Page 28 of In the Long Run
‘Are there multiples?’Bernie asks.He angles his body towards Mere and laughs when she pushes him away.
‘I didn’t know you had a thing for men in uniform, Bern,’ Mere teases.
He shakes his head, the smile he always wears when she’s around widening.‘I meant targeting big groups like local Army units or other organisations could be another way to increase our numbers.’
‘Celeste has that covered,’ I say, using my coffee cup to point to her.She’s dragged Knox away from the group and is making him film her as she waves her arms around and does an adorable little shimmy.‘She said your Run Club needs a TikTok account and volunteered to “capture content”.’I use finger quotes.
‘Knox!’Celeste cries, and we all crane our necks to see what’s going on.‘Pay attention.You’re pointing that at my boobs.’
Knox snaps his gaze forward, a pink tinge climbing his neck and settling on his cheeks.I can’t help feeling like he was watching me.But the itchy feeling on the back of my neck remains, and I covertly scan the area.On the edge of the car park, Brand’s Tesla is parked next to a no standing sign.He leans against his car and is dressed for work in one of his signature turtlenecks and blazers.He doesn’t move towards me.He just watches for a few seconds before getting back into his car and peeling away from the kerb.
‘Let’s get started.’Bernie claps his hands and waves everyone in closer.‘Welcome to Get Fit, Get Strom’s second official run club training session for Brigitte’s Run!’
There’s some polite applause and a loud ‘whoop’ from the back.
‘We’re going to do the warm-up together and then we’ll breakup into the different distances.I’m doing the half, so I’ll lead that group.’He points to the two trainers behind him and they step forward as he introduces them.‘And Gen has volunteered to take the group who are training for the full.’
Volunteered is a stretch.
‘You’re the best, seriously,’ Meredith says quietly.‘You don’t really have to do anything.Just let us know if anyone falls over.’She squeezes my hand and moves away, closer to Bernie, who’s still addressing the group.
‘Each group will do a set amount of time that will increase each week as per their training schedules.You can run or walk, jump between groups, pick what works for you.There’s no pressure from us.The idea is to get active and build a fitness community.We’re going to set up some Strava segments so you can track your progress over certain distances.Feel free to create your own segments if you’d prefer.And at the start of each session, we’ll collect a gold coin—’
‘Or more!’Meredith calls out, rattling a bucket in front of her as she leans against Bernie, who looks down at her adoringly.
‘—that we’ll donate to a different charity.If there’s one that’s close to your heart, let us know and we’ll add it to the list.Today’s is the Nate James Foundation, which focuses on providing sporting equipment to marginalised communities.Now, is everyone ready?’
Heads bob up and down as an excited chatter builds.
‘Then let’s get started …’
Any benefit my muscles received from the warm-up evaporates when I find myself in front of the marathon training group, white-knuckling the clipboard Mere gave me.Public speaking has never been my thing.I cough and lift a hand to shield my eyes.The sun is still climbing into the sky so it’s a pointless move, but I don’t know what else to do.
I mean, speaking would be helpful.
‘Um, hi.I’m Gen.’My voice wobbles and I swallow.Some of the people in front of me are serious runners.You know the type.They’ve got all the gear and the long lean muscles that come from spending hours running each week.I’m not like them.And I’m supposed to be leading this group?This was a mistake.
I blink a few times, sending a panicked gaze around the group.The people who came with Yeti are wearing team shirts, for God’s sake.They’re already a run club.
I cough again but it doesn’t help, because I don’t need to clear my throat.There’s nothing in my throat.
This is too much.I’m not ready for something like this.I should’ve known better.
‘And I’m Knox,’ he says, stepping out from the crowd to stand next to me.‘Bernie covered everything before, but does anyone have any questions?’
I poke him in the side and pass him the clipboard, pointing at the other information that Mere’s highlighted.
‘Right,’ Knox says.‘From next week, our group will start first because we’re the longest distance.The others will have staggered timings.Today, every group’s doing a forty-minute run or walk.Follow the path that way’—he points towards the little bridge that crosses the creek—‘for twenty minutes.Then turn around and run or walk back.Remember to go at your own pace, because running looks different for everyone.All that matters is you put one foot in front of the other.We’ll do some cool-down stretches at the end together.’
‘Thank you,’ I murmur.‘I’m not great in group situations.’
‘You’re welcome.’He smiles.‘I’m used to telling people what to do.Come on, we better get up the front.’
We set off at an easy pace.The thrum of running shoes hitting the path provides a baseline to the buzz of the conversations starting around us.
‘Is that why you joined the Army?’I ask.
His smile disappears, his lips flattening into a line.
