Quotes can say so much. They may only be snippets of a persons thoughts, mind-set, but they can be incredibly encouraging and motivational for others. Here are some excellent quotes for runners, or anyone needing motivation.
"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 then just a race, it's a style. It's doing something better then anyone else. It's being creative."
Author Unknown
“Some people train knowing they’re not working as hard as other people. I can’t fathom how they think.”
Alberto Salazar
“Somewhere in the world someone is training when you are not. When you race him, he will win.”
Boston Marathon Training Sign
"I always loved running...it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs."
Jesse Owens
"Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of. This is what we do. This is what it's all about."
Pattisue Plumer
“Today I will run what you will not so that tomorrow I will run what you cannot.”
Author Unknown
"Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?'"
Peter Mayer
“To move into the lead means making an act requiring fierceness and confidence. But fear must play some part…no relaxation is possible, and all discretion is thrown into the wind.”
Roger Bannister
"Ask yourself: 'Can I give more?'. The answer is usually: 'Yes'."
Paul Tergat
"To get to the finish line, you'll have to try lots of different paths."
Amby Burfoot
"If you want to become the best runner you can be, start now. Don't spend the rest of your life wondering if you can do it".
Priscilla Welch
"Remember, the feeling you get from a good run is far better than the feeling you get from sitting around wishing you were running."
Sarah Condor
"Start somewhere today, don't put it off. You can do something, no matter how 'small' you think it is in terms of your long-term goal. Every step you take is one you'll be thankful for when you get there. Remember: you're lapping everyone who's still on the couch."
Caressa Sharp
"It's amazing how the same pace in practice can seem so much harder than on race day. Stay Confident. Trust the Process."
Sara Hall
"Running taught me valuable lessons. In cross-country competition, training counted more than intrinsic ability, and I could compensate for a lack of natural aptitude with diligence and discipline. I applied this in everything I did."
Nelson Mandela
"Running has taught me, perhaps more than anything else, that there's no reason to fear starting lines...or other new beginners.
Amby Burfoot
"If one can stick to the training throughout the many long years, then willpower is no longer a problem. It's raining? That doesn't matter. I am tired? That's besides the point. It's simply that I just have to."
Emil Zatopek
"The most important thing I learned [from running] is that there is only one runner in this race, and that is me."
George Sheehan
"Acknowledge all of your small victories. They will eventually add up to something great."
Kara Goucher
"Running is all about having the desire to train and persevere until every fibre in your legs, mind, and heart is turned to steel. And when you've finally forged hard enough, you will have become the best runner you can be. And that's all you can ask for"
Paul Maurer
"It's very hard in the beginning to understand the whole idea is not to beat the other runners. Eventually you learn that the competition is against the little voice inside you that wants you to quit."
George Sheehan
"We must suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret or disappointment"
Jim Rohn
"Life is a marathon, not a sprint; pace yourself accordingly."
Amby Burfoot
"Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going".
Jim Ryun
"If you're trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I've had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Climb it, go through it, or work around it."
Michael Jordan