In this latest episode of Jamie in the Rova, I run into Beatie Deutsch, a six-time Israeli marathon champion, Olympic hopeful, mother, and mental health advocate. What begins as a simple stop for a warm drink turns into an honest conversation about motivation, failure, faith, and the work it takes to keep showing up.

As we walk through the Old City, Beatie shares why motivation is not a feeling you wait for but a commitment you make. She opens up about chasing an Olympic dream, learning to separate self-worth from achievement, and finding peace with outcomes that are ultimately out of our control.

She speaks candidly about mental health, disordered eating, and the pressure of being seen as strong, especially as a public figure and a mother raising daughters in a world obsessed with perfection. We talk about responsibility without self-punishment, discipline without cruelty, and trusting God while still doing the work.

We end, as always, on the rooftop of the Aish Dan Family World Center overlooking the Western Wall, with a blessing about unity, purpose, and learning to recognize the unique light each person carries.

If this conversation reminds you that you do not need to have everything figured out to move forward, take this walk with us.

0:00 – “Motivation isn’t a feeling”

0:38 – A quick coffee and a spontaneous walk

1:55 – Running in the rain and showing up anyway

2:48 – Commitment vs motivation

3:30 – Saying the Olympic dream out loud

4:45 – Failure, fear, and trusting the process

6:05 – Separating worth from achievement

7:20 – Mental health, disordered eating, and honesty

9:00 – Motherhood, role modeling, and self-compassion

11:50 – Aish, the rooftop, and a blessing for unity

Subscribe for more conversations with trailblazing leaders who are changing the world from Jerusalem and beyond.

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Jamie Geller is the Chief Communications Officer and Global Spokesperson for Aish. As a key member of Aish's senior executive team, she brings extensive experience in building a media empire that influences millions daily. An award-winning producer, eight-time bestselling author, and media and marketing executive, Jamie’s career spans renowned networks including HBO, CNN, and the Food Network, where she earned numerous awards as a producer and marketing executive.

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Beatie Deutch is known as the "Marathon Mother" and is shattering stereotypes one mile at a time as Israel’s national champion and a world-class elite athlete. A mother of five and an ultra-Orthodox Jew, she has gained global recognition for competing in a headscarf and skirt, proving that religious devotion and podium finishes go hand in hand. Whether she’s clocking a 2:31 marathon or advocating for Shabbat-friendly sporting events, Beatie’s journey is a masterclass in staying true to your values while chasing greatness.

Follow Beatie on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marathonmother

Website: https://www.beatiedeutsch.com/