 At what point do our own self-expectations become out of reach? That is the question that faces Derrick Mashburn (Erik Hern). After being kicked off the college cross country team for accepting prize money at a local road race, Derrick is left with the choice to either pursue his education or rough it and follow his running. He has chosen the latter. Working as a house painter by day, Derrick trains when he can find the time, but quickly learns that success is not always measured by ribbons and medals.