Why run? I run because I am an animal. I run because it is part of my genetic wiring. I run because millions of years of evolution have left me programmed to run. And finally, I run because there’s no better way to see the sun rise and set... What the years have shown me is that running clarifies the thinking process as well as purifies the body. I think best - most broadly and most fully - when I am running.

I always tell beginning runners: Train your brain first. It's much more important than your heart or legs.

Here’s my mantra: ‘Every mile is a gift.’

If you train your mind for running, everything else will be easy.

Best wishes for a great marathon. Be sure to savor it. The first marathon is something special. Run long and healthy.

It's not about how fast you go. It's not about how far you go. It's a process.

Why run? I run because I am an animal. I run because it is part of my genetic wiring. I run because millions of years of evolution have left me programmed to run. And finally, I run because there’s no better way to see the sun rise and set... What the years have shown me is that running clarifies the thinking process as well as purifies the body. I think best - most broadly and most fully - when I am running.