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.
Haile GebrselassieRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Clarity of goal is essential for success, and pacing yourself is crucial in achieving it.
Haile Gebrselassie emphasizes the importance of having clear goals when undertaking a challenging endeavor, such as running a marathon. He highlights that knowing what you want to achieve can steer your efforts and decisions; however, it's also crucial to pace yourself to avoid exhausting your resources too early in the process.
Themes
GoalClarityPacingSuccessMarathon
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a motivational speech for athletes preparing for a race.
More from Haile Gebrselassie
All quotes βI 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.
Haile GebrselassieRead
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.
Haile GebrselassieRead
Once you have commitment, you need the discipline and hard work to get you there.
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.
Haile GebrselassieRead
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.
Haile GebrselassieRead
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