I’d rather lose a 3:58 mile than win one in 4:10.

The mile has a classic symmetry....It's a play in four acts.

If any running event, you are absolutely alone. Nobody can help you.

To understand Cerutty you have to see him as a multifaceted personality. He could be both charming and very abusive. He was extremely amusing and darn good company providing you weren't quarrelling with him.

Almost every part of the mile is tactically important: you can never let down, never stop thinking, and you can be beaten at almost any point. I suppose you could say it is like life.

I’d rather lose a 3:58 mile than win one in 4:10.

Grind it out. Hanging on just one second longer than your competition makes you the winner. If you can't win, make the fellow ahead of you break the record. The mile has a classic symmetry....It's a play in four acts.