My basic philosophy can be summed up by an expression we use in Norwegian: hurry slowly. Get there, but be patient.

Another inspiration that has helped me get through has been Lance Armstrong's story. My cancer is not nearly as bad as his, but I believe in staying motivated and keeping as fit as you can.

My goal has always been to introduce other people to running. They might accomplish something they never thought they could.

When I came to New York in 1978, I was a full-time school teacher and track runner, and determined to retire from competitive running. But winning the New York City Marathon kept me running for another decade.

What spurs a person to get more serious is highly individual, but I have found that no matter what a person's level of ability, motivation must come from within, or it will not last.

For a couple of days after chemotherapy, food tastes really bland, even the best foods. I haven't been sick, but have been a little tired. I haven't lost any weight.

Spend at least some of your training time, and other parts of your day, concentrating on what you are doing in training and visualizing your success.