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A Return to Virtue
When Elaine Dalton's oldest son left for his mission, she wanted to do something that would help her develop some of the same kind of discipline and self-control that he was learning as a missionary. So she decided to run a marathon.
Now, years later, she has taken her experiences and insights related to running and woven them into an analogy for an attribute and value she feels passionate about: virtue.
"I have embarked on a journey to reinstate the word virtue into our vocabulary and our lives," Sister Dalton writes. "We call for a social reform, but what is really needed is a moral reform—a call for a return to virtue." As we run life's race, it is virtue, meaning purity and power, that will sustain us through the long miles.
A Return to Virtue is an invitation and a guide to running well the marathon that we call mortality. "Give it 100 percent," says Sister Dalton, "and one day we will be hugging each other and celebrating—victorious—at the finish line!"
Now, years later, she has taken her experiences and insights related to running and woven them into an analogy for an attribute and value she feels passionate about: virtue.
"I have embarked on a journey to reinstate the word virtue into our vocabulary and our lives," Sister Dalton writes. "We call for a social reform, but what is really needed is a moral reform—a call for a return to virtue." As we run life's race, it is virtue, meaning purity and power, that will sustain us through the long miles.
A Return to Virtue is an invitation and a guide to running well the marathon that we call mortality. "Give it 100 percent," says Sister Dalton, "and one day we will be hugging each other and celebrating—victorious—at the finish line!"
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2011
16 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
July 6, 2012
I would highly recommend that any parent, grandparent, young man or young woman read this book. To paraphrase another reviewer, I was impressed by Elaine Dalton's observation that there has been a worldwide clamor for clean air, clean water, improved food free of impurities but little is said or written to stop the influx of filth from pornography, music, books, that flow freely into our minds and spirits. Well worth the read.
January 26, 2021
As a runner, a woman, and a mom this was definitely a book written for me. Having run 2 full and 3 half marathons, I can testify that the comparison of life to a marathon is spot on! This was a quick, easy read with lots to ponder and lots of profound quotes. I'll share just a couple of my favorites.
"Sometimes I think we totally underestimate the great blessings we might have and the knowledge we might gain if we were willing to move out of our comfort zones."
"Modesty is more than hemlines, necklines, and revealing clothing. It is the appropriate dress for the appropriate setting. It is caring to dress appropriately to show respect for people, places, and settings."
"Procrastination is the opposite of obedience."
"When they [our children] walk through the doors of our homes, they must feel that they are enough. They must feel peace. Our homes must not be places of additional stress and pressure. They must be havens where each of our children can be valued and loved for just being themselves. As mothers, our role is to love and lead our children."
If you enjoy running, are interested in how we can heal some of the hurt and broken families in our society today, are a parent, or want to someday be a parent, I definitely recommend this book to you.
"Sometimes I think we totally underestimate the great blessings we might have and the knowledge we might gain if we were willing to move out of our comfort zones."
"Modesty is more than hemlines, necklines, and revealing clothing. It is the appropriate dress for the appropriate setting. It is caring to dress appropriately to show respect for people, places, and settings."
"Procrastination is the opposite of obedience."
"When they [our children] walk through the doors of our homes, they must feel that they are enough. They must feel peace. Our homes must not be places of additional stress and pressure. They must be havens where each of our children can be valued and loved for just being themselves. As mothers, our role is to love and lead our children."
If you enjoy running, are interested in how we can heal some of the hurt and broken families in our society today, are a parent, or want to someday be a parent, I definitely recommend this book to you.
December 23, 2011
I love running (well, most of the time ;) and I love Sister Dalton (all of the time :) so this book was a great one for me. I think all women (old and young) should read this and probably men too!
A few quotes I especially loved:
"Juma Ikangaa [winner of the New York Marathon spoken of earlier in the paragraph] replied simply, 'The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare.' Preparation is one way we can avoid deception."
"Perhaps we never feel like we are totally prepared for some of the events we experience in life, but if we cultivate the Holy Ghost as our constant companion, we will be led, guided, and comforted and will feel peace and direction--even at midnight."
"I shared my testimony that because of Him, it IS possible to be virtuous. And if one has not been virtuous, because of Him, it is possible to return to virtue."
