I know what I want when I start a marathon: to win! But what do you want? Make sure you're clear in advance and don't go out too fast.
Haile GebrselassieRead
The marathon always starts after 30K. That's where the problems start. You start without any problems, without any pain. All the pain comes after 30K. Sometimes, it's possible to have pain even in the finger.
Interpretation
The true challenge in long-distance running begins after the initial phases, highlighting the importance of perseverance through difficulties.
This quote by Haile Gebrselassie encapsulates the idea that the most significant challenges and discomforts in a marathon, and metaphorically in life, often arise after reaching a certain point of endurance. It emphasizes the significance of mental resilience and determination when faced with obstacles, suggesting that success often begins when we push through our initial comfort zones.
In practice
In a motivational speech about overcoming obstacles in life.
I know what I want when I start a marathon: to win! But what do you want? Make sure you're clear in advance and don't go out too fast.
You must do as your people do. If my people are poor, I must be poor. People ask me, 'Why don't you find a personal coach or a private car?' I can't. Then I won't be part of my people.
I will always listen to my coaches. But first I listen to my body. If what they tell me suits my body, great. If my body doesn't feel good with what they say, then always my body comes first.
You know the marathon in my country is just exceptional. It's like soccer in England. If England win the world cup and Ethiopia win the marathon - it's the same.
Once you have commitment, you need the discipline and hard work to get you there.
First, do enough training. Then believe in yourself and say: I can do it. Tomorrow is my day. And then say: the person in front of me, he is just a human being as well; he has two legs, I have two legs, that is all. That is mentally how you prepare.
One is defeated only when one accepts defeat.
Neither god, nor angels, or just men, command you to suffer for a single moment. Therefore it is your solemn and imperative duty to use every means, both moral, intellectual, and physical that promises success.
The more you prepare beforehand, the more relaxed and creative and effective you’ll be when it counts.
You can have an impact anywhere you are.
When I checked into SEAL Team One many years ago, one of the things that I noticed was there was this old guy, who was younger than I am today, who I decided that I was going to be like. I wanted to emulate what he was doing, and one of those things was he got to work before anybody else.
The summit is what drives us, but the climb itself is what matters.
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