It's when the discomfort strikes that they realize a strong mind is the most powerful weapon of all.

There is a special mystique about the marathon, for example, because of its length-but that's just the bit you do at the end of an Ironman

It's not records I chase, it's self-improvement. And that cannot be done by taking it easy.

No one should ever be afraid of failing; it’s being afraid to give it your all in trying that I urge against. If there is one thing I have learned, particularly in my life as an athlete, it is that our limits may not be where we think they are. And, even when we think we’ve finally reached them, the next time we go there exploring we often find that they’ve moved again.

The key is to trust in your preparation. You have done all you can, so focus on that fact. You will remain the same person before, during and after the race, so the result, however important, will not define you. The journey is what matters.

Pick your battles, and accept yourself for who you are.

Hard work and an open mind - it's the only way to realize the potential that is inside every one of us.