"My noble, precious friends, as you press forward diligently to obtain the enormous privilege of entering the temple, your course is marked. There will be friends, family members, leaders, and mentors to love you, to cheer for you, and even to lift and carry you over the hard spots, if necessary. But yours are the feet that will walk the path. You must keep your focus and persevere."
A few quotes I especially loved:
"Juma Ikangaa [winner of the New York Marathon spoken of earlier in the paragraph] replied simply, 'The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare.' Preparation is one way we can avoid deception."
"Perhaps we never feel like we are totally prepared for some of the events we experience in life, but if we cultivate the Holy Ghost as our constant companion, we will be led, guided, and comforted and will feel peace and direction--even at midnight."
"I shared my testimony that because of Him, it IS possible to be virtuous. And if one has not been virtuous, because of Him, it is possible to return to virtue."
"My noble, precious friends, as you press forward diligently to obtain the enormous privilege of entering the temple, your course is marked. There will be friends, family members, leaders, and mentors to love you, to cheer for you, and even to lift and carry you over the hard spots, if necessary. But yours are the feet that will walk the path. You must keep your focus and persevere."
January 28, 2015
This really was a fantastic book with lots of insights, suggestions and stories. It's inspired me to try a little harder to do a little better.
It's taken me awhile to finish this book. And for the first little while, it obviously dragged a bit for me - though I can't say why exactly. As I'm not a runner, though I could see the parallel, I couldn't necessarily relate. I liked lots of what I read, I just wasn't compelled to rush right through it. So I put it down for a bit, and when I came back to it, it totally absorbed me - and made me cry! I finished it right up and wanted to take copious notes.
This leaves me with the "it's not you, it's me" mentality. Wherever I was when I first started this must've been different enough from where I am now to impact me. A Return to Virtue was recommended reading at a class I went to at BYU Education week 2014, and now I understand why! In fact, now I'm considering buying it so that I can mark it all up with highlighters and notes.
Read it if you're looking for a positive, uplifting & self-improving instructional book.
And as a side note, completely unrelated - I'm giving running an attempt. Perhaps I'll reread once I've made more progress on my running journey.
It's taken me awhile to finish this book. And for the first little while, it obviously dragged a bit for me - though I can't say why exactly. As I'm not a runner, though I could see the parallel, I couldn't necessarily relate. I liked lots of what I read, I just wasn't compelled to rush right through it. So I put it down for a bit, and when I came back to it, it totally absorbed me - and made me cry! I finished it right up and wanted to take copious notes.
This leaves me with the "it's not you, it's me" mentality. Wherever I was when I first started this must've been different enough from where I am now to impact me. A Return to Virtue was recommended reading at a class I went to at BYU Education week 2014, and now I understand why! In fact, now I'm considering buying it so that I can mark it all up with highlighters and notes.
Read it if you're looking for a positive, uplifting & self-improving instructional book.
And as a side note, completely unrelated - I'm giving running an attempt. Perhaps I'll reread once I've made more progress on my running journey.
May 15, 2013
Excellent, inspiring, uplifting, full of light! I LOVED this book and will read it again! It is full of truth and powerful insights into life, the gospel, standing strong, catching the vision, accomplishing goals, and remembering what it means to be a Daughter of God!
May 6, 2013
This is one of the most uplifting books I have ever read. Although I do have to admit it is specifically directed at a particular audience. I am afraid anyone that doesn't fit into that audience wouldn't receive it as lightly. Still. Great book.
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March 16, 2025I'd give it 4.5 stars. This book was incredible. If I were to write a book on Virtue I would have done it the same way.
October 23, 2014
This book is written for women in the Church, especially the young women but I wish the whole world would learn and understand the need to return to virtue.
September 12, 2025
Very nice book. Some chapters targeted more toward young women, but all are applicable to anyone.
I especially liked the analogy that everyone’s into organic foods and cleaning the air in the environment, yet they tolerate and even glorify filth in media.
