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.

The real purpose of running isn't to win a race, it's to test the limits of the human heart.

The athlete makes himself, the coach doesn't make the athlete.

Don't give anything away. Never make it easy for the guys you are trying to beat.

It's easier to beg forgiveness than ask permission.

I think people can handle 150 to 200 miles a week. But something has to give somewhere. If he's a student, how's he going to study? He may be at the age of chasing and courtship, and that's an important form of sport and recreation, too.

Several of my critics have said, 'Bowerman just tacks up a piece of paper in the locker room and turns his runners loose.' They're partially right. I do give the athletes a relatively free rein and for good reason. One of my principles is? 'Don't overcoach.'