Reviewing the events of the day before, I grew determined. The realization hit me that if I didn’t man-up, I might lose not only a friend, but the chance at something more, though my intended didn’t know it yet. First thing I needed to do tomorrow morning at the race was apologize when I saw him. Well, maybe do that after helping Justin recover from the shock of seeing me participate in an actual sporting event. Perhaps I could give him mouth to mouth if he passes out. I could get into that.
The rest of the day was spent bolstering my self-esteem by watching Chariots of Fire and Rocky. I could feel the confidence of the athletes on film seeping into my psyche. “Eye of the Tiger” played in my head on repeat as I pretended to throw a punch and run across a finish line. It’s a good thing my
