The potential elite runner must realize that hard means hard, easy means easy and they must patiently seek out what combinations work for them. They have to learn to be persistent and patient with their training and racing.

As I've been able to once again gain the benefits of speed work, I'm enjoying my running more and more.

I admire runners older than I - they are now my heroes. I want to be like them as I grow older.

I think it is that parents just don't kick their kids out the door as much as they used to. I think the demise of sandlot sports has had a lot to do with it.

For the novice runner, I'd say to give yourself at least 2 months of consistently running several times a week at a conversational pace before deciding whether you want to stick with it. Consistency is the most important aspect of training at this point.

The potential elite runner must realize that hard means hard, easy means easy and they must patiently seek out what combinations work for them. They have to learn to be persistent and patient with their training and racing.

How did I know you ran a 4:30 mile in high school? That's easy. Everyone ran a 4:30 mile in high school.