“It’s at the borders of pain and suffering that the men are separated from the boys.” Emil Zatopek – Winner of the 5000m, 10000m and marathon at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics.
All posts in Quotes
“The difference between the mile and the marathon is the difference between burning your fingers with a match and being slowly roasted over hot coals.” Hal Higdon – Author of ‘Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide’
“No doubt a brain and some shoes are essential for marathon success, although if it comes down to a choice, pick the shoes. More people finish marathons with no brains than with no shoes.” Don Kardong – 4th in the 1976 Olympic Games marathon
“Your body will argue that there is no justifiable reason to continue. Your only recourse is to call on your spirit, which fortunately functions independently of logic.” Tim Noakes – Author of the Lore of Running
“There’s not a better feeling than when you have found that moment of balance and harmony when both running and life come together. Then you know why you run and that you couldn’t live without it.” Joan Benoit – First ever winner of the Women’s Olympic marathon in LA, 1984. Former world record holder for the marathon
“The most powerful lesson you can learn in running? You’re capable of much more than you think.” Amby Burfoot – Boston marathon winner 1968. Author of The Runner’s Guide to the Meaning of Life.
“Scientific testing can’t determine how the mind will tolerate pain in a race. Sometimes, I say, ‘Today I can die.'” Gelindo Bordin – Winner of the 1988 Olympic Games marathon and European Champion in 1986 and 1990
“As powerful as our legs are, as magnificent as our lungs and arms and muscles are, nothing matters more than the mind.” Scott Jurek – One of the worlds best ever Ultra Runners. Winner of the Spartahlon 153 mile race on three separate occasions (2006-2008).
“The idea that the harder you work, the better you’re going to be is just garbage. The greatest improvement is made by the man or woman who works most intelligently.” Bill Bowerman – Co-founder of Nike and coach to 31 Olympic athletes and 16 sub-4 minute milers. Coach to the great Steve Prefontaine.
“The Athlete defeats fear and conquers himself!” Franz Stampfl – The pioneer of interval training. He coached Chris Chataway and Chris Brasher and his methods influenced Roger Bannister and aided him to break the four minute mile.