21 Determination Running Quotes For When The Going Gets Tough

Determination running quotes

Perseverance is an essential quality for any runner, whether they are a beginner or a seasoned athlete, which is why determination running quotes are a lifesaver. 

Running requires not only physical strength but also mental fortitude to push through boundaries, improve performance, and achieve personal goals. One way to help maintain focus and motivation during a run is to use determination running quotes as inspiration.

These powerful and insightful quotes can serve as a helpful tool for runners on their journey toward growth and self-improvement. By reminding oneself of the power and importance of determination in running, individuals can find the strength to overcome setbacks or disappointments and continue pushing forward. These motivational running quotes present a relatable perspective from experienced runners, shedding light on the importance of perseverance and the rewards that come with it.

Whether it’s to help push through a particularly challenging workout or offer encouragement during a race, determination running quotes can provide valuable inspiration for runners of all levels. Keeping these wise words in mind can help runners remain focused on their goals, maintain motivation, and ultimately develop the mental strength necessary to conquer any challenge on their running journey.

Famous Determination Running Quotes

Determination running quotes
Famous determination running quotes

Running quotes can inspire, entertain, and reveal the determination needed for success in the sport. This section highlights quotes from athletes and coaches that showcase perseverance and dedication in the world of running. Check out these running at night quotes.

Quotes From Athletes

Many famous runners have shared their wisdom about determination, pushing through tough times, and the importance of consistency. Here are a few of their standout quotes:

  1. “I don’t run to add days to my life; I run to add life to my days.” – Ronald Rook
  2. “Racing is the fun part; it’s the reward of all the hard work.” – Kara Goucher
  3. “There’s not a better feeling than when you have found that moment of balance and harmony when both running and life come together. Then you know why you run and that you couldn’t live without it.” – Joan Benoit

Quotes From Coaches

Running coaches also have valuable insights