The Winning Spirit—Life Lessons Learned In Last Place

Presented at the 2nd Annual Houston WAMS Luncheon
By Zoe Koplowitz

In a world that values fast, she is perpetually slow.

In a world that demands first, she has given new meaning to the word last.

Zoe Koplowitz is the award-winning author of “The Winning Spirit – Life Lessons Learned In Last Place.” Although Zoe lives with the daily challenges of both multiple sclerosis and diabetes, she has successfully completed a total of 20 marathons, all in last place. Her 33 hour 9 minute run has set a world record for the longest marathon in the history of women’s running. Zoe has been featured on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Lifetime, CNN, ESPN, and many other national TV and radio programs. She has presented motivational speeches from the shores of Oahu to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. She also holds the distinction of being featured in the famous “Got Milk” ad campaign.

Her volunteer work has been recognized by several major organizations, including the National MS Society, Chase Manhattan Bank, The Achilles Track Club and The Sara Lee Corporation. In 2001, L’eggs Pantyhose honored Zoe as a “Woman Who Shapes the World.” The U.S. Olympic Committee selected Zoe as a torch bearer to pass on the Olympic Torch as it made its way from Atlanta to Salt Lake City for the 2002 Winter Games. It was an extremely poignant event, since Zoe had survived the events of September 11, 2001 three months prior to passing the torch.

Zoe’s marathons have become a metaphor for self-acceptance and personal achievement. Her transformational journey of the spirit has captured the imagination of hundreds of thousands of people all over the world, superseding the boundaries of race, class and economics. Her 20 last place finish lines have become a powerful reminder that “the race belongs not only to the swift and the strong, but to those who keep on running.” It is an ultimate truth on the marathon course and in everyday life.

Spend an unforgettable, empowering afternoon and find out what makes Zoe run. Share the true stories and lessons that Zoe has learned in the course of her marathon adventures: the importance of self-acceptance, the power of a dream, courage in the face of adversity, excelling despite perceived limitations and the beauty of unconditional love.

For more information about the Houston WAMS Luncheon contact Taylor Darnell at 713-526-8967 (press option 2) or tdarnell@nmsslonestar.org.