“Start slow and pace yourself.You’ll need every ounce of energy to complete the race in a good time.How long have you been training?”
Diana cleared her throat.“Okay, ladies.It’s time to finish our warm-up.There are only two minutes until we’re off.”
Munro looked back at his teammates.“I’ll leave you to finish what you were doing.Good luck.”
Katie scowled.“Why is everyone wishing us luck?We’ll be fine.”
Theo liked her positivity.But it wouldn’t make her legs run any faster when they were screaming in pain or help her suck in fresh air when all she wanted to do was collapse in a sweaty heap.
He pointed to a person wearing a white T-shirt with a red cross on the front.“If any of you get into trouble, they’re the medics.Go to them if you need anything.When you see someone holding out a cup of water, take it.You’ll need to rehydrate as often as you can.Did anyone bring extra water for Charlie?”
At the sound of his name, Charlie woofed.
“Don’t worry, boy.We brought extra water and treats for you, too.”Barbara opened the zipper on the side of her jacket.“And for the humans, we brought chocolate bars for energy.”
Theo wasn’t sure a few chocolate bars would help them.“Are you sure you want to do this?No one will think any less of you if you don’t race.”
Zac looked at his watch, then grabbed Theo and Ethan’s arms.“They’ll be fine.We need to move if we want to get close to the front of the pack.”He winked at Barbara and her sisters.“Enjoy the race.”
Instead of following Theo, Zac, and Ethan through the crowd, they moved in the opposite direction.
Theo just hoped they knew what they were doing.
BARBARA CHECKED HER WATCH.“We’re off the pace we set ourselves, but doing okay.How’s everyone feeling?”
Diana rotated her shoulders.“I’m better than I was an hour ago.We should do more of these races.”
“I agree,” Katie said as she bit into her second chocolate bar.“Do you think Ethan and Theo know we entered the walking part of the competition?”
“They will when they see us waiting for them at the finishing line.”Diana waved at another team.“It’s almost like a social event within a race.”
“At least we only have to walk for six miles and not the thirteen that the runners do,” Barbara said as she checked her watch again.“I wish Theo would text me to let me know if they’re okay.”
Diana laughed.“If he’s anything like Ethan, his phone will be turned off.When he’s running, it’s the only time he’s not obsessed by work.”
Katie lengthened her stride.“It’s good for everyone to have hobbies they enjoy.”
“You’ve been reading more of your self-help books, haven’t you?”Barbara asked.
“It doesn’t hurt to be more self-aware.If my agent was more in tune with my inner spirit, I’d be a published author by now.Instead, I’m spinning in the air, waiting for someone to buy my manuscripts.”
“It will happen,” Diana said.
Barbara was proud of Katie.Most people’s motivation would have been pummeled to a pulp with the number of rejection letters she’d received.“I still think the best thing to do is self-publish.Apart from being able to sell your books, you’ll have more control over the whole process.”She looked ahead of her and frowned.“Is that Anne Edwards?”
Diana craned her neck above the people around them.“Where?”
“Over there.Beside the drinks’ cart.”
Katie smiled.“It is.Let’s go and say hello.”
After they’d maneuvered their way through the other walkers, Barbara tapped Anne on the shoulder.“Hi.”
Anne’s smile was instant.“Oh, my goodness.I didn’t expect to see you here.How are you?”
“Hot and sweaty, but doing okay.Katie, Diana, and I decided to enter the race last night.Charlie’s our mascot.”
Anne grinned.“You all look gorgeous.I was supposed to walk with a friend, but she sprained her ankle a couple of days ago.”
