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Motivational Quotes to Get You Through Your Marathon

Remember the wise words of these running legends for an extra boost to power you through the mythical 26.2.

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Urban runners crew training in the city
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Just like you, the writers and editors of Runner’s World live and breathe running. Also like most runners, we know there are lulls throughout the year when it can be difficult to wake up early, bust out the door when it’s frigid out or when it’s unbearably hot out, and get those miles logged.

So, if you still need an extra push, we’re big fans of mantras and other motivational quotes. Cheesy as it sometimes sounds, there is research that shows when you repeat a positive mantra or change your mindset with an uplifting quote, you’re able to push a little bit harder (and with less effort). And little tricks like that are completely necessary to help you in the months it takes to properly train for a marathon.

Because sometimes it’s just not enough to rely on music, Runner’s World has put together 30 quotes from a few towering figures in the sport of running that encapsulate what it means to train and race 26.2 miles, and what it takes to finish.

1
Rob de Castella
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2
Dick Beardsley
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3
Noel Carroll
Zack Kutos
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10
Jeffrey Horowitz
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11
Haile Gebrselassie
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12
Ryan Holmes
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13
Frank Shorter
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14
Hunter S. Thompson
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15
Bill Rodgers
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16
George Sheehan
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17
Text, Font, Line, Organism,
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19
Martine Costello
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Headshot of Jacob Meschke
Jacob Meschke
Contributing Writer

Jacob joined Runner’s World and Bicycling as an editorial fellow after graduating from Northwestern University in 2018, where he studied journalism. His work focuses mainly on news and service pieces for both audiences, with the occasional foray into longer feature work and product reviews. He especially loves to highlight the journeys of unique runners and riders doing amazing things in their communities.

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Urban runners crew training in the city
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