One day the factory sports coach, who was very strict, pointed at four boys, including me, and ordered us to run in a race. I protested that I was weak and not fit to run, but the coach sent me for a physical examination and the doctor said that I was perfectly well. So I had to run, and when I got started I felt I wanted to win. But I only came in second. That was the way it started.

The athlete of today is not an athlete alone. He's the center of a team - doctors, scientists, coaches, agents and so on.

By a persistent effort of will it is possible to change the whole body. The athlete must always keep in mind this concept of change and progression. He must never accept his limitations as being permanent, because they are not.

If you want to run, run a mile. If you want to experience a different life, run a marathon.

If you come to think of it, you never see deer, dogs and rabbits worrying about their menus and yet they run much faster than humans.

You can't climb up to the second floor without a ladder. When you set your aim too high and don't fulfill it, then your enthusiasm turns to bitterness. Try for a goal that's reasonable, and then gradually raise it.

Is it raining? That doesn't matter. Am I tired? That doesn't matter, either. Then willpower will be no problem.