As badly as I want a medal, I know there is a lot of luck involved in that. I want to put myself in position to be in the top three, give it my all and hope luck comes my way.

There are a million reasons why you can't. Focus on the few reasons why you can.

Don't try to rush progress. Remember -- a step forward, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction. 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.

Once you make the decision that you will not fail, the heart and the body will follow.

Don't be ashamed or embarrassed to dream big. You're living your life with hope, that's a powerful thing.

It doesn't matter how fast or how far you're going. If you're putting on your shoes and going out for a run, you are a runner, you are in that club.