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

In terms of fitness and battling through cancer, exercise helps you stay strong physically and mentally.

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.

I love running. It's as simple as that ... it has given me endless rewards: physical, emotional, and professional. The benefits of running are lifelong. I ran as a child, and I intend to run into my old age.

I am a private person and that has always been my personality.

I tried to keep it secret, but the story got into the newspapers. It was more difficult for my family, who couldn't understand why the media wouldn't leave me in peace.

The worst injury I ever had was a stress fracture from running.