In this chapter, the main character's husband announces that he wants to run the Boston Marathon. The husband, known as Dad, is a fifty-one-year-old man who recently underwent triple-bypass surgery. He presents his idea to his wife, referred to as the old girl, with excitement, as if it's the best idea ever. The old girl knows her husband well and understands that he often has impulsive ideas that he either barely manages to accomplish or fails at spectacularly.
The old girl's husband wants to run the marathon with his young and fit students from Harvard Square. However, the old girl questions his ability to run the race, as he has never been an athlete and lacks the discipline for training and preparation. She knows that athletes follow strict routines, avoid unhealthy habits, and dedicate themselves to training, which are not her husband's strong points. She anticipates that she will be the one to support him during the race, taking care of him when he faces difficulties.
The old girl tries to reason with her husband, pointing out that the marathon is a challenging race of 26.2 miles. However, she delivers the information carefully, knowing that bluntly dismissing his idea will not work. Her husband responds with his typical bravado, claiming that it's not a problem and that they will find a way to participate, even suggesting that they could bribe someone to secure his registration.
The old girl reflects on her own experiences as an "old girl" attending a Manila convent school. She remembers how the nuns taught her about her future role as a wife and mother. Despite the term "old girl" being disliked by some, she finds it fitting because it represents the transition from childhood to adulthood and the expectation of assuming domestic responsibilities.
The old girl, who is more practical and methodical than her husband, takes it upon herself to research and find out the requirements for marathon registration. She discovers that registration is closed, and even if it were open, her husband would need to run a sub-three-hour marathon, which is a challenging feat. She informs her husband about this, but he remains optimistic, suggesting that they could find a way around the rules.
The old girl reflects on her love for Boston and its suburbs, appreciating the beauty of the city, especially during the fall season. However, she notices that her husband, who grew up in Manila, is becoming restless in Boston and often brings up memories of the chaos and nostalgia associated with the Philippines. She realizes that her husband's longing for home is growing.
The chapter ends with the old girl observing her husband's first jog accompanied by their pampered yet neglected Akitas. She acknowledges that she has been adjusting to her husband's ideas throughout their marriage and is willing to continue doing so. She reflects on the various compromises she has made, from changing her plans after receiving a line from his letter to following him to Washington, D.C., and adapting to life in a small country town. Despite the challenges and conflicts they face, she remains committed to her husband and their life together.
The old girl is seen preparing for her husband's participation in the Boston Marathon. She goes shopping for proper running clothes for him, mimicking what other male customers are buying. The salesclerk assumes she is shopping for herself and offers her women's sportswear. The old girl buys running shoes for herself as well as her husband and children.
On her way back to the station, she notices runners everywhere and wonders if there have always been so many. She starts reading a book called "Running & Being" on the train and contemplates the idea of becoming a runner herself, imagining what it would be like to shed her current attire for neon spandex.
The narrative then shifts to the old girl's experience as a wife and mother in Newton. She has a maid who comes on Tuesdays, but otherwise, she takes care of the household chores herself. She reflects on the days when she had multiple maids in Manila and how she felt invincible with their help.
The old girl also talks about her role as a hostess and how she serves her husband and his guests in the parlor. Some men treat her with suspicion or make jokes implying that she has no serious political opinions. She reflects on her husband's evolving relationship with food, from indulging in beer and Peking duck to going on a hunger strike during his prison term. Now, with the marathon approaching, she serves healthier meals to support his training.
The narrative then shifts to a moment of distress when the old girl's husband is found lying on their bed, distraught over their missing dog, Miki. The old girl takes charge, making missing posters and searching for their dog.
The section ends with a focus on their daughter, Popsy, who works long hours as the family's breadwinner. The old girl admires Popsy's work ethic and provider role. The narrative also mentions their other children, Ben and Kit, and their involvement in supporting their father's marathon.
The old girl plans an after-party to celebrate her husband's marathon achievement and invites friends and family. She assigns each of her children a station along the marathon route to support their father, and she herself will wait for him near the Citgo sign.
The husband and wife spend Saturdays together in the conjugal cabins, where he becomes more attentive to her and notices details about her that he hadn't before. He asks for a Bible and a crucifix, feeling a need for faith after a dream visit from Jesus. The husband is expanding his closing statement into a book.
The wife keeps a Valium prescription for herself, which she rarely uses except for occasions like childbirth or when her husband was in solitary. Valium helps her manage the present and dulls her emotions. However, when she gives her husband Valium for his ankle pain, he sleeps deeply and snores loudly, keeping her awake.
The wife is restless and contemplates whether the marathon would make her husband feel rooted in Boston and forget about the Philippines. She decides to go for a run herself and wears her husband's running gear.
The daughter, Kit, is a preteen who argues with her mother about various rules and restrictions. She is interested in fashion and acting, and the mother feels that Kit might have been better off with the nuns in Manila due to her preoccupation with appearance.
The husband's political ambitions are discussed, and the wife campaigned hard for him during elections. The husband speaks of his wife's intelligence and jokes about her running for office against him. Their financial situation is not as prosperous as before, but he still admires her and appreciates her support.
The husband's health deteriorates, and he can only jog a few blocks without pain. He compromises and forms a relay team with colleagues for the marathon, wanting to run the leg in Newton at Mile 20. He wants to be close to home for moral support or in case he needs to stop running.
The husband no longer mentions dictators and has shifted his focus to nonviolent resistance and fighting for the rights of the Filipino people. He gives speeches, and the wife sits in the audience, telepathically helping him with his lines. He genuinely loves the Filipino people, including the poor and the corrupt. He even smiles about the First Lady and keeps a gold cross she gave him.
The summary concludes with the wife contemplating her husband's journey and the challenges they face together.