There's a fine line between genius and insanity. I have erased this line. -Oscar Levant

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How much does it cost to breathe fresh air?

Thursday, July 27, 2006
This sad thought just occurred to me this morning. I was planning to go for a morning jog but I only have 50 bucks in my wallet which was just enough to get me to work (P30 FX fare from Pasig to Ayala.) If I went for a run, there would only be P6 left (P15 roundtrip jeepney fare plus P29 track entrance fee) and I was too damn lazy to make a quick stop to the nearest ATM to withdraw (I was planning to wear my cute white high heels and walking in those shoes simply kills me. So no way I was gonna trouble myself with extra distance.)
WHY CAN'T I JOG WITHOUT SPENDING A CENT?!

For people living in similar area like mine, you know the answer. There are no proper pavements ideal for jogging, long-distance walking or biking. Jogging here is considered fatal, either by quick death from being hit by a vehicle or a slow one from lung cancer due to pollution.

As much as I wanted to run from my house to anywhere my feet would drag me to, I can't or should I just say, I don't want to risk my life. It just saddens me so badly that I have to pay to have a nice, safe run… And I have to go somewhere outside Manila to get some actual fresh air.

Somehow I wish I lived during my grandparents' days, when Pasig river was clean enough for fishing and swimming. When there were dirt roads where children could freely play. When there were tiny parks with shaded trees for folks to hang about during sunny afternoons… Well, those days are gone… You now have to have money to enjoy the good things in life…

I want to run and I want to breathe in fresh air and smell the scent of trees and grass as I do. I run to be healthier not to risk dying from lung cancer. I don't even smoke!

If I were filthy rich, I'd clean up Pasig River and build a jogging path along it. I'd promote running for healthier life and encourage runners, as well as the locals, to keep fresh air FREE… Sigh… dreams of a dreamer…

By the way, the Red Cross fun run on Sunday was moved to August 13. Got more time for practice! I'm doing another 10K, hopefully this time, a sub-55 minutes!

Posted by michellerinosa at 8:09 pm | permalink | comments[1]