TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Running On Inspiration

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 31, 2008

Every runner needs a little inspiration, whether they're getting ready for their first or 50th road race.

Since running is life's most obvious metaphor, it's no surprise that there's a wealth of profound comments on the training, pain, joy, ridiculousness and benefits of hitting the pavement for miles and miles.

Everyone — from William Shakespeare to Oprah Winfrey — has something to say on the topic. And much of what was said has been compiled in "The Quotable Runner" by Mark Will-Weber (Breakaway Books, $13). It's available in bookstores or at www.breakawaybooks.com.

Whether it's for the upcoming Publix Supermarket's Gasparilla Distance Classic or a run around the block, 4you offers up these tidbits of wisdom for you to ponder. And remember: Even the fastest and most accomplished runners are human, like the rest of us. Just ask them:

"I think there's only one sensible place for a person to be at 5:30 in the morning. That's in bed. And what am I doing? I'm out running. And I completely hate this." — Derek Clayton, Australian marathoner and the first to break 2 hours, 9 minutes

- Mary Shedden

The Highs

"In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack or last. You can say, 'I have finished.' There is a lot of satisfaction in that." — New York Marathon founder Fred Lebow

The Lows

"Jogging through the forest is pleasant, as is relaxing by the fire with a glass of gentle Bordeaux and discussing one's travels. Racing is another matter. The front-runner's mind is filled with an anguished fearfulness, a panic, which drives into pain." — two-time Olympic marathoner Kenny Moore

The Body

"Listen to my body? If I was listening to my body right now I would be home in bed eating a Danish and reading the funnies." — overheard at the 1991 San Antonio Marathon

The Mind

"A lot of people run a race to see who's the fastest. I run to see who has the most guts." — University of Oregon runner Steve Prefontaine, known for his gutsy performance at the 1972 Munich Olympics

The Spirit

"Have a dream, make a plan, go for it. You'll get there. I promise." — Zoe Koplowitz, Achilles Track Club member with multiple sclerosis, who needed 24 hours but finished the 1993 New York City Marathon

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT