I organized this global series of races. The data from those races, along with the tremendous amount of lobbying and meetings with federations, convinced the IOC. We got the women's marathon in the Olympic Games in 1984. That was my dream.

I do forgive people when they get it right, even people who in the past I thought were unforgivable.

I always say that talent and capability is everywhere, all it needs is opportunity.

When I forgave Jock Semple on Heartbreak Hill, I also got really cross with women. I couldn't understand why they didn't get it, why they didn't know that running was so cool and why they weren't in the race as well. Then I thought to myself How stupid can you be? You've had so much encouragement and motivation and these women haven't.

When I finished the Boston race in 1967, there were two things I wanted to do. I wanted to become a better athlete because my first marathon was 4:20. In those days, that was considered a jogging time and I knew people were going to tease me. But I was more fascinated with what women could do if they only had the chance.

When I was first running marathons, we were sailing on a flat earth. We were afraid we'd get big legs, grow mustaches, not get boyfriends, not be able to have babies. Women thought that something would happen to them, that they'd break down or turn into men, something shadowy, when they were only limited by their own society's sense of limitations.

If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon.

I married the right guy later in life. Roger Robinson is just so wonderful but I was 40 and by that time he had been married and had his family. I realized how dangerous children could truly be. So I feel maternal when I see those women run.

If you feel positive, you have a sense of hope. If you have hope, you can have courage.

Jock Semple said Oh the women ran well today the Boston Marathon and they deserve to be in the race. I had to laugh. I said Well it took us five years but anyway, we're here. It pretty much changed everything.

Talent is everywhere, it only needs the opportunity.

1967 race in Boston changed not just my life, but millions of women's lives. There are also things that, when you get older, resonate more.

A lack of forgiveness is a waste of time and it's very enriching to forgive and move on but those are things that come with time.

There is an expression among even the most advanced runners that getting your shoes on is the hardest part of any workout

I could feel my anger dissipating as the miles went by--you can't run and stay mad!