colon is completely cleansed, my pores are oozing salt water, and I am running to the toilet every 20 minutes. I am also running--as you can see by my post. All for the loss of 2 pounds! Dr. Alcox says that's what old age does to your metabolism. It ain't fair!

Well, my Korean friends fuss and make fun of me-- I don't like the attention-- but I fuss over them and the point is this: They care. They support me. We are friends. We are family. We are community. If I am successful in my training for the races in October, it will be because of the encouragement of ahjimas. All of us need support in meeting our goals. All of us need to feel that we belong. Those enslaved in poverty and are ravaged by the violence, disease and human degradation that so often comes with poverty, often are able to effect change for a better life, when the opportunity is given to create community. To band together. To support one another. Together we can fight to end poverty one child, one family, one village at a time. I invite you to join me!