It's very hard in the beginning to understand that the whole idea is not to beat the other runners. Eventually you learn that the competition is against the little voice inside you that wants you to quit.

And while these pounds were being shed, while the physiological miracles were occurring with the heart and muscle and metabolism, psychological marvels were taking place as well. Just so, the world over, bodies, minds, and souls are constantly being born again, during miles on the road.

Of all the races, there is no better stage for heroism than a marathon.

Exercise is done against one's wishes and maintained only because the alternative is worse.

To make your life a work of art, you must have the material to work with. The race, any race, is just such an experience.

If you want to find the answers to the Big Questions about your soul, you'd best begin with the Little Answers about your body.

It's very hard in the beginning to understand that the whole idea is not to beat the other runners. Eventually you learn that the competition is against the little voice inside you that wants you to quit.