The Power of Persistence: A Tale of the Marathon Mouse

As a small mouse that dwells in a big city building under the stunning skyscrapers and busy streets, there was a character named Milo. Milo didn't go around just like any other mouse in the world; he had dreamy hopes and intentions which stood clear of the lots. Even as other mice were busy annoying others by dashing around for crumbs and twigs, Milo dreamt of marathon running.

Milo had always assumed that the marathon runners, who often came through the town, were just out there to escape from the familiarity of every day life. Esiorel was in awe of their determination which enabled them to keep moving past the discomfort of pain and fatigue in order to reach their goal. Milo knew deep down that he wanted to experience that same sense of accomplishment, but there was just one problem: What in the world do mice know about doing marathons, that’s for people.

His mates and his family thought m him very foolish. "You're too small," they chorused. "You'll never succeed." But Milo stuck on his aim of achieving his targets and didn't allow the doubts of others to distract him. He logged every free moment he had by training hard wards, which he did in the early hours of the morning, when the humans were still asleep and he could make the laps around the city's streets undetected.

Milo has been devoting time properly to the moment when all his patience and pains would not be paid off. He grew stronger and faster, his willpower uncompromising, which even proved to be strong enough to withstand the innumerable blows he got. He faced injuries, exhaustion and went through critical moments however his grit helped him to accomplish his objective.

Lastly, the marathon of the city that had been held each year took place, and he thought this was his time to demonstrate his ability to his neighborhood. As his heart was beating in his chest and his whiskers were twitching with anticipation, he joined the lineup with humans at the race start next to the giants, looking like a dot when looked from distance.

The gun went off and, with that, Milo was gone like an arrow shot straight out into the distance. The distance between his legs increased in pace as he veered in and out of the crowd, his eyes landing directly on the road ahead. He had known since the very beginning that it wouldn't be easy but he was willing to wholeheartedly give his best.


The hours whizzed past as Milo invested all his energy in trying to better his performance, a process reinvigorated by the kind shouts of adoration from the people on the side of the road. As much as his muscles screamed and the air burned in his lungs, he moved with only one objective in his mind–to make sure he put one foot in front of the other.


Milo couldn't even spare a quick glance at the finish line when he was running his fastest. He was only left with one last tasks in front of him. It was to put every bit of his energy into a final sprint. And - swish - he crossed the bar, his heart filled with joy from the victory.He had done it. It was completed by him.


It was a moment to be cracked up on when Milo collapsed on the road, shredded yet happy. Through him, the meaning that even those that others might neglect or devalue, could be stronger than many had anticipated.


While for Milo it meant being remembered in the city hall, for many his story was the inspiration to go after their dreams, no matter how seemingly impossible they may be. Yet zat’s not a story of Milo. He never did give up of his dreams. Toughness and optimism were his inbred traits which helped him to embark on the adventure of a lifetime through Marathon.


And for the next time when you even think of giving up or making doubt the barrier for progress, retell the story of Milo the marathon mouse to yourself. Identify that toughening oneself is the key to success in life.