It’s also interesting to note the point about the privilege and sacred trust of getting to live in the time of temples dotting the earth and therefore a great amount of temple work being done/being available to be done. And women have ALWAYS been deeply a part of building and working in temples, even if some might say the ways were quieter. A “testimony of the covenant”…
Gratitude, respect, humility, simplicity, building a home with the Spirit, sacred motherhood, guardians of virtue, & so much more!
I especially liked the analogy that everyone’s into organic foods and cleaning the air in the environment, yet they tolerate and even glorify filth in media.
It’s also interesting to note the point about the privilege and sacred trust of getting to live in the time of temples dotting the earth and therefore a great amount of temple work being done/being available to be done. And women have ALWAYS been deeply a part of building and working in temples, even if some might say the ways were quieter. A “testimony of the covenant”…
Gratitude, respect, humility, simplicity, building a home with the Spirit, sacred motherhood, guardians of virtue, & so much more!
March 15, 2018
I absolutely loved this book!!! I think that the analogy of running a marathon goes so well with the topic. She has such a deep love for young women and teaches in such a loving way that gives hope and understanding. I love the power and confidence that she explains will come as we live virtuous lives. This book is definitely full of pearls of wisdom that we can all apply to our lives. Let us be guardians of virtue!!!!
December 6, 2020
Libby. I think some of these chapters were talks Sister Dalton gave when she was General Young Women’s President. So much insight and wonderful advice to all of us. To live Virtually everyday of are lives which is really living righteously following our Savior Jesus Christ. I think one of the most important on Return to Virtue is that if we are off the path and sometimes we are Jesus is always there to Welcome us back when we truly repent.
September 1, 2017
Giving a lesson on Relief Society on Virtue and wanted more insights. Purity proceeds spiritual power and strength. I find it an interesting observation that there are so many germophobes and people obsessed with cleanliness and pollutants of our environment but oblivious to the filth that comes streaming into their homes via TV every day via advertising and programming.
July 3, 2019
Although directed primarily to the young women of the church this little book has great messages for everyone. Using the analogy of preparing for and running a marathon, this book gives wise counsel and encouragement when facing life's uncertainties and challenges.
September 7, 2021
A must read if you haven’t you need to❗️I highly recommend it to all of the parents of youth both of you should read it on top of the Youth. The title says it all really so I’m not going to give anything away.
December 11, 2016
The book is one I want to buy, it was simply inspirational. With in a couple years I want my daughter to read it too.
August 17, 2017
I think this book speaks for itself.
February 7, 2018
I want to buy this and give it to Lydia. It is beautiful written and so inspiring!
March 18, 2019
3.5 stars. A great reminder of the importance and powerful influence of virtue.
April 11, 2019
Courageous, kind, insightful. Will read it again.
September 23, 2023
A wonderful read. Being virtuous isn't only being morally clean. ❤️❤️❤️
October 15, 2025
"Sister Dalton gives a beautiful synopsis of the most important safeguards required to navigate the treacherous days we live in." --Customer Review
September 7, 2013
First line:
"Several years ago, I qualified to run the Boston Marathon."
Good, uplifting LDS book on virtue and modest. It's not just about the clothes, but it's also about attitude and what is in your heart. Where can a virtuous woman be found in this world? In the mirror. We all can strive to be virtuous and examples of modesty to those around us.
This book is full of stories, thoughts, experiences and scripture.
A couple of my favorite quotes from the book:
"When you were baptized, you left the world and entered the kingdom." Elder Hales
"Of all the creations of the Almighty, there is non more beautiful, none more inspiring than a lovely daughter of God who walks in virtue with an understanding of why she should do so, who honors and respects her body as a thing sacred and divine, who cultivates her mind and constantly enlarges the horizon of her understanding, who nurtures her spirit with everlasting truth." President Gordon B. Hinckley
"Several years ago, I qualified to run the Boston Marathon."
Good, uplifting LDS book on virtue and modest. It's not just about the clothes, but it's also about attitude and what is in your heart. Where can a virtuous woman be found in this world? In the mirror. We all can strive to be virtuous and examples of modesty to those around us.
This book is full of stories, thoughts, experiences and scripture.
