I got into running because I was too uncoordinated to play baseball, too small for basketball, and too tiny for football. I lived in a broken home and had looked to those sports as a way of staying away from my home.

News people were holding me up as a symbol of defiance to the boycott and I couldn't even run.

My key to victory was that I always went out way too fast. Too fast erases every other race strategy out there. Everyone is hanging on for dear life or they give up.

I just wanted to quit running. My coach, Tracy Walters, took me aside and told me that I had an opportunity few people ever get. He said that I could inspire the whole team because I was so small and unathletic.

This life is made to change all reality. We are here for the benefit, happiness, and welfare of a new reality; a new direction.

I would instill in my team an attitude of role modeling. We run to teach other people the value of physical activity. In all things, be humble and appreciative; hurt no one; help anyone you can.

Based on my experience; I would develop fast speed before anything else. Get your young runners so they can run and teach them speed.