Page 90 of Running
“See what your professor is like tomorrow, maybe you can chew on ideas with them.”
“Definitely. It’s great timing. I knowI could go to New York to intern with Aiden, but…now Ireallydon’t want to go to New York.” The implication of her phrase is clear and reciprocated.
“Yeah, I don’t want you to go to New York either, Goldie. “
She sighs into the phone and drops the topic. “I messaged Shelley about helping with Jasmine. They’re doing a team run in the early morning, to get extra miles in together, and I’m joining.”
“Nice.” We continue chatting as I head to the kitchen to make dinner, and she peppers me with questions after I explain my conversation with Marshall. As the sister of two serious football players, she knows her stuff.
“I was wondering why Walsh was in more than Smolder as tight end, since Smolder is such a good blocker. Now that makes sense.”
And as our conversation veers from topic to topic, I’m consumed by one thought.
Even when Grace isn’t here with me in person and we’re just chatting on the phone, this house doesn’t feel so empty.
CHAPTER 28
Grace
Ishow up at the track at seven sharp the next morning, and a gaggle of the team is waiting to get started.
Spotting Coach Shelley, I walk straight to her, feeling a little self-conscious now that I’m facing a block of the Tolliver team, knowing none of them.
“Oh, Grace. Amazing that you made it,” she says as she notices me approach. “Let me introduce you to everyone.”
Oh goody, that’ll keep all of their eyes off of me.
“Ladies, we have a special guest today for our run, a really exciting one. This is Grace Battle. She finished top three in several major events over her years at Princeton.Includingsecond in the 3000 meters at the NCAA indoor championships two seasons ago, and third in the 5000 meters at the outdoor championships the year before that. Princeton won several Ivy League championships during that time too, right?”
I nod. “Yes, we almost had the triple crown my junior year.” The triple crown is when you win the cross-country, indoor, and outdoor championships in a year.
“Incredible. Anyway, she’s at Tolliver Business School now and agreed to join our run today.”
The women’s faces change once they know who I am.Admiration, curiosity, and excitement all make an appearance. Their body language collectively shifts as well—more respectful and attentive.
Sometimes it’s hard to remember that my accomplishments are the kind that merit such responses. At least amongst the track world. I may not have gotten on talk shows, but the runner universe knows.
Most of the general public, even sports fans, only think of track in the context of the Olympics. Maybe some are aware of the annual World Championships. But these days, the NCAA championships are loaded with Olympic and world competitors, including international runners who come to the U.S. for college. So, to make top three—heck, to make the event finals—of the NCAA championships means you’re in rare air.
“This is so cool. Hi, I’m Marcie,” one of the runners says as she steps toward me and offers her hand. She’s wearing a large smile, and her black curls are cut in a pixie style, which makes her face seem even more open and welcoming.
“Marcie is one of our Captains,” Shelley explains. “She runs the 400 and 800 meters. We have several ladies from our cross country team here too of course, it’s a really mixed group.”
I shake Marcie’s hand and feel myself relaxing with the positive vibes now in the air.
“Jasmine, come here for a second,” Shelley calls out. A brunette steps forward, her hair in a braid. She’s almost my height and built like I was two years ago—as lean as her body requires to maximize her speed without sacrificing stamina.
She gives me a shyer smile than Marcie did, but it’s still genuine.
“Hi.” She waves her hand while saying it, which is kind of cute.
“Hey there.” I keep my voice a little quieter so the whole group doesn’t feel the need to keep watching the conversation. “Coach was singing your praises. It’s great to meet you.”
Jasmine beams at the compliment. I know all too well howmuch kind words could mean to her if she’s struggling with confidence.
I then turn back to Coach Shelley and the larger group. “Thanks for having me here today. I hope I can keep up.” Several of the ladies chuckle.
“Let’s get started then,” Marcie directs the group. “Our usual five mile team run.”
