03/12/2026
Perspective: how do you measure success in terms of fitness goals? By the processā or the product?
Last weekend, the LA marathon was expecting high temperatures and in advance of race day the organizers offered an option for runner safety- choose to stop your race at 18 miles, and still receive a finishers medal for the full.
I was not expecting multiple opinions on this. What to me felt like a safe intelligent option in a possibly dangerous situation was met with many voices of dissent. Many felt that it was unfair, citing that only those that do the full course should get the medal.
Sir and Maāamāsā¦. Iām going to share something with you that I often tell my children: Just because someone else receives praise or reward, does not mean anything was taken from you. 18 milers getting a medal does not diminish the accomplishment of those who did 26.2.
If completing the entire distance is the only way you feel comfortable receiving the medal, then by all means, complete the full.
But if someone else makes the heart wrenching decision to call the race short and puts the importance of their safety ahead of the distance, Iām choosing to applaud that.
The marathon is more than one day.
The runners that made the decision to call it at mile 18 still spent months, maybe even years, preparing for that race.
We choose the location and date, but are never guaranteed the conditions. Back of the packers especially, would be exposed to the highest temperatures. Iām proud of them for being safe and for honoring their preparations as worthy enough of commendation. Well done.
Whether the product or process is more important is only for you to choose. There is no wrong answer. You answer to you.
We can celebrate both the achievements of a culminating event and the all the hard days, lost sleep, and sacrifice that led to that one data point.
Your āmarathonā (whatever that may be, because yes this is a solid metaphor) is yours and yours alone. You get to decide how to cheer for yourself, what success looks like, and how youāll set and adjust goals. Commit to your process and honor what matters most to you.
Youāre worth it.
š
Missi