Page 159 of Running
It’s been two weeks since I’ve been in Florida because Milo needed me to help with his L.A. clients for several days, and then I flew up to Oregon where our Fairview Elite team has been prepping for the meet.
Johnson and I didn’t want to spend that long apart though, so he came out for about five days last week before my prep for Nationals intensified.
Our dance at the gala was ten months ago, and I love the path we’re on together. I moved in officially after the Waves season ended, adding one more resident to his now quite full house.
Needing to concentrate on the task at hand, I pull my focus away from my cheering section and look over at my coach Sanders, who is at the base of the stands. He claps his hands together and mouths, “Let’s go, you got this.”
I nod and get my body prepped to go, shaking my legs loose and pulling my focus in.
I’m more excited than nervous, and thrilled I even qualified after only a few months of training.
My first Nationals in the 10000 meters event.
That’s right, during testing, the 10000 meters distance was where I had an extra level of performance. Sanders wasn’t surprised—it’s common for a runner's stamina toimprove with age. Not to mention, all the miles I put in seemed to have increased my aerobic base—AKA, my oxygen efficiency.
Finally, the “get ready” warning comes on, and I shift in position.
“Set…Go!”
We’re off. And thirty-two minutes and some change later, the race is finished.
As we catch our breath at the conclusion of the run, hugs get traded among the ladies competing. Many share messages that mean the world to me too. “Great job.” “Nice run, Battle.” “Love seeing you here.”
I didn’t place—this year—but everything about today is bigger than that.
After I high five Sanders, he goes over the schedule for my other event, the 5000 meter finals. Shantal, my college ‘nemesis,’ made that final too, and she was so delighted to see me here she squealed. “More battles with Battle, I can’t wait,” she said, after we embraced.
Once Sanders finishes his notes, I excuse myself to meet up with my guests. All four guys come down the stands, and Rawley helps me up through a hole in the frame.
“Gracie, that was incredible to watch,” Landon says.
Connor speaks up next. “You were so fast out there.”
Johnson gives me a hug and a kiss on the cheek, his arms lingering around me.
“Proud of you.” Another kiss follows. Well, maybe a few.
As I anticipated, now that we’re public, my brothers are constantly griping about how much we kiss.
They better get used to it.
At the end of Nationals, we fly back home on a charter plane.
“Landon, are you heading onto London once we get toOrlando?” I’m a little confused why he’s going to Florida first, knowing he’s anxious to get to Rori.
“No,” he says vaguely. “There’s something in Florida I need to see first.”
Okay.
When we land, I expect that we’ll leave in two cars—my brothers heading to Landon’s house, and Johnson and I going to his. But no, all four of them pile into Johnson’s black sedan when the valet brings it, my three brothers squeezing into the back.
“You couldn’t drive your SUV, J?” Landon looks down at where Connor’s elbow is accidentally hitting his gut.
I’m so confused. “Wait, why are you coming with us in Johnson’s car again?”
All four faces look back at me with blank expressions. And no one answers my question.
“What’s going on?” Now they’re stressing me out a little.
