Grete Waitz
Grete Waitz
Grete Waitzwas a Norwegian marathon runner and former world record holder. In 1979, she became the first woman in history to run the marathon in under two and a half hours. She won nine New York City Marathons between 1978 and 1988, more than any other runner in history. She won a silver medal at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and a gold medal at the 1983 World Championships in Helsinki. Her other marathon victories included winning the...
NationalityNorwegian
ProfessionRunner
Date of Birth1 October 1953
CountryNorway
To suddenly be a hero on a world basis was hard for me to understand. God gave me a gift. I got the chance to use it. I didn't think I deserved what people were saying. My talent is just more visible than theirs.
I don't think I would have been such a good runner if I hadn't enjoyed it.
My goal next year, if the situation allows it, is that I will complete the New York City marathon. I don't know if I will be about to run it.
There is no guarantee. If you are fit and eat well or if you smoke and don't take care of yourself-I had never been sick or hospitalized.
The worst injury I ever had was a stress fracture from running.
Contrary to a common myth, while there are general guidelines, there is no exact 'right' way to run ... I am amazed by the many ways people move forward.
I am about to get involved with the biggest cancer hospital in Norway. They are building a fitness center to work with patients. I will be a consultant.
I am living in Norway, where I am under the care of the best cancer doctor in Norway and I can be closer to my family.
Every day I spend time on the treadmill. I am walking faster, stronger and harder than I was two months ago.
I work out for my head as much as I do for my body. I'm a thinker. A lot of my ideas come to me more easily when I am running. That is why I like to run in the morning, when there are no distractions ... Now some of my best ideas are born on the run.
I'll never do that again!
I love running. It's as simple as that ... it has given me endless rewards: physical, emotional, and professional. The benefits of running are lifelong. I ran as a child, and I intend to run into my old age.
One day you are happy and laughing and the next you are crying.
I am a private person and that has always been my personality.