I suspect you don’t know the name Zoe Koplowitz…but you should! Zoe had multiple sclerosis, a degenerative neurological disease that has no known cause or cure. Often it robs one of his or her ability to walk, talk and see. Rather than feel sorry for herself, Zoe decided she needed a dream, a goal that would ask for everything she had and still demand something more. She decided to run the New York City Marathon. Her friends teased her, calling her Grete, after Grete Waitz, the Norwegian runner who had won eight New York City Marathons. Zoe finished her first marathon in 19 hours and 57 minutes.
Five years later, Zoe found herself seated next to Grete at a dinner honoring Grete’s accomplishments. As Zoe was preparing for her sixth marathon, Grete asked who would be there to record her finish. Zoe tells Grete, “No one; I will call in my time and get a finisher’s medal later.” Stunned by this, Grete told Zoe that no matter how long it takes, she will be there when Zoe finishes. Zoe ran the race with a fibroid tumor pressing on her bladder and spine. It took her 28 hours to finish. And when she crossed the finish line, Grete Waitz was there to drape the medal around her neck as they both sobbed with the emotion of the moment. Grete was determined that Zoe’s experience of the race would be no different from the winner. Grete met Zoe at the finish line each year after.
In her book, The Winning Spirit- Life Lessons Learned in Last Place, Zoe shares, “The race belongs not only to the swift and strong, but to those who keep on running.” The amazing strength and courage of Zoe Koplowitz, as well as the friendship and caring of Grete Waitz, are an unbeatable combination. There is much to learn from the example each of these incredible ladies set.
Time to check in on your progress with TOPS Million Pound Mission to lose ten or more pounds or be a KOPS in leeway by the end of 2017. How are you doing?
By Margaret Hoffman (MEG) Hoffman October 2, 2017
Thanks Barb for ruining my eye make-up this morning. I’d read this story on line but reading it again I see right thru it – it’s what it’s like that last 10 lbs, before goal. That scary impossible falling-off-the-edge of the world of losing. Seems safer to stay back a bit – remain a Tops – “it’s what I know how to do by now.” Thanks to Retreat with Deanna Bies I saw it – faced it – and conquered that mindset. This story brought all that back. Love you Barb Love you Deanna Thank you Tops for my new healthy life to maintain
By Sandi Wilson September 6, 2017
Hi Barb
I have reached my 10 pounds twice so far this year and still working on reaching my goal.
By Barb Cady September 14, 2017
You are making our Mission Possible!!!
By Regina Barrett September 6, 2017
Thank you so much for the inspiration. Zoe’s story reminds me of my TOPS family members from chapter and nationally. We all go through something in our lifetimes and our weight struggle is constantly there, however they are there to lift you and cheer you on “no matter what”. My heart is very heavy for the hurricane victims and I am constantly putting myself in their place and it makes all of my problems so small in comparison. I am on task and target for the Million Pound Mission and determined to stay there through the end of the year!
By Kim Murdough September 5, 2017
Thanks, Barb, for your Monday Morning Blogs….they really do inspire us. I share them with my chapter on their facebook page as well as my AC facebook group. Today’s entry was not only inspiring, but chilling….when I think about all the stupid excuses I make for not getting more active…this lady put me to shame. I can, and I WILL do more because I no longer can get away with excuses, for sure!
By Janet Mitchell September 5, 2017
I was .25 away from reaching the ten pound challenge at last week’s weigh in. However, my birthday and 50th anniversary hit me this week. I will be back on track and reach ten pounds this year!!
By Janet Mitchell September 5, 2017
Good morning Barb. I really enjoyed reading your blog. It is very inspiring. I was within .25 of the ten pound goal last week. Then came my 50th Anniversary and my birthday. I’ll get back on track and will win this mission
By Jean clow September 4, 2017
That was very interesting to never give up .I have been with Tops for 30 years and still have not reach goal .
By Lois Reed September 4, 2017
Wonderful story. That is what the people in Brookings, Oregon are doing now, with the largest fire in Oregon. Evacuation lines only 2 short roads behind us, we never gave up. All our TOPS & KOPS friends were praying for all of us. That is what a TOPS person is made of, courage & determination with the help of the Lord. Thank you TOPS, proud to be a part of this wonderful team.
By Wanda Jewett September 4, 2017
Thank you for choosing this story for your Monday morning of Truth, Barb. I am going to order her book too. I think it will hold some valuable lessons.
If perchance there are two comments from me, almost the same….it is because when I hit “post comment” I got a message saying that it was a duplicate. Hmmmmm…..
By Wanda Jewett September 4, 2017
AWESOME story, Barb. I’m so glad you picked it for your Monday Morning of Truth today. It was a message I needed to think about. I’m going to get her book too.