Ch. 4: Running

UNKNOWN

My lungs feel like they are on fire, but I keep pushing forward.  Running is my therapy.  When I’m in a good mood, it’s a way to express my joy.  When I’m stressed out or struggling, it’s the best stress reliever.  It's a beautiful day in late September, but today has been a bit stressful, and I really needed this run.  My usual route is just barely under 4 miles, and by the end I’m exhausted.

I always run through the park last because there are more people there.  It’s not that I really care that much about what others think, but when I know others can see me, I’m less likely to slack off and be lazy.  This means less walking breaks, and I push myself a bit harder.  I set small goals for myself while I’m running to keep me moving.  I’ll often pick a sign in the distance and tell myself that I can’t take a walk break until I reach that sign.  Then I immediately pick another object like a specific tree and tell myself that when I reach that point, I need to start running again.  I cycle through this over and over during my run.  It’s especially helpful at the end when I’m exhausted and just want to quit.

I’ve always loved running, but it has never been easy for me.  When I was younger, I had asthma and had to use an inhaler.  As I got older, I worked hard to strengthen my lungs and outgrew my asthma, so I no longer need an inhaler, but I still have to be careful and pace myself.

About five years ago I ran my first half marathon, and it was amazing.  I was in no way the fastest, I think I ended somewhere dead smack in the middle, but it was such a glorious experience.  I was so exhausted at the end I thought I was going to die, but the sense of satisfaction and pride I felt when I crossed the finish line made it all worth it!  I know it sounds crazy, but I can’t wait to do it again!

As I’m getting older, I am developing knee problems, and my body just gets tired faster, but I’m not ready to give up on running.  I’d love to do at least one more half marathon, and maybe even a full marathon one day, but for now I’m just focused on getting back into shape so I can run my 4 miles without dying.

I chuckle at my own thoughts.  Even though I’m uncomfortable the run has already improved my mood.  I have one mile left and then I’ll be back home making lunch for my son and myself.  I love watching other people in the park as I run through.  I try not to stare, so I glance up ahead to see what’s coming without obviously staring at everyone.

I learned from a very young age to be aware of my surroundings.  When I was 13 years old my aunt was murdered.  They never found her killer, but it forced me to always be on high alert.  In general, I wouldn’t say that I’m not trusting of others.  In fact, I’m probably still more trusting than I should be, but I am always vigilant to stay on guard and aware of my surroundings.  So, watching the people around me is like second nature when I’m out for a run.

The park is extremely busy today.  More so than usual.  I know many people like to come here on their lunch breaks and enjoy the view of the river on the north side of the park.  There are also several nice playgrounds in the park, and some beautiful, wooded areas as well.  I have always enjoyed the woods.  The canopy of trees and the cooling shade that they provide is especially appreciated when I’m out running in the afternoon on a hot day.  Fortunately, today isn’t too hot.  It’s right around 70 degrees.  Perfect temperature for a run.  I am usually cold when everyone else is comfortable but running tends to warm me up pretty well.  It’s one of the only times I don’t need an extra layer.

As I’m making my way through the park at the end of my run, I get a strange feeling.  It’s almost as if I’m being watched.  Instead of feeling creeped out, like I should, it’s almost comforting.  I’m really confused by this.  I glance around as I try to keep my pace steady, but I don’t see anyone or anything suspicious.  I pick up my pace slightly, anxious to get home a bit quicker.

My son giggles and cheers from his seat in the stroller when I speed up.  "Yeah mommy!  Go FASTER!"

I tell myself it’s because I have a lot of work to get done, but I really don’t know why I feel like I’m running away from something.  Something I shouldn’t be running from, but I can’t help myself.

As I reach the exit of the park I slow to a walk.  I’m exhausted from picking up the pace at the end there, and now I’m paying for it.  My skin glistens with sweat even though the weather today is a bit cooler, and I can feel the sweat dripping down my back.  I walk briskly down the sidewalk 2 blocks and scan the area before I turn on a side street and head another block over to my house.  I love living in this area so close to the park, but sometimes I think about what I would do if someone actually followed me home.

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ALEKSANDR

“Dustin, we need to follow that woman, but be discrete,” I command.

My beta nods his head and shifts the truck into drive.  He hesitates for a couple of minutes before pulling back onto the road.  Although the speed limit in the park is only 15 mph, it’s still faster than she would be running, and we don’t want to scare her or let her know she’s being followed.  We caught up to her right near the exit of the park.

This part of town was still buzzing with activity, so it wouldn’t be suspicious to pull into the parking lot of one of the businesses down the street.  We sat and waited for her to make her way down the block.  It took a little longer this time as she slowed to a walk. When she reached the corner, she turn and headed down a residential street.

“Do any of the patrols know who she is? Can we get some information on her?” I ask.

Dustin pauses in thought and then says, “I’ll ask Ian and Davin.  They are the regular leads for the patrol in this part of town.”

I wanted to follow her down the street, but it was not a main road, and it would be too obvious that she was being followed.  As we drove by I glanced down the block and saw her near the other end sitting on the grass in front of a house with the small boy running around. I couldn’t tell from this angle which house she was in front of, but I made a mental note to drive by some other time when it would be less suspicious.