Gwendolyn has cramp in her calf. She plods behind Kayla’s bubble-gum pink windproof and flashing lime-green trainers. No fear of being lost in the dark then. Gwendolyn wishes Kayla hadn’t chosen Sarah Millican as the running app voice. She prefers someone less Northern.
Week 3
No talk of funding this lockdown, but Kayla believes she can live on her savings. Gwendolyn’s not sure how far that will get her, but the girl’s a grafter. Roger’s proud of Gwendolyn. ‘The better half’s doing Couch to 5k. I do Couch to Couch.’ Actually, he just does Couch, as he can’t be bothered to cross the room.
Week 5
‘Are you okay?’ Kayla asks gasping Gwendolyn. What a 25-year age gap reveals. They agree the first five minutes of the run is the worst. Kayla’s going vegan to lose weight and is making nut roast for tea. Gwendolyn recommends an Ottolenghi courgette and preserved lemon recipe. Sarah Millican suggests a banana and nice cuppa after their jog. They’re thinking more along the lines of Hobnobs.
Week 7
Kayla pushes Gwendolyn to Little Finchington. 3.5k there and back. Gwendolyn, who loathes running, is secretly pleased Kayla’s got them this far. Kayla says she’s not stretching enough. ‘You must stretch or you’ll get an injury,’ Gwendolyn remarks. She doesn’t stretch either and her knee’s starting to twinge. Kayla feels less lonely running with her neighbour. Eddie’s a key worker and is gone all day.
Week 9
‘Thelma and Louise’, Gwendolyn’s nickname for the duo, clock up 6.1 k. Kayla’s chuffed when Gwendolyn says her thighs and buttocks look more toned. ‘We could keep doing this’, declares endorphin-high Kayla. Gwendolyn wishes she could hug Kayla. Kayla decides to buy Gwendolyn tulips from Morrisons. Gwendolyn treats them to takeaway socially-distanced cappuccinos from Staverton’s Tea Rooms.