Quotes by Joan Benoit Samuelson

“When I first started running, I was so embarrassed Id walk when cars passed me. Id pretend I was looking at the flowers.”

“The one thing more difficult than following a regimen is not imposing it on others.”

“My feeling is that any day I am too busy to run is a day that I am too busy.”

“One day the factory sports coach, who was very strict, pointed at four boys, including me, and ordered us to run in a race. I protested that I was weak and not fit to run, but the coach sent me for a physical examination and the doctor said that I was perfectly well. So I had to run, and when I got started I felt I wanted to win. But I only came in second. That was the way it started.”

“The goal of life is living in agreement with nature.”

“Look in the mirror. The face that pins you with its double gaze reveals a chastening secret.”

“Learn as much by writing as by reading.”

“A man whose life has been dishonourable is not entitled to escape disgrace in death.”

As every runner knows, running is about more than just putting one foot in front of the other; it is about our lifestyle and who we are.

I look at victory as milestones on a very long highway.