#294 - Winning Beyond the Finish Line: Celebrating Every Victory
Welcome To Another Week Of The Show:
This week, I want you to define what success looks like for you. Maybe it is running a race. Maybe it is walking a mile. Maybe it is taking a rest day, making a healthier food choice, or simply showing up when you did not feel like it.
We are going to talk about how different people define success differently in the same race weekend—from first-time participants, to age-group awards, to choosing to walk instead of run, to balancing fitness with spiritual priorities.
Press Play Below To Dive In.
About Us:
I am Coach Tadris of runtothebestyou.com, and since 2013 I have had the privilege of helping everyday people transform their lives through walking, running, mindset, accountability, and community. Now, as a nonprofit, we can help even more people discover hope, healing, confidence, and wellness through movement and support.
If this episode speaks to you, I invite you to be part of it. Follow Run To The Best You, share the mission, and if you feel led, support through donating, volunteering, or joining us on a walk or run.
If you are ready to start your journey, click the link in the show notes and I will connect with you personally. We are just getting started—and we are building this together.” - Coach Tadris
Coach Tadris Core Message & Show Notes:
Success is not defined by how fast you run or where you finish. Success is making choices that align with your goals, your health, your values, and your priorities while continuing to move forward. There is more than one way to win.
Talking Points:
#1. Every Step Counts
Last weekend, we had the opportunity to take part in the inaugural AtlantiCare Cancer 5K, and it served as a powerful reminder that success in running looks different for everyone.
One of the highlights of the event was seeing Grace Beattie’s parents both participate. One chose to walk the course while the other ran. Different approaches, different paces, but the same commitment to showing up and being part of something meaningful.
Too often, people believe that a race is only successful if they achieve a certain finish time or reach a specific goal. While there is nothing wrong with chasing personal records, there is another measure of success that deserves just as much recognition: participation.
For many beginners, the hardest part is simply getting to the starting line. It takes courage to register for an event, commit to training, and step outside of your comfort zone. Showing up is often the biggest victory.
At Run To The Best You, we believe in meeting people where they are. Some participants are working toward a new personal best. Others are completing their first 5K. Some are running, some are walking, and some are doing a combination of both. Every journey is valid because every step forward is progress.
That is why we celebrate all participants, not just the fastest finishers. The person crossing the finish line in 20 minutes and the person crossing in 60 minutes both made a choice to invest in their health, challenge themselves, and keep moving forward.
As I shared on the podcast:
“While some people measure success by their finishing time, others measure success by making the smart decision that keeps them healthy enough to race another day.”
Running is not just about one race. It is about building a lifestyle that supports long-term health, confidence, and personal growth.
Whether you walked, ran, volunteered, cheered from the sidelines, or are simply considering signing up for your first event, remember this:
Every step counts, every effort matters, and every person has the opportunity to become the best version of themselves.
#2. Sometimes the Best Choice Is to Walk
Speaking of different definitions of success, let’s talk about what success looked like across our entire team this weekend.
One of the things I am most proud of is that several members of our community made the intentional decision to walk rather than run. To some people, that may not sound significant, but for experienced runners and walkers, it often represents something even more important than a fast finish time: wisdom.
In a world that often celebrates pushing harder, going faster, and doing more, it can be easy to let our ego take control. We convince ourselves that we have something to prove. We ignore aches and pains. We chase a result that may not be in our best interest on a particular day.
But there is a difference between exercising your ego and exercising wisdom.
Wisdom recognizes that fitness is a lifelong journey. Wisdom understands that one race does not define you. Wisdom knows that making the smart choice today can help you continue doing what you love tomorrow.
Many of the most experienced runners learn this lesson over time. They discover that longevity matters more than any single race result. The goal is not simply to finish one event. The goal is to stay healthy, active, and able to participate in events for years to come.
That is why listening to your body is one of the most valuable skills any athlete can develop. Sometimes your body is ready to perform at its highest level. Other times it may be asking for a different approach. Learning to recognize the difference can help prevent injuries, reduce setbacks, and support long-term success.
At Run To The Best You, we encourage participants to honor where they are on any given day. There is no shame in adjusting your pace, modifying your plan, or choosing to walk when that is the right decision. In fact, making those choices often demonstrates confidence, maturity, and self-awareness.
