The mud and grime hardened into a crisp shell over my feet and legs. It was just before noon, and I was starving, exhausted, and the bottom half of me screamed with aches and pains. The next time I was chased through the city streets, I would be sure to bring along my Icaries running shoes.

I breathed deeply as the hot water in the shower slid down my body into the dirty pool beneath my feet. The mud and grime peeled away from my skin as I leaned my head against the wall of the ...