Paradigm for the big goal

I just read a rather pedestrian story from the Battle Creek Enquirer about marathon training.

However, one good thing about it was the following quote:
"The marathon is the paradigm for the big goal," said Dan Sarkipato, who runs a marathon training group. "That's something significant. To run and complete a marathon is a notable kind of thing, and that's the lure of it."

That quote made the whole story worthwhile.