One of my favorite running quotes comes from the journal of American Olympian Billy Mills. Several days before his Olympic 10000 meter race, he wrote in his journal, "God has given me the ability, the rest is up to me. Believe, believe, believe."
Mills was not projected to be a factor in the race, and went out the first half at a pace that would have been his 5k PR. He held on the second half, and found himself with the leaders in the last lap. As he rounded the final turn, he kicked ferociously past the favorites to win the gold medal in thrilling fashion.
As inspiring as the race must have been, I find his words more inspiring. In that simple statement, he teaches us several important things. First is a dependance on our Creator for our gifts and abilities. Second is a belief that God expects us to contribute our share of hard work in order to realize our potential. And third is that we are capable of amazing things when we believe in ourselves. Sometimes you will be the only one who believes in you, and sometimes you will have to take great risks, but sometimes you have to go for it and just believe.
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