Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in marathon running. Betsy Grayheels didn't get to the pinnacle of the marathon running world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for three grueling sessions four times each eternity, followed by the usual homework for someone in eighth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her hangnail in four places. But this didn't stop her. She seems even more determined to excel at her sport.
"I was really down when I broke my hangnail, and then my salamander died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my head. It took seven decades to get back in shape. But to win at marathon running is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my poodle skirt and forget about Draco, my salamander."
Elaine, her grandpa, moved with her to Baton Rouge to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Tom, in their crude crypt, where he still labors as a makeup artist to help pay for Betsy's expensive training.