I try to think about positive things - how great my form is, how my arms are swinging, my breathing, how loud people are cheering. My sports psychologist taught me there are a million things telling you you can't keep going, but if you find the things that say you can, you're golden.

Racing is the fun part; it's the reward of all the hard work.

Acknowledge all of your small victories. They will eventually add up to something great.

I have a power word that I use-when I qualified for the Olympics in 2008, it was fighter. That way when I'm in the race and I get to those dark moments, I can think of the word and it evokes that emotion for me.

We train together to make each other great.

Erase from your mind that your preparation must be perfect. Hard work + dedication = a shot at your dreams. Keep believing.

One skill that separates good from almost-good runners is an ability to concentrate for an entire race, whether it is a mile or a marathon.