A couple of my favorite quotes from the book:
"When you were baptized, you left the world and entered the kingdom." Elder Hales
"Of all the creations of the Almighty, there is non more beautiful, none more inspiring than a lovely daughter of God who walks in virtue with an understanding of why she should do so, who honors and respects her body as a thing sacred and divine, who cultivates her mind and constantly enlarges the horizon of her understanding, who nurtures her spirit with everlasting truth." President Gordon B. Hinckley
June 30, 2019
I have to start off by saying Elaine S. Dalton is one of my role models. I love who she is and who she strives to be. Reading this book was simply a treat. It’s a quick read that leaves you feeling empowering and wanting to be more pure in your everyday life. She is a marathon runner and parallels the training, challenges, and rewards of running to the path of virtue and chastity.
“Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end theroeof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue (Joseph Smith). Without virtue, there can be no purity, and without purity there can be no companionship of a member of the Godhead— the Holy Ghost.”
“I truly believe that one virtuous young woman or young man, led by the Spirit, can change the world.”
“The will to win is nothing without the will to prepare” (Juma Ikangaa).
“Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end theroeof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue (Joseph Smith). Without virtue, there can be no purity, and without purity there can be no companionship of a member of the Godhead— the Holy Ghost.”
“I truly believe that one virtuous young woman or young man, led by the Spirit, can change the world.”
“The will to win is nothing without the will to prepare” (Juma Ikangaa).
May 20, 2012
This is a WONDERFUL book! One of my favorites! :) I believe in the importance of Sister Dalton's message of the need for examples of purity and virtue in the world today! We must be those examples! She shares sweet stories, scriptures and examples of how we can do this. She speaks positively and hopefully about the power we each have as individuals to change the world as we are armed with the power of the Spirit and righteousness. I'm grateful for the reminder and her words and testimony! What a message of hope and joy and purpose to the world! :)
March 24, 2012
As a new runner (one marathon so far, not 17 like Sister Dalton), I've been so amazed by how much running has taught me about life and was looking forward to the marathon analogies in this book. I was disappointed in that way, because there wasn't really much in-depth about running. However, the stories and insights in the book were definitely worth reading. I was especially impressed with how many tough experiences Sister Dalton has had in her life -- her father dying while she was young, her son-in-law having a stroke just after he graduated from medical school, etc.
July 12, 2015
I'll admit, it was hard for me to warm up to Sister Dalton. Her life seemed so perfect, she was always smiling and so energetic. However, as I listened to her and got to know her I realized that she was that way because she chose to be. She lost her father at an early age, and has had many other trials. So, in an effort to learn how I could be positive and energetic, I decided to read this book. It's a lovely mixture of stories, research, and metaphor and, after finishing it, I feel like we would be friends.
August 6, 2016
I love Sis. Dalton's Conference messages. And her book was good too. (For me, a three star review is good. I give 4/5 to only my very favorites.)
When I read through it, I marked my favorite parts with colored pencils. My 13-year old daughter is going to read it next. And I hope she'll learn both from Sis. Dalton, and the things that I highlighted.
The running metaphor works very well to teach the principle of virtue. And it's a lesson we can all do better at learning and living.
When I read through it, I marked my favorite parts with colored pencils. My 13-year old daughter is going to read it next. And I hope she'll learn both from Sis. Dalton, and the things that I highlighted.
The running metaphor works very well to teach the principle of virtue. And it's a lesson we can all do better at learning and living.
Read
May 14, 2012This is a book for all! Men and Women alike! There is one chapter dedicated to the young women at the end, but the message is clear and the choice to return to virtue is a decision that will change the world! Your world, my world and our children's world. I am so grateful for great women who lead the way by example. I want to grow up and be like Sister Dalton. Might even run a marathon one day too ...
September 25, 2011
Elaine S. Dalton is the Young Women General President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; when her oldest son left on his mission she decided that she would prepare and run a marathon while he was gone. Sister Dalton admonishes each of us to return to virtue to rise above the world's standards.
December 22, 2011
A wonderful book for women young and old. The experiences, testimony, and scriptures that Sister Dalton shares are timely and thought-provoking. The emphasis on the value of virtue comes at a time when it is under attack by an increasingly larger percent of the population. I loved the running analogy present throughout the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews