Do not give up; success in life is a marathon

The better we prepare for the marathon of life, the less likely we are to overexert ourselves. That is why it is important to build yourself up, both mentally and physically. But what does it mean to be successul in the race? Is it how fast we run, how well we run or how many people watch us run? Applaud us? Love us? Who has the authority do decide the meaning of success in the race? Should we not be allowed to be in charge, keeping in mind that the race, i.e. life, is a common journey for all of us where the first to reach the finish line does not necessarily win? The victory lies in what you did on the journey.