The strongest athletes are not always the ones who push the hardest. Often, they are the ones who know when to push and when to pull back.
Success is not always measured by how fast you move. Sometimes success is making the decision that allows you to keep moving forward.
#3. Defining Success on Your Own Terms
Whether your victory came from running fast, walking smart, showing up for the first time, or balancing your priorities, every one of those victories deserves to be celebrated.
This past weekend provided several examples of how success can take many different forms.
Personally, I was grateful to finish first in the 50–59 age group at the AtlantiCare Cancer 5K. While I am proud of that accomplishment, it is only one example of success among many that we witnessed throughout the weekend.
At the same time, five members of the Run To The Best You community completed the Bungalow Beach 5-Miler. Their accomplishment deserves equal recognition because each participant demonstrated commitment, determination, and a willingness to challenge themselves.
What made the weekend unique for me was that I chose to complete the Bungalow Beach 5-Miler virtually. The decision was not based on fitness or race readiness. Instead, it was made because I had a spiritual commitment that was important to my family and me.
That choice reminded me of something we often forget: success is not about doing everything. Success is about making decisions that align with your values and priorities.
There are seasons when fitness takes center stage. There are other times when family, faith, work, or personal responsibilities require more of our attention. Learning how to balance those priorities is one of life’s greatest challenges.
Too often, people compare their journey to someone else’s and assume they are falling behind. The truth is that every person is running a different race. What represents success for one person may not represent success for another.
For some, success was standing on the podium. For others, it was crossing the finish line for the first time. For some, it was choosing to walk and protect their health. For me, it included honoring a spiritual commitment while still finding a way to participate in an event that mattered to me.
At Run To The Best You, we believe success should be defined by more than a finish time. It should reflect the whole person—your health, your relationships, your faith, your purpose, and your personal goals.
When you define success on your own terms, you stop chasing someone else’s expectations and start building a life that reflects what matters most to you. And that may be the most rewarding victory of all.
Run To The Best You
CTA:
This week, define what success looks like for you and celebrate that victory—no matter how big or small. Then share it with us in the Run To The Best You community. And if you know someone who could benefit from support, encouragement, and accountability, invite them to join us for a walk, run, or upcoming event.
Upcoming Race Events:
June Nike 30-60-90 Challenge
Atlantic City Marathon Weekend October 17th and 18th , 2026
Did You Know......
I’m the official coach of the Atlantic City Race Series!
Maybe this can be your starting point on the road to running to the best you.
Guess what—listeners of this podcast can get a discount on any of our three Atlantic City Marathon Race Events.
Head to the show notes and click the “Start Your Journey With Coach Tadris” link.
We will get a discount code to you. You can train on your own, or see how we can work together to get you trained for these events.
Shout-Outs Of The Week
This Whole Crew
Additional Shout-Out:
Thanks to Atlantic CIL, we open up our run group to walkers living with disabilities!
Atlantic Center Of Independent Living
Atlantic Center of Independent Living
We love being able to inspire them, and they inspire us in return.
Group walks are on Tuesday’s at Stockton University in Galloway @ 5:15 pm &
Thursday’s at South Jersey Field of Dreams in Absecon @ 5:15 pm
Click The Link To Register or Questions About The Next Walk
Clarity Contractors
Being the first to donate to our 501c nonprofit organization. Thank you very much.
Boardwalk Bookkeepers LLC
If You Would Like To Support Our Nonprofit:
There is a Contribution Link in the show notes.
Every gift directly supports real people taking steps toward a healthier life.
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This Week’s Core Message:
Success is not defined by how fast you run or where you finish. Success is making choices that align with your goals, your health, your values, and your priorities while continuing to move forward. There is more than one way to win.
Question of the Week:
What does success look like for you right now, and what victory are you celebrating on your journey to becoming the best version of yourself?
CTA:
This week, define what success looks like for you and celebrate that victory—no matter how big or small. Then share it with us in the Run To The Best You community. Who Do You Know who could benefit from support, encouragement, and accountability, invite them to join us for a walk, run, or upcoming event.
Start Your Journey With Coach Tadris
Thanks For Listening
Keep Calm And Run To The Best You!
I’ll talk to you next week.
