No doubt a brain and some shoes are essential for marathon success, although if it comes down to a choice, pick the shoes. More people finish marathons with no brains than with no shoes.

Avoid any diet that discourages the use of hot fudge.

Without ice cream there would be darkness and chaos.

Coaches know that a parent publicly scolding his kid after a race will not help the athlete perform better.

I know runners who have suffered a tick bite and ended up with Lyme disease. Ill take an angry moose any day.

Runners like to train 100 miles per week because it's a round number. But I think 88 is a lot rounder.

Grizzly bears eat people without the benefit of music.

We (ultra runners) alternate between depression and stupidity.

There's no such thing as a bad carbohydrate.

A good teammate is someone willing to get outside of personal thoughts and emotions, a friend who tries to understand, appreciate, and encourage other members of the team.

Prior to the 1976 Olympics, I was a 5,000m runner.

One word can change your life forever.I love youI hate youThink about it

Don't write in to ask whether I would prefer Gingrich to Clinton. Ask, rather, whether Clinton prefers Gingrich to you. Go triangulate yourself.

Common sense is instinct. Enough of it is genius.

Thoughts need words. Words need a voice.

These distraction-oholics. These focus-ophobics.

In Heaven, you're going to get just about whatever you want. Heaven's the place where all your heart's desires will be fulfilled - if they're good ones. Put in your order now!

Gardening can become a spiritual exercise, teaching us discernment as we eliminate the weeds from our lives, giving what we value room to grow.

I tried to pay some small tribute to A Man and a Woman (1966) with the recurring musical theme.

Set small goals along the way and don't be overwhelmed by the process.

If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek His grace.