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

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

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.

Running allows me to set my mind free. Nothing seems impossible, nothing unattainable.

Be unrelenting. If you don't believe, then who will?

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

In the end I have to hold myself accountable...I had to make a change if I really wanted to reach the goals I had set for myself. I had to get out of being comfortable and get into a situation that was going to really push me.