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.

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.

No one should ever be afraid of failing; it's being afraid to give it your all in trying that I urge against.

If we let our head drop, our heart drops with it. Keep your head up, and your body is capable of amazing feats.

There's an importance of keeping an open mind. The brain is programmed to protect us, and that can mean imposing limits on what it thinks we can or should do. Constantly push at those limits, because the brain can be way too cautious.

Never, ever give up. And smile