Inspirational Running Quotes

Runners are sometimes viewed as a bit crazy, particularly by those who aren't into the sport. Think about it - regardless of the reason that you decided to pick up a pair of sneakers and run, whether it's to lose some weight, to be healthy and fit, or just for the love of the outdoors, there are a variety of sports that are lower impact and don't include what promises to be sore shins and feet after miles of running on the pavement or trail. And yet there's a reason why so many people who become runners are avid about it. There's just some­thing mag­i­cal about the sport of run­ning and there’s an endorphin rush even when we’re hurt­ing. It also doesn't hurt that running does offer a healthier body, a clearer mind and a sunnier disposition. It's also a sport that can be done year-round and either solo or with a group of friends. However, staying motivated can be a challenge, for both beginners and more experienced runners alike. Beginners may find it difficult to get into a rhythm and may lose motivation when others pass them by with seemingly little effort. More experienced, elite runners sometimes lose inspiration, when after months of practicing, they still can't beat their personal bests. These motivational dips can cause declines in regularity, distance and pace, making it even more a psychological struggle to find a reason to strap on your sneakers. That's why we've put together the following list of inspirational quotes. The next time going for a run feels like having to get pumped up for the dentist's office, keep the following running quotes in mind for a little bit of extra motivation to keep running. "We all have dreams, in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, self-discipline and effort." - Jesse Owens - Olympic gold-medalist runner "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." - Fred Lebow - New York City Marathon co-founder "Your body will argue that there is no justifiable reason to continue. Your only recourse is to call on your spirit, which fortunately functions independently of logic." - Tim Noakes - Professor, runner in more than 70 marathon and ultra-distance events "Out on the roads, there is fitness and self-discovery and the persons we were destined to be." - Dr. George Sheehan - Running legend and best known for his writings about the sport of running "Most people run a race to see who is fastest. I run a race to see who has the most guts." - Steve Prefontaine - One of the greatest American runners, he once held the U.S. record in every long-distance event "The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare." - Juma Ikangaa - 1989 NYC Marathon winner   "Ask yourself: 'Can I give more?'. The answer is usually: 'Yes'." - Paul Tergat - Kenyan professional marathoner "The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start." - John Bingham - Running speaker and writer   "Keep varying the program. Your body will tell you what to do." - Joan Benoit Samuelson - 1984 Olympic Gold medalist and women's running pioneer "Run when you can, walk when you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up." - Dean Karnazes - American ultramarathon runner, and author of Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All Night Runner "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." - Steve Prefontaine "There are no shortcuts to any place worth going." - Beverly Sills - An American operatic soprano