Editor's Choice

How does Squeaky practice running in "Raymond's Run"?

Quick answer:

Squeaky practices running through various methods, such as high-prancing down 34th Street to strengthen her knees, doing breathing exercises while walking on Broadway, and taking morning trots before school. She engages in informal races with her father and participates in May Day races annually. Squeaky emphasizes the importance of consistent practice to enhance her natural talent, demonstrating dedication and a strategic approach to improving her running skills.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

Squeaky practices her running in a variety of ways throughout the short story. She begins by mentioning that she does breathing exercises as she walks down Broadway, while Raymond walks beside her. Unlike the other children, Squeaky says that she practices her running by high-prancing down 34th Street to keep her knees strong. She also mentions that her mother gets uptight when she begins prancing down the street because she is embarrassed. Squeaky also demonstrates her motivated attitude toward running by taking morning trots around the block before school. She says,

"And you can see me any time of day practicing running. I never walk if I can trot, and shame on Raymond if he can’t keep up" (Bambara, 2).

Squeaky also races her father, who happens to be the fastest person in the neighborhood. At the end of the story, Squeaky's hard work and dedication pay off as she...

Unlock
This Answer Now

Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.

Get 48 Hours Free Access

wins the fifty-meter dash by beating her rival, Gretchen Lewis. Despite being a champion runner, Squeaky feels like she would make a good coach and plans to help her brother Raymond compete in races.

Approved by eNotes Editorial
An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

How does Squeaky practice her running in "Raymond's Run"?

Squeaky practices her running the same way that most runners practice.  She runs.  The third paragraph of the story tells readers that Squeaky is a highly awarded runner.  She has won a lot of races in her relatively short life.  

There is no track meet that I don’t win the first-place medal. I used to win the twenty-yard dash when I was a little kid in kindergarten. Nowadays, it’s the fifty yard dash. And tomorrow I’m subject to run the quarter-meter relay all by myself and come in first, second, and third.

Squeaky practices running simply by entering these May Day races every year.  

Squeaky is a smart runner.  She knows that natural talent and ability is only going to get her so far.  She knows that practicing will make her a better and stronger runner.  She can't only rely on the previous year's race as her practice and training.  Squeaky admits to readers that she has informal practices with her dad.  The two of them run to Amsterdam Avenue, and Squeaky loses every time.  That's good practice because it gives her a tough opponent each time.  

In addition to full sprints with her dad, Squeaky finds ways to strengthen her legs while she is out doing errands with her mother.  

I’ll high-prance down 34th Street like a rodeo pony to keep my knees strong even if it does get my mother uptight so that she walks ahead like she’s not with me, don’t know me, is all by herself on a shopping trip, and I am somebody else’s crazy child.

Squeaky also knows that training her legs isn't the only part of running and becoming a better runner.  She knows that her lungs are equally important to her legs; therefore, she practices breathing exercises.  She practices those breathing exercises during the normal course of her day.  

I’m standing on the corner admiring the weather and about to take a stroll down Broadway so I can practice my breathing exercises . . . 

Even on a stroll across town, Squeaky is focused on running and finding ways to become better and faster. 

Approved by eNotes Editorial