Jack Beale 00 - Killer Run

Jack watched him leave, he bent and began searching his bag for some warmer gloves. Now was the hard part. He wanted go for a short run to get his blood pumping and warm up, yet he didn’t want to waste any more energy than was necessary because there was a very long way to run today. He rubbed his legs, hoping that the friction would suffice.
    “Hey.” Dave returned, “Here’s your bib.”
    “Thanks. Say, did you happen to see if that guy is running?”
    “Who?”
    “Malcom. The guy who owns the B & B that we stayed at. His wife said he was planning on running today.”
    “That’s right. No, I didn’t even think of it.”
    “Why don’t you stay with our stuff, and I’ll go check.” Jack hoped that walking around might help ward off the penetrating cold.

    When Jack returned, he announced, “He’s on the list, but he hasn’t checked in yet.” As soon as he announced the news, he noticed Paul and Christos, two of his other running buddies. Like everyone else there, they were trying hard to keep warm. Efforts included standing perfectly still in a solo hug while ignoring the cold, shifting from foot to foot as if running in place, blowing into their gloves, or doing what could best be described as small-motion jumping jacks. “Hey guys, I didn’t know you were running today.”
    “We just decided last minute. A couple people couldn’t run and we managed to get their bibs,” said Christos.
    “No shit. That just doesn’t happen,” said Dave. “Hey, did you know that today is Jack’s first?”
    “Well, you’ve got a perfect day for it,” said Paul.
    “So who were you looking for?” Christos asked Jack.
    “A few weeks ago, Dave and I took the girls up north to this B & B, and the guy who owned it had cut all these running trails in the woods around his property. He wasn’t around so we never met him, but the trails were great and we got in some really good miles. His wife said that he was planning to run here today and I hoped to meet him.”
    “What’s his name?” asked Paul.
    “Malcom. I don’t remember his last name, but I figured that there couldn’t be too many Malcoms.”
    “Never heard of him. Have you Christos?”
    Christos shook his head as he glanced at his watch. “It’s almost time. I’ve got to get my headlamp and ditch this coat. I’ll see you at the start.” He walked off and Paul went with him.
    “We won’t see much of Paul today, but we can at least start together. Christos is more our speed,” said Dave. Then he added, “At least for the first hour. A lot can happen in this kind of race, and it’s best not to plan for much more than that. Too easy to get separated.”
    “Fine with me. I’m just following,” said Jack as he dropped his heavy coat onto his bag. Instantly a chill went through him. He adjusted his headlamp and stuffed a heat packet into his glove. “I hate cold hands,” he mumbled when he saw Dave looking at him.
    “Okay everyone. It’s about that time. If you could begin moving out into the field to the starting line, we’ll get started in a few minutes,” a voice called out.
    “Ready?” asked Dave.
    “Let’s do it,” was Jack’s answer. Looking up at the still-dark sky, he hoped to see some indication that the sun was about to rise. He thought the sky looked a little brighter to the east, but he couldn’t be sure.
    Dave knew that Jack was nervous about the run. Having done trails in the dark before, he assured Jack again that it wasn’t too bad. “You’re gonna’ be fine. Just go slow and easy until the sun comes up.” Then he clapped Jack on the shoulder. “Let’s go.”
    They joined the crowd of black, alien shapes, each with a headlamp on, out in the field. “ How did I ever get talked into this? ” thought Jack.
    “Hey Jack, have a good run,” said Paul before he disappeared into the darkness.
    “Thanks.”
    “Hey guys,” it was Christos. “Grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches, bacon optional, at the first aid station. Good luck.”
    Jack had heard about the aid stations. There were two in the woods and then the main one at the start/halfway/finish. He had added his brownies to the amazing pile of treats and snacks at the start. There really was something for everyone, but when Christos said bacon he had to ask, “Bacon?”
    “Oh yeah. The first station is about five miles in and you’ll smell it well before you get there. You have no idea how good it’ll smell.”
    “And taste,” said