I know what I want when I start a marathon: to win! But what do you want? Make sure you're clear in advance and don't go out too fast.
Haile GebrselassieRead
I will always listen to my coaches. But first I listen to my body. If what they tell me suits my body, great. If my body doesn't feel good with what they say, then always my body comes first.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Prioritizing your own well-being over external advice is crucial for success.
Haile Gebrselassie's quote emphasizes the importance of listening to one's own body and instincts in the context of coaching and advice. While it is valuable to seek guidance from coaches, ultimately one's health and personal experience should take precedence, as they can provide critical insight into what is best for individual performance and well-being.
Themes
CoachesBodyWell-BeingTrustIntuition
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about athletes prioritizing self-care.
More from Haile Gebrselassie
All quotes →You must do as your people do. If my people are poor, I must be poor. People ask me, 'Why don't you find a personal coach or a private car?' I can't. Then I won't be part of my people.
Haile GebrselassieRead
You know the marathon in my country is just exceptional. It's like soccer in England. If England win the world cup and Ethiopia win the marathon - it's the same.
Haile GebrselassieRead
Once you have commitment, you need the discipline and hard work to get you there.
Haile GebrselassieRead
The marathon always starts after 30K. That's where the problems start. You start without any problems, without any pain. All the pain comes after 30K. Sometimes, it's possible to have pain even in the finger.
Haile GebrselassieRead
First, do enough training. Then believe in yourself and say: I can do it. Tomorrow is my day. And then say: the person in front of me, he is just a human being as well; he has two legs, I have two legs, that is all. That is mentally how you prepare.
Haile GebrselassieRead
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