Kids made fun of me because I was a slow learner, because I was hyperactive, because of a lot of things. Running gave me confidence.

If he's having a good day and running the right race, nobody can beat Frank Shorter at 10,000 meters... nobody except me.

Somebody may beat me, but they are going to have to bleed to do it.

Some people create with words or with music or with a brush and paints. I like to make something beautiful when I run. I like to make people stop and say, 'I've never seen anyone run like that before.' It's more than just a race, it's a style. It's doing something better than anyone else. It's being creative.

Don’t be afraid to give up the good for the great.

What I want is to be number one.

Every once in a while I think, 'What am I doing out here running, busting myself up? Life could be so much easier. The other guys are out having fun, doing other things, why not me?'