It hasn't always been smooth sailing. There have been many times when I have struggled in my running. I've dealt with injuries. I've wilted under pressure to perform. But through it all, running has always been a relief and a sanctuary—something that makes me feel good, both physically and mentally. Which is why I want to help other people fall in love with running. For me it's not so much about the health benefits. Those are great, but I believe that the best thing about running is the joy it brings to life.

All top international athletes wake up in the morning feeling tired and go to bed feeling very tired. —Brendan Foster, British distance runner and former world record holder

I love this quote because it humanizes elite runners to everyday runners. People think that we are superhuman, but when I am in full training, I am tired ALL of the time.

That's the thing about running: your greatest runs are rarely measured by racing success. They are moments in time when running allows you to see how wonderful your life is.

When you're hurting in the middle of a workout or race, it's easy to hold back or let yourself off the hook from running faster. But regret is the worst feeling to me. You want to challenge yourself. The more you get out of yourself, you start wondering, Maybe I could get even more. It's fun to see what you can get your body to do.