The Marathon Runner's Shoe

Alex stood ready. The marathon, a test of will, lay ahead.

Excitement filled the air. The gun fired! He surged forward, then a jolt.

His left shoe flew off, tumbling. Doubt crept in. But something shifted.

Alex pushed through, a newfound resolve ignited. Running with just one shoe,

he felt lighter, unburdened. His stride became powerful. He passed fellow

runners, each step propelling him forward with unexpected speed. Finally,

the finish line! Alex crossed it triumphantly, a wide, genuine smile appearing.

He realized then: losing his shoe hadn't been a setback. It was his