Page 94 of Revved up & Ready

Cam drove down with us, and he’ll be waiting at the finish line with Rhett, Allie, and Luke. He even joined me on my last eight-mile training run. It was no problem for him. A three- or four-mile run is his usual warm-up.“What’s twice that?”he’d asked as we laced up our shoes. I had to remind myself multiple times during our run that he’s a professional athlete, and I don’t need to compare myself to him.

Allie: You’re doing it! Go, runner girl, go!

My location is shared with her, so they can see where I am on the map.

Cam: Two miles down, sunshine!

His text comes in right as my app tells me I’ve hit the two-mile mark.He knows my pace and times his encouragement perfectly. As the race continues, a few pictures come through, including a selfie of my friends at the beach waiting for me. He sends me silly gifs and jokes as distractions, and I start saving them for when I need the boost.

My legs are tired. I’m sweaty. And I’m nowhere near the finish.But I am doing a really hard thing, and I’m proud of myself for it.

Checking my texts for more encouragement, the latest isn’t from Cam or Allie.

Hanna: Can you send me recs for the weekend I’m there? Where are the places I have to try in Palm Springs? I need all your insider info! Can’t wait to see you!

Ugh. At some point, you’d think she’d learn to take a hint.I’ve barely responded to her texts. Fortunately, she got moved off my team a few weeks ago, so I don’t have to interact with her at work anymore. Ignoring her, I text Cam instead.

Me: My legs hurt.

Cam: I’ll give you the leg massage of your dreams tonight.

I’ve never dreamt about a leg massage before,but I am now.

Devon was right—this is the payoff. The energy is palpable. Thousands of racers are on the course, and people line the sides with signs, cheering us on. The water stations are a godsend, too.I love not having to carry a water bottle.

Cam: Where did you land on the whole ghost thing?

Me: What? What does that have to do with running?

Cam: Nothing. Just wondering if you still want to see one.

Me: It’s still on the list.

Cam: Amazing.

It gives me something to focus on as I continue through the run.Is there a ghost running this race somewhere? What the hell?

Next time my phone buzzes, it’s not Cam.

Mom: So proud of you, Sadie!

Sadie: Thank you, Mom! Call you soon!

We’ve talked a few times since that first night I reached out to her, and it’s been amazing having her back in my life. We still need to have a heart-to-heart about everything that happened between us, but I’m okay letting that wait.

Allie: You are running a half marathon right now. You’re doing it!

The final mile hits, and a burst of adrenaline floods my system. I pick up my pace. It’s so close, I can feel it. And then, I can see it.

Cam: You’ll see us soon. On your rose side, by the cluster of big orange flags.

On my rose side.He hasn’t forgotten, and he’s never once made me feel bad when I struggle with directions. I lift my hands, knowing exactly where to look.

As expected, Devon and Bea finish ahead of me, and they’re waiting and cheering me on with the rest of my friends. I tear up when they all jump and cheer as I run past.I’m doing it, but that’s not all.They’re here for me.

After crossing the finish line, we all find each other, and despite being sweaty and gross, we hug it out.

“I cannot wait to never do that again,” I laugh as Devon, Bea, and I pose for pictures with our finisher medals.

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