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.

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.

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

If I can get better, why not?

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

Men, today we die a little.

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