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.

When I was young, I was too slow. I thought I must learn to run fast by practicing to run fast, so I ran 100 meters fast 20 times. Then I came back, slow,slow,slow. People said, 'Emil, you are crazy. You are training like a sprinter.'

An athlete cannot run with money in his pockets. He must run with hope in his heart and dreams in his head.

If I can get better, why not?

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.

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

My running was very simple; it was out of myself.