Motivational Running Quotes From Pro Runners

“‘Whenever you find yourself doubting how far you can go, just remember how far you have come. Remember everything you have faced, all the battles you have won, and all the fears you have overcome. Then raise your head high and forge ahead knowing you’ve got this.‘ This quote [from N.R. Walker’s The Weight of It All] is always a good reminder to me, especially when things get hard as they do sometimes during a race or training run.”

—Jacky Hunt-Broersma, amputee ultrarunner who holds a world record for running 104 marathons in 104 days

“Lately I’m hyped up on ‘Have kids and dreams,‘ which comes from professional runner Makenna Myler, a mom of two who just finished seventh (and ran a significant personal best time) at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon, 10 months after having her second baby. I love an empowering reminder that women can have babies and raise children while simultaneously pursuing their biggest career-related, running-related, passion-filled dreams.”

—Ali Feller, host of Ali On The Run podcast

“‘I can do hard things.’ A lot of people limit themselves when things get hard. Overcoming hard things prepares you for anything. Nothing worth doing is easy, so I’ve embraced hardship and I let it motivate me.”

—Gabby Thomas, professional track and field runner for New Balance and two-time Olympic medalist

“‘Forward is a pace‘ is my mantra. I believe that everyone moving their body should feel proud of themselves no matter their pace. In running there is a stigma that you have to move “fast” to be considered a runner, but in actuality, paces do not define your effort, passion or strength. If you are moving forward, you’re moving — and that is the most important thing!”

—Becs Gentry, Peloton instructor

“‘Adversity causes some people to break; others to break records.’ I found this [quote from William Arthur Ward] on a card during my training camp in Flagstaff, Arizona, this year. Throughout my life I have faced a lot of adversity and it has always motivated me to be better and to get to where I am today, and sometimes I forget that. The last few months have been really trying for me due to injury. The truth is, just like in other moments where I have faced adversity, this experience has fueled me to want to be better and has made me more hungry to reach my goals.”

—Heather MacLean, Olympian and middle distance runner for New Balance

Jennifer Heimlich is a writer and editor with more than 15 years experience in fitness and wellness journalism. She previously worked as the senior fitness editor for Well+Good and the editor in chief of Dance Magazine. A regular marathoner, she’s written about running and fitness for publications like Runner’s World, The Atlantic, and Women’s Running. In her free time she leads running tours in Boston, and is working toward her UESCA run coach certification.