Motivational Runners and Quotes

Today is going to be a short and sweet post.  I'll be linking up with Tuesdays on the Run to share some of my favorite runners and inspirational quotes.  Please be sure to share your own inspiration in the comments below!  I can always use new quotes and people to look up to!

Steve Prefontaine

Track superstar who held American records in seven track events in his short 24-year life


Kathrine Switzer

First woman to officially run the Boston Marathon 


Meb Keflezighi

Olympic medalist and winner of the NYC and Boston marathons 


Lopez Lomong

Former Lost Boy of Sudan, who achieved his dream of running in the Olympic Games, as well as being torchbearer for the United States
 Read my review of Lomong's book, Running for my Life, here

Clara Santucci

Local runner who qualified for the Olympic trials in the marathon (and 2015 Pittsburgh Marathon winner) 


Of course, my biggest inspiration in the running community is all of you!  Bloggers, readers, or just quiet observers- you all inspire me and motivate me to try my hardest every day.  Thank you!

Now, who are your favorite runners or athletes?  
Favorite quote?
Mine is "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift" by Pre!

Comments

  1. Fairytales and FitnessAugust 18, 2015 at 4:11 AM

    Great quotes! Definitely good things to keep in mind!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AmandaAugust 18, 2015 at 5:17 AM

    Love every single one of these quotes!!! They are perfect!

    Happy Tuesday! Thanks for sharing :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Heather [is probably running]August 18, 2015 at 5:19 AM

    Desi Linden is my favorite runner, but I might be partial because she trains in Michigan. She was 4th at Boston this year (first American woman). She dropped out of the 2012 olympic marathon due to a stress fracture, but I am really hoping to be cheering for her in Rio next year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunAugust 18, 2015 at 10:01 AM

      I love her as well! I was cheering for her so much in the race..she showed so much gut and determination. I first started following her on her journey to the 2012 Olympics and was so sad when she dropped out! Hoping she stays healthy for Rio :) Thanks for sharing!

      Delete
  4. LesleyAugust 18, 2015 at 5:41 AM

    Love Pre quotes. Gone too soon and what could've been.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunAugust 18, 2015 at 10:02 AM

      Same here. It's a shame for sure. I can't believe he passed away so young..I realized when I was writing this that he was a year younger than I am now. He already accomplished so much in a short life and I haven't done anything!

      Delete
  5. UnknownAugust 18, 2015 at 6:28 AM

    The guts quote is my favourite by Pre.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunAugust 18, 2015 at 10:03 AM

      It's a really good one! Some of his quotes are a bit intense for me, but they're all about having heart and determination, not the most talent. Love it!

      Delete
  6. Lauren | Just a PinchAugust 18, 2015 at 6:48 AM

    I love quotes, so much! My favorite one I've read recently (and you included!) was the 'If you're losing faith in human nature..." Gives me goosebumps :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunAugust 18, 2015 at 10:03 AM

      I just found it as I was preparing this post and loved it! It's so true though..runners are great people!

      Delete
  7. UnknownAugust 18, 2015 at 7:20 AM

    I love this post! My favorite quote is "I think I get used to, even addicted to, the feelings associated with the end of a long training run. I love feeling empty, clean, worn out, starving, and sweat-purged. I love the good ache of muscles that have done me proud. I love the way a cold beer tastes later that afternoon. I love the way my body feels light and sinewy." Kristin Armstrong

    www.thefreckledrunner.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunAugust 18, 2015 at 10:04 AM

      Oh I really love that quote! I'll have to write that one down. Thanks for sharing Jackie!

      Delete
  8. NicholeAugust 18, 2015 at 7:25 AM

    I have two favorite Pre quotes. One is your mention of "to give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift" because I truly believe that in all aspects of life including running. The other is "the best pace is a suicide pace and today is a good day to die". I say that to myself often before/during hard speed workouts.. hahaha Have you read the book Pre? I really enjoyed it. So sad he was only with us such a short time. Literally here and gone in a flash.
    I am really inspired by Deena Kastor. She's probably at the top of my female running idol list.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunAugust 18, 2015 at 10:05 AM

      Totally agree about that quote relating to more than just running. That's one major reason why it's my favorite! I try to remember that for everything. I haven't read the book, but I've seen just about every movie made about him! I'll have to check it out. I'm also a huge fan of Deena..what a rockstar!

      Delete
  9. MCM MamaAugust 18, 2015 at 9:30 AM

    Great quotes! Thanks for joining us.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Jess @hellotofitAugust 18, 2015 at 10:09 AM

    Love reading new quotes! I've been digging, "And then the day came, when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom".

    ReplyDelete
  11. HollieAugust 18, 2015 at 10:22 AM

    I really like this idea and it's so motivating! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunAugust 18, 2015 at 11:52 AM

      I'm glad you liked it Hollie! Thanks for stopping by :)

      Delete
  12. Professor SnuggleSlutAugust 18, 2015 at 4:21 PM

    Great post! I love all of those quotes and Kathrine Switzer is such an inspiration and a reminder of how far we've come since then!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunAugust 18, 2015 at 6:05 PM

      She definitely is! I had to include her since she's such a pioneer for women runners.

      Delete
  13. KalimaQuotesFebruary 1, 2022 at 11:58 AM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete

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