I tried to keep it secret, but the story got into the newspapers. It was more difficult for my family, who couldn't understand why the media wouldn't leave me in peace.

The worst injury I ever had was a stress fracture from running.

There is something about the ritual of the race - putting on the number, lining up, being timed - that brings out the best in us.

Another inspiration that has helped me get through has been Lance Armstrong's story. My cancer is not nearly as bad as his, but I believe in staying motivated and keeping as fit as you can.

I am living in Norway, where I am under the care of the best cancer doctor in Norway and I can be closer to my family.

I am about to get involved with the biggest cancer hospital in Norway. They are building a fitness center to work with patients. I will be a consultant.

Sustained motivation is essential to achieving your potential.

You've got to look for tough competition. You've got to want to beat the best.

My basic philosophy can be summed up by an expression we use in Norwegian: hurry slowly. Get there, but be patient.

Spend at least some of your training time, and other parts of your day, concentrating on what you are doing in training and visualizing your success.

In terms of fitness and battling through cancer, exercise helps you stay strong physically and mentally.

I still have a tendency to sit back and wait out the bad things that try and take over my life.

I don't want you to say anything. I want you to listen. You know, being confident isn't the same as being right.

My mom, God rest her soul - she liked nicknames. In the womb she named me Skip. There was another black guy in Piedmont, W.Va., and his name was Skip. They called him Big Skip, and I was Little Skip.

Religious freedom is too sacred a right to be restricted or prohibited in any degree without convincing proof that a legitimate interest of the state is in grave danger.

Truths physical have an origin as divine as truths religious.

God gave me a physical defect, I've accepted that since I was a kid. When I was a kid people were laughing at me. But I accepted that because God gave me other qualities and I'm grateful.

Well it's the hurt I hide that fuels the fires inside me

People seldom live up to their baby pictures.

Sweet is the breath of vernal shower,/ The bee's collected treasure sweet,/ Sweet music's melting fall, but sweeter yet/ The still small voice of gratitude.