

The message of this story was helpful for all of us. Every year, before regional meets and the big race at state, we would all have dinner together (carb loading) and she would have us watch this movie together too. We respected her and she was such a humble person. She could outrun any of us girls on the team without really even trying to. In High School, we had an excellent girls' x-country coach. Personally, it brings back such great memories. There is also a movie that's been made on this that's really good. There is a silent strength in doing the right thing and living to glorify God and loving and supporting others. This book highlights the importance of standing up for what's right in the face of great opposition and pressure not to. It's beautiful to see encouragement for not just those that are easy to love and support but much more maybe doing so for those when it's especially hard. In life, as in the race, others count on you and depend on each individual's strengths. The book highlights that life is not all about winning and doing the best for yourself ("teamwork makes the dream work"). It's neat to see the young men grow together and learn to encourage and support each other more and more. Much more than just about a physical race, it highlights a much bigger and more important race in life that is worth running. This book is encouraging and inspirational.
