I always forget that at a certain time of year, every year, there is a daily chorus at Run and Become
Cardiff, from our customers. It is spoken in a tone which implies:
"What are you thinking of abandoning us for two weeks!?" A typical
complaint would be:
"I came last week, all the way from
Pontypridd/Cwmbran/Blaenavon/Abergavenny. You were closed! My
brother/mum/coach/doctor told me I MUST not go anywhere else, and
promised you'd sort me out with a tidy pair of daps." (That's a good
quality pair of running shoes, for those who are not familiar with
Welsh slang.)
Then they realise they are pleased we are back rather than
angry. I have to admit I have missed them too. Their pleading or
resolute expressions are endearing enough to coax me out of the jet-lag
zone and away from my strong cup of "willingness" (latté). When we tell
them we all ran a marathon the week before, they are sometimes so
impressed and even concerned for our welfare, they soon forget their
apparently wasted journeys. Within minutes they are rolling up their
suit trousers, pulling up their socks, entrusting their shopping to us,
and running up and down the bustling pavement.
They always seem to feel at home after a few moments, and
appear oblivious to the frenzy behind the scenes. To us it usually
seems chaotic, but especially after being closed for a while, and with
quite a few important local races coming up.
"Can I have this in a 13/in green/when I get paid?"
"Can I leave my bike/pushchair/dog by the door?"
"Do you sell cricket shoes/umbrellas/gum shields/swimming goggles/football tickets/phone cards?"
We laughed lamely today at the deliveryman's "joke" as he wheeled briskly in with a scruffy handful of paperwork.
"29 cartons!" he grinned.
They often make such jokes, as they know we have very little
space they think will provoke a reaction. Like the boy who cried
"wolf," his announcement was ignored, but in the cartons came four or
five at a time until they obscured our office window and nearly touched
the ceiling. See what I mean? Chaos. Of course it always somehow works,
and a smile goes a long way towards stretching people's tolerance!
I have to admit though, compared to the street outside, there
is an underlying serenity which is part of our very fabric. It comes
with Sri Chinmoy's inspiration, which pervades any Divine Enterprise.
The customers may not know what is different about us, except that we
close for holidays twice a year, but they seem to feel a sense of
tranquillity beneath the frenzy. Is it that which prompts them to tell
their brothers/daughters/students/patients in
Pontypridd/Cwmbran/Blaenavon/Abergavenny that they MUST not go anywhere
else for daps? Perhaps.
Sumangali Morhall
September 2004
