Why should I practice running slow? I already know how to run slow. I want to learn to run fast.
Meaning of the quote
This quote is about practicing skills that you don't already have, rather than practicing skills that come easily to you. The athlete is saying that he doesn't need to practice running slowly, because he already knows how to do that. Instead, he wants to focus on learning how to run faster, which is a skill he doesn't yet have. The message is that it's important to challenge yourself and work on improving the areas where you're weaker, not just the things you're already good at.
About Emil Zatopek
Emil Zatopekwas a Czech long-distance runner best known for winning three gold medals at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki. He won gold in the 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres runs, but his final medal came when he decided at the last minute to compete in the first marathon of his life.
More quotes from Emil Zatopek
If one can stick to the training throughout the many long years, then will power is no longer a problem. It’s raining? That doesn’t matter. I am tired? That’s besides the point. It’s simply that I just have to.
Czech long-distance runner (1922-2000)
It’s at the borders of pain and suffering that the men are separated from the boys.
Czech long-distance runner (1922-2000)
A runner must run with dreams in his heart, not money in his pocket.
Czech long-distance runner (1922-2000)
If you want to run, run a mile. If you want to experience a different life, run a marathon.
Czech long-distance runner (1922-2000)
An athlete cannot run with money in his pockets. He must run with hope in his heart and dreams in his head.
Czech long-distance runner (1922-2000)
Men, today we die a little.
Czech long-distance runner (1922-2000)
Why should I practice running slow? I already know how to run slow. I want to learn to run fast.
Czech long-distance runner (1922-2000)
To boast of a performance which I cannot beat is merely stupid vanity. And if I can beat it that means there is nothing special about it. What has passed is already finished with. What I find more interesting is what is still to come.
Czech long-distance runner (1922-2000)
Great is the victory, but the friendship of all is greater.
Czech long-distance runner (1922-2000)
We are different, in essence, from other men. If you want to win something, run 100 meters. If you want to experience something, run a marathon.
Czech long-distance runner (1922-2000)
When I was young, I was too slow. I thought I must learn to run fast by practicing to run fast, so I ran 100 meters fast 20 times. Then I came back, slow, slow, slow.
Czech long-distance runner (1922-2000)
There is a great advantage in training under unfavorable conditions. It is better to train under bad conditions, for the difference is then a tremendous relief in a race.
Czech long-distance runner (1922-2000)
What has passed is already finished with. What I find more interesting is what is still to come.
Czech long-distance runner (1922-2000)
The athlete of today is not an athlete alone. He’s the center of a team – doctors, scientists, coaches, agents and so on.
Czech long-distance runner (1922-2000)
You can’t climb up to the second floor without a ladder. When you set your aim too high and don’t fulfill it, then your enthusiasm turns to bitterness. Try for a goal that’s reasonable, and then gradually raise it.
Czech long-distance runner (1922-2000)
My running was very simple; it was out of myself.
Czech long-distance runner (1922-2000)