Triumph over adversity that's what the marathon is all about. Nothing in life can't triumph after that

When I was first running marathons, we were sailing on a flat earth. We were afraid we'd get big legs, grow mustaches, not get boyfriends, not be able to have babies. Women thought that something would happen to them, that they'd break down or turn into men, something shadowy, when they were only limited by their own society's sense of limitations.

Women were afraid and they would never even imagine running a marathon in 1967.

I always say that talent and capability is everywhere, all it needs is opportunity.

Jock Semple said "Oh the women ran well today the Boston Marathon and they deserve to be in the race." I had to laugh. I said "Well it took us five years but anyway, we're here." It pretty much changed everything.

1967 race in Boston changed not just my life, but millions of women's lives. There are also things that, when you get older, resonate more.

Most people don't know this but over the course of time, the official of the race in 1967 in Boston, who attacked me Jock Semple and I became very good friends. That gave me a whole new perspective on forgiveness.