“Honestly, no.” We didn’t have a full track team, only running back in Virginia. I don’t think I would’ve been interested,anyway.
“Alright, Summer, I’m not only the PE teacher, I’m also the track coach. The season has already started here. Were you training in Virginia already?”
“Um, no, not this season. It usually started at the end of March. I need to tell you, though I didn’t run track last year.”
“Oh? Why is that?”
“I was in an accident.”Please don’t ask me for details.
“Sorry to hear that. Any lingering injuries I should know about?”
Phew, she’s not going to pry. “No, I’m fully healed.”
“Okay. Here’s what I’ll do. I teach a regular gym class to those who don’t take part in varsity, but I allow athletes to train during the period for their chosen sport. You can use this time to train for track. Have you been running at all?”
“No, Coach.” Hopefully, that doesn’t stop her from allowing me to try. I never even considered the possibility that I couldn’t run track.
“Let’s hope you have some muscle memory, then. I want you running on the indoor track for the first week so I can evaluate you. It’s also easier until you get used to the humidity down here. Your natural talent and progress will determine whether you join the team. You’ll need to meet qualifying times by mid-April in at least one distance to stay on the team and get credit for this as your extracurricular. We’ve been training since early February, so you have some catching up to do.”
I nod in understanding. “I’ll work hard, Coach,” I promise.
“Don’t go out there and overexert yourself when you’re out of practice. Be smart. First, work on getting back in shape and then focus on increasing your speed and distance. Okay?”
“Yes, thanks, Coach.”
“Practice is after school on Mondays and Wednesdays. In your case, I think running in class this week will be sufficient, and we can reevaluate on Friday. Now, let’s get to class.” She gets up fromher chair, and I follow her over to the court area, where she points out the girls’ locker room and tells me to get changed and train.
I quickly find an empty locker in the locker room along the far wall. I unpack my water bottle on the bench before getting into my workout clothes. I attach the new lock I brought with me onto the locker door after packing everything in. I’m alone in here, probably because of my talk with the coach.
Heading back out to the court, I see the coach setting up a group of students to play volleyball. I find a spot to stretch my muscles before starting a slow jog. There are a few guys and girls running on the track, but everyone seems to do their own thing.
As I’m jogging around the loop, I notice a tinted glass wall along the far side of the track I didn’t notice this morning. When I jog closer, I see it’s a gym, and Nick is inside lifting weights. There are a few other guys bench pressing and several girls on the treadmills. I was wondering where the workout area was in the building. Guess I found it. Picking up my pace a little, I focus back on my run. I’m definitely out of shape, but I remember how to breathe properly.
Following a 30 minute jog, I pause for water and to stretch my body again. Coach comes over as I’m stretching my legs. “You’re definitely a runner. It doesn’t take me days to figure that out. You’ve got a nice stride and good breathing practices. Do you remember the times you were running as a sophomore?”
“Two minutes 25 for the 800m and 75 for the 400m.” I reply, grabbing my shoe to bend my leg back, stretching my quad.
“Those are excellent times. You’ll be an asset if you can get back in shape, Summer. I’d like to give your old coach a call, if you’re agreeable.”
“Okay, sure, Coach. Do you need me to get his number for you?”
“No, I can search for it. Now get back on the track,” she waves.
I hop back up and start running. I push myself faster this round while being aware of my body, and my legs last until the end of class. I go to the side to stretch while people rush out of the gym.Once I’m loosened up, I head into the locker to grab my gym bag. I’m going to need to get some Epsom salts and herbs quickly for muscle recovery. I should have thought of that before now.
Nick is standing outside the building again when I step out. “Hello Nick.”
“Do you want a drive to Z’s office or wait for Seb?” He asks me.
Wow, I’ve gotten two sentences out of him now. “Drive please. Also, I think that’s the most words you’ve spoken to me since we met.”
I get an eye roll, then he’s walking. I quickly catch up and follow him to the parking lot, hopping into the Jeep passenger seat. Nick buckles in before he backs out of the parking lot. It’s only about 10 minutes from the school to Finn Enterprises. Nick pulls up, hops out, and scans his thumb to open the door. He looks over and raises an eyebrow at me. Guess he’s not coming in. I get out and grab my bags, saying thank you. I receive a nod, and he’s off once more.
Shaking my head at him, I walk in and head for Zander’s office. The door is open, and he’s sitting behind his desk reading some papers. “Hi Zander.”
He looks up and smiles at me. “Well, hello there. Come in and close the door. How was your first day?”
“Mostly good?” I respond, flopping down in front of his desk.
