Lessons From 561 Miles: How Running a Marathon Became My Greatest Teacher
26.2 miles is fun, they say.
Wait—do they say that? And who exactly is “they,” and why are we trusting them? Because I’m not entirely sure 26.2 is fun.
What I will tell you is that what came from not only racing 26.2 miles but also from the four months of training that led up to it was something deeply meaningful. I look at it as a teacher—maybe like that high school teacher you didn’t always appreciate in the moment but later realized helped you grow and evolve. That’s what 26.2 was to me: a teacher.
Over 127 days, I ran 561 miles (903.8 km). I’m proud of that number and of what it took to make it happen. Within those miles I’ve lived a lot: a concussion with an 11-day recovery, international and domestic travel that brought me to 13 different hotels, regular physical therapy visits for postpartum and hamstring care (thank you, Claudia @motion), and countless stroller miles pushing two kids while listening to Mickey Mouse Club music (100 lbs is no joke!).
There were 93-degree long runs through the heat of Nashville, new friendships formed, and early mornings that required more discipline than motivation. All of it—every sweaty, tired, humbling, fulfilling moment—was part of the lesson.
When I reflect on the past four months, I’m filled with a sense of fulfillment that goes far beyond the miles. Here are four takeaways I hope parents, coaches, athletes, and anyone chasing a goal can hold close—lessons that apply not just to sport, but to business and life.
1. BE the Example
German philosopher Albert Schweitzer said one of my favorite quotes:
“Do something wonderful, people may imitate it. Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.”
Through this experience, I hope to be an example—for moms who can take time for themselves while still including their kids in the process, for my children to see what it means to set a goal and stick to it, and for my athletes to remember that they are capable of more than they know, as long as they keep showing up.
Our actions speak louder than our words. Modeling discipline, kindness, and perseverance is one of the most powerful tools in sport psychology and parenting alike.
2. Lean In
During training, especially while running hills, I noticed some tightness in my hamstring. My physical therapist gave me advice that stuck: lean into the hill.
Simple, but powerful.
It’s hard to lean into what’s uncomfortable—the hill, the hard conversation with a coach, the fear of what others might think, or even the doubt that creeps in when you’re stretched thin. But leaning in is where growth happens.
Fulfillment doesn’t always mean ease or enjoyment. It’s often found in the space between struggle and gratitude. When we lean in—whether it’s to discomfort, challenge, or change—we discover our true capacity.
3. Mental Flexibility Over Mental Strength
Here’s an unpopular opinion: I don’t love the phrase “be mentally strong.”
It feels heavy, even judgmental. If we’re not “strong,” does that make us weak? I prefer to talk about mental flexibility.
Mental flexibility is the ability to adapt confidently and calmly when things get unpredictable—which they always do in sport, work, and life. I coach my athletes to be mentally adaptable rather than rigid. It’s what I see the best performers in every field do—athletes, surgeons, educators, business leaders.
During my race, I had to practice this. Between miles 19 and 21 (iykyk), as my legs screamed and someone in a poop costume passed me (still not over that one 😊), I reminded myself to stay present. Each step, no matter how uncomfortable, was progress.
That mindset—creating space for struggle but continuing forward—is where resilience and true confidence are built.
4. Community Is Everything
The encouragement I received throughout training—the texts, the conversations, the shared miles—was overwhelming in the best way. From the running store employee who helped me find the perfect shoes, to the Ironman I met while running in the Alps, to the thousands of strangers cheering through the Twin Cities, every interaction reminded me how powerful sport can be in bringing people together.
Athletics unites us. It dissolves differences in background, ability, and circumstance. The pride I have in this community is profound, and I’ll carry it with me into whatever adventure comes next.
Accomplishments mean more when shared. And when challenges arise, our community is often what carries us through.
Take a moment to look around at yours. You’re likely part of someone else’s support system—helping them through their toughest and best moments.
Closing Thoughts
I hope you run a “marathon” in your own life soon—whatever that means for you. Identify it. Lean into it fully. Bring your people along for the ride. Embrace the discomfort and the joy.
The miles may be long, but the lessons will last much longer.
– Dr. A
