One skill that separates good from almost-good runners is an ability to concentrate for an entire race, whether it is a mile or a marathon.
Running allows me to set my mind free. Nothing seems impossible, nothing unattainable.
Don’t try to rush progress. Remember – a step forward, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction. Keep believing.
I try to think about positive things – how great my form is, how my arms are swinging, my breathing, how loud people are cheering. My sports psychologist taught me there are a million things telling you you can’t keep going, but if you find the things that say you can, you’re golden.
Don’t ever discourage someone from trying to better their life and health.
Never underestimate the power that one good workout can have on your mind. Keeping the dream alive is half the battle.
As badly as I want a medal, I know there is a lot of luck involved in that. I want to put myself in position to be in the top three, give it my all and hope luck comes my way.
Get out there and do what you love!
Watching the world’s best compete fires you up to achieve your own feats of greatness. When it comes to running, participation and spectating go hand in hand.
Hill sprints are good for everyone!
I don’t feel like myself unless I run. It’s how I deal with sadness and happiness. I need it. It’s like therapy.
You can’t do in a race what you haven’t prepared for.
Be unrelenting. If you don’t believe, then who will?
After we put my son to bed, my husband and I curl up and watch a movie or TV. That’s when I finally put up my feet and have my glass of wine and a brownie.
Set small goals along the way and don’t be overwhelmed by the process.
It doesn’t matter how fast or how far you’re going. If you’re putting on your shoes and going out for a run, you are a runner, you are in that club.
Don’t be ashamed or embarrassed to dream big. You’re living your life with hope, that’s a powerful thing.
I have a power word that I use-when I qualified for the Olympics in 2008, it was fighter. That way when I’m in the race and I get to those dark moments, I can think of the word and it evokes that emotion for me.
Whether you’re an elite or a first-timer, that’s the magic of marathoning, the recognition of your own potential that had been there all along.
Race day is fun, but training gives you moments of the extraordinary in the ordinary.