Running is a simple, primitive act, and therein lays its power. For it is one of the few commonalities left between us as a human race.

I run because long after my footprints fade away, maybe I will have inspired a few to reject the easy path, hit the trails, put one foot in front of the other, and come to the same conclusion I did: I run because it always takes me where I want to go.

Once you permit yourself to compromise, you fail yourself.

The marathon is an opportunity for redemption. Opportunity, because the outcome is uncertain. Opportunity, because it is up to you, and only you, to make it happen.

I've raced on all seven continents at least twice. I've probably run thousands of races. But the single race that I'm most proud is a 10K. Yes, a 10K. I ran it with my daughter on her 10th birthday.

When I ran across America, for 75 days I ate 10,000 calories a day. I still lost about five pounds.

Listen to everyone, follow no one.