Accustomed to a life reshaped over the years on diminishing expectations, distance runner, Mark D'Avolio, is a man who exists in a world of fact and fantasy. Taking an uncharacteristic risk, Mark establishes a considerable lead in a marathon. A win would be a gratifying realization of a dream and would offer a personal, albeit fleeting, moment of redemption. It could also result in a disillusioning, painful loss. In his life, as in the race, Mark is in a state of limbo, heading for a potential crash. His illicit, sexual involvement with attractive and seductive Ann has the reader wondering what else he is prepared to win or lose, and what damage he is prepared to incur.