B Scene

While international trance music maker gone DJ DARUDE turned the tables before fanatic fans at Circuit Nightclub, it was clear he took a liking to me. The boy who started out famous in Finland probably couldn't hear over the speakers or see me through the fog machine behind the thirty people jumping up and down on the dance floor, but it was obvious. He wanted me to go all night, playing all my favorite songs and being best friends forever. However with intensive AIDS Marathon training early the next day, I had to decline. He then raised a brow at me, looking directly at my beer and belly bulge. "What?" I called out to him, "You saying I'm not marathon material?" The girl dancing next to me asked who I was talking to.

It was RtVR Photographer JR who inspired me. While raising money for the Honolulu AIDS Marathon in December at T's in Andersonville, JR's commitment to community and venture toward personal best moved me a little. As he served up the shots, I noticed his lean taut torso naturally flexing muscles from chest to toes. I thought, "Volunteering for a good cause and a hot body too? No fair!" Well, if this bitch can do it so can I! Busting out some running kicks and pretty pink sweat bands, we began our short lived regimen of marathon preparation.

JR prefers the outside terrain over the treadmill. He feels the changing turf and chance panhandler jumping out in front of you are much more conducive to actual marathon conditions. I was all, "Whatever, but it has to be in Wicker Park!" – For the raw urban mod scene. We started out doing our stretches in front of the city's hottest optical shop, D/VISION on Division and Wood. This boutique features the latest in exclusive eyewear from Alain Mikli to Oliver Peoples as well as using its space to showcase a number of local artisans and photographers. I heard AUDREY KELLER's (http://www.akphotodesign.com/) show was killer. We'd have to stop in on our way back.

We ran a good two miles, or two blocks – I don't know – when a sign advertising "30% Off" caught my eye. Altering course, I skipped through THE SILVER ROOM's front door and found a Mecca of fashionable fun. With a DJ booth, juice bar, everything you need in silver jewelry and hip hats that make a statement, they even give discounts to BOI CARD holders! Needing a new man bag to carry my gum and cigarettes while hi-tailing it in Hawaii, I modeled a fetching taupe canvas number for JR. He just frowned, dragging me from the shop before I could get matching earrings for my new silver chandelier necklace.

We'd been training for over an hour at that point and I was pooped! Persuading JR to stop for liquid refueling, he had a Gatorade while I had a Cosmo – you know, for the cranberry juice. It's good for the bladder. Afterwards, JR asked if we could finally start training. "What?" I said, swilling the last bit of booze, "I thought we were."

Perhaps DJ DARUDE was right. Some of us just aren't made for marathons but that doesn't mean we shouldn't support those that are. Hit up JR at AIDSMarathon.com and drop a few beans in his till. His runner number is 3167.

View the photos full screen