The older I get (though elves are, essentially, ageless), the more convinced I become that perseverance is a most valuable quality.

No matter what you try — getting in shape, learning a new craft, planning well, etc. — few of us will succeed quickly. Sticking to our efforts, even when they don't seem productive, is really what separates success from failure.

Would someone please remind me of that as I keep trying to learn to run races.?