Why does Squeaky believe running races helps her be herself in "Raymond's Run"?
In Toni Cade Bambara’s short story “Raymond’s Run,” Squeaky’s identity is based on her success as a runner. It is the constant in her life. The work she puts into her running success makes her proud, unlike some of the girls who pretend that things come easy or by luck. Wherever she goes, Squeaky practices her breathing and high stepping in order to be a better runner. Squeaky knows that even if she studies for hours, she will have difficulty in school. However, if she practices her running skills she will be the winner. Her feelings are apparent when she describes the May Day activities.
I am not a strawberry. I do not dance on my toes. I run.
That is what I am all about.
It is only after Raymond runs stride for stride with her in the May Day race, and Gretchen challenges her skills, that...
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she realizes she can be more than a runner. After the race, Squeaky realizes she can be a friend to other girls, and a mentor to Raymond.
What does Squeaky realize after her race in "Raymond's Run"?
Squeaky realizes after her race that her brother Raymond has nothing that he can really "call his own." She has a "roomful" of awards and ribbons and medals for winning races, and she could win a spelling bee or learn to play the piano if she studied hard or asked her mother for lessons.
In short, Squeaky realizes that her life seems to hold a lot of possibility and promise and that she can—with some hard work and perseverance—make a lot of great things happen for herself, just as she has done with her running. However, her brother does not have the same opportunities that she has because of his disability and because he is underestimated by the rest of the world.
Squeaky also seems to realize the reason that she was not willing to throw the race to her competitor and the reason that she does not want to be a "flower or fairy or strawberry" in a pageant or a dance: she wants to be someone who is "honest and worthy of respect." She develops a respect for Gretchen, the girl she beats in the race, even considering asking Gretchen if she'd like to help her coach Raymond. It's obvious that Gretchen is "serious about running," just like Squeaky, and this realization initiates a new respect between the two girls.