I have spent my life advocating for equality, inclusion, and opportunity for all people, especially those with disabilities. At first glance, my work on the bench as a justice of the Michigan Supreme Court and my life as a long distance runner might seem like two very different worlds. But for me, they have always been deeply connected. Running marathons has taught me lessons that shape the way I live and practice the law.
I have run more than 27 marathons in cities around the world. I have competed in Ironman triathlons that include long swims, bike races, and a full marathon at the end. These experiences have pushed me physically, mentally, and emotionally. They have taught me about discipline, perseverance, and purpose. More importantly, they have taught me about equality and what it means to run toward a better world.
The Path Begins With a Step
My journey as a runner began years ago, when I discovered Achilles International. This organization helps athletes with disabilities train and compete in mainstream races. When I first started running, I didn’t know how far it would take me. I learned to run with the guidance of volunteers who helped me navigate courses, giving clear directions like “soft right” or “hard left.” Trusting their cues taught me how much we all rely on one another, and how much stronger we are when we work together.
Running a marathon is not easy for anyone. Each race, you face physical exhaustion, moments of doubt, and the constant challenge of moving forward one step at a time. For me, it was also about proving to myself and others that a disability does not define what I can accomplish. I wanted to show that people with disabilities can compete alongside everyone else, reaching the same finish line with just as much courage and determination.
Pushing Through Pain and Adversity
In August 2012, while walking in New York City’s Central Park, I was hit from behind by a speeding cyclist. The impact shattered my pelvis and hip, and I ended up in Mount Sinai Hospital for more than ten weeks. The injuries were serious and painful. Some people might have given up their running goals after something like that.
But even in my hospital bed, I saw this challenge through the same lens I approach the law and my races. I saw it as another test of resilience, another obstacle to move through. I chose to see the injury not as an end, but a new beginning. I faced rehab, pain, and many difficult days with one mindset: I will run again. That drive brought me back to marathons and to a stronger sense of purpose both on the road and in the courtroom.
Lessons Learned on the Road
Every marathon teaches you something about yourself. You learn how to manage your energy. You learn how to handle setbacks when your body starts to scream. And you learn how to stay focused on the finish line, even when the distance feels overwhelming.
The law is a lot like a marathon. Lawyers and judges spend long hours preparing for cases, analyzing evidence, and arguing important points. Lawyers fight for equality, access, and fairness for their clients. Judges make decisions that impact people’s lives. Just like training for a long race, legal work is not quick or easy. It requires discipline, patience, and a belief in something bigger than yourself.
I have applied the lessons from running to every aspect of my legal career. In running, you do not give up when the path gets hard. You find the strength to keep going. In the courtroom, you do not give up when justice seems distant. You advocate with heart, conviction, and resilience.
Running Toward Equality
Running taught me the importance of inclusion. When I cross a finish line, I am not just thinking about my own achievement. I am thinking about every person with a disability who deserves to be seen, heard, and valued. I want people to see that disability is not a limitation, but a different way of experiencing the world that brings insight and strength.
These experiences have shaped my work in disability rights and my time as a justice. I have seen how the law can open doors for people who have been denied basic access. I have stood up for equality in court cases that expand accessibility and challenge exclusion. I have learned that nothing worthwhile comes without effort and that equality is worth every step.
Crossing the Finish Line With Purpose
Whether I am running a marathon or writing an opinion, I think about the power of persistence. Finishing a marathon reminds me that endurance matters. Every mile logged in training, every courtroom argument prepared, every law drafted for fairness all add up to movement in the right direction.
I run toward equality because I know that progress is possible when we refuse to give up. The horizon may seem far away at times, but each step brings us closer. When a runner crosses the finish line, it is a moment of triumph and joy. When a court decision expands rights or strengthens protections, it is a moment of justice and hope.
Life and law both demand endurance. Both teach us that strides made with courage and purpose bring us closer to a fair and just world. I am honored to have learned these lessons on both the road and in the courtroom.