Extract from the January 2012 issue of Runner's World

You have 100 reasons for losing motivation? We can top them with inspiring quotes.

“Marathoning is like cutting yourself unexpectedly. You dip into the pain so gradually that the damage is done before you are aware of it. Unfortunately, when awareness comes, it is excruciating.”
JOHN FARRINGTON - Australian Olympic marathoner
When it works: If you’re at risk of going out too fast in a marathon
Make it your mantra: No pain, no gain

“Running well is a matter of having the patience to persevere when we are tired and not expecting instant results.”
ROBERT DE CASTELLA - Australian world champion marathoner
When it works: If you miss out on setting a new PB
Make it your mantra: Running equals dedication

“Successful training is intelligent training. Intelligent training is knowing the ‘why’ of an exercise, as well as the ‘what’ and ‘how’.”
ARTHUR LYDIARD - New Zealand runner and coach
When it works: If you’re a newbie looking to step it up
Make it your mantra: I’m armed and dangerous

“We only have two things that we share in this life; we are born and we die. And what we do in between those times, we've got to be happy. I don’t let the outside world deter me.”
DAWN FRASER - Australian world athlete of the century
When it works: If you’re juggling running with work and family commitments
Make it your mantra: Embrace the moment

“You’ve got to stick at a thing, a particular thing, until you succeed. I feel that’s the only way to succeed – by concentrating on something in particular. Once you know what you’ve got to do you will succeed, you will succeed.”
BETTY CUTHBERT - Australian Olympic sprinter
When it works: If you’re easily distracted
Make it your mantra: Switch on

"In many ways I think cancer has helped me put my career as an athlete into perspective. I was just a runner; running is fun, running is something I drew great pleasure out of. But it was just a sport, whereas this game is dealing with your life.”
RAELENE BOYLE - Australian Olympic sprinter
When it works: If you’re laid up with injury or ill health
Make it your mantra: Keep perspective

“When it’s pouring rain and you’re bowling along through the wet, there’s satisfaction in knowing you’re out there and the others aren’t.”
PETER SNELL - New Zealand Olympic middle distance runner
When it works: If you’re a fair-weather runner
Make it your mantra: Nothing can stop me

*Purchase the January issue of Runner's World *