When I finished the Boston race in 1967, there were two things I wanted to do. I wanted to become a better athlete because my first marathon was 4:20. In those days, that was considered a jogging time and I knew people were going to tease me. But I was more fascinated with what women could do if they only had the chance.

There is an expression among even the most advanced runners that getting your shoes on is the hardest part of any workout

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

I married the right guy later in life. Roger Robinson is just so wonderful but I was 40 and by that time he had been married and had his family. I realized how dangerous children could truly be. So I feel maternal when I see those women run.

I said that there's going to come a day in our lives when women's running is as popular and as men's. Looking back, I obviously had a great sense of vision. And I was right.

If you feel positive, you have a sense of hope. If you have hope, you can have courage.

I could feel my anger dissipating as the miles went by--you can't run and stay mad!