At the starting line of a marathon, anticipation and nerves mix with the weight of our own expectations. The months of preparation, the hopes for a personal best, the plans for how the race will go, all of it presses in as the crowd waits for the starting gun. But races rarely unfold exactly as we imagine. Sometimes, the challenge comes not from our training or our mindset but from circumstances we can’t control.
Races rarely unfold exactly as we imagine.
The unpredictable path to Georgina
On marathon morning in Georgina, Deb stands at the start with her usual optimism. Past personal bests on this course feed her hope for another strong finish. But even as the cool air gives way to sunlight, there are signs that today will be different. The sun is warmer than she expected, and soon, she’s dealing with abdominal cramps and quads that refuse to cooperate. These physical hurdles weren’t part of her plan and threaten to derail her race.
The physical discomfort is only part of the battle. Doubt starts to creep in, Deb remembers her first marathon, and with it, the sting of not finishing. It’s easy to let frustration win, but experience teaches her to adapt. This time, she adjusts her pace and lets go of her original speed goals. Even something as simple as reaching a port-o-potty becomes its own small victory. In these moments, persistence matters more than pace, and finishing becomes about moving forward, one step at a time.
In these moments, persistence matters more than pace.
Redefining success: beyond the finish line
Deb’s race plan was built on time goals, a hierarchy of A, B, and C targets. But when she struggles just to keep moving, those numbers lose their importance. What takes their place is something more lasting: finding joy in running itself and in the relationships formed along the way.
During the hardest miles, Deb connects with fellow runner Jeff. They share encouragement and conversation when both need it most. Their camaraderie offers a reminder that success isn’t always measured by a clock. Sometimes it’s found in shared effort or in simply refusing to give up when things go sideways.
Success isn’t always measured by a clock.
Teaching resilience: lessons from running
In her high school math classroom, Deb carries over this lesson in resilience. She tells her students that failure isn’t defeat but feedback, an essential part of learning, whether in algebra or life. Her own stories of setbacks and comebacks aren’t cautionary tales but examples meant to build both skill and confidence.
For Deb’s students and her children, these racing stories become something more than anecdotes about running, they’re lessons in self-compassion and perseverance. By talking honestly about challenges alongside successes, she shows them that growth happens through struggle as much as achievement. What matters isn’t just crossing a finish line but having the courage to keep going and appreciating the journey itself.
