I often lose motivation, but it's something I accept as normal.

Don't feel guilty about driving somewhere nice to run. If people can drive to a park to eat hot dogs, you can drive there to run.

Running is a very natural activity. If you get too caught up, you find yourself constantly seeking to make running something that it isn't. You should let it be what it is - a very simple activity. Running has become too complicated for many people and they wind up turning sour on the sport, or losing the focus of their direction.

I also feel it usually takes four or five races to hit your best marathon for your body to be accustomed to the training AND the race itself.

I often lose motivation, but it's something I accept as normal.

My whole feeling in terms of racing is that you have to be very bold. You sometimes have to be aggressive and gamble.

The advice I have for beginners is the same philosophy that I have for runners of all levels of experience and ability -- consistency, a sane approach, moderation and making your running an enjoyable, rather than dreaded, part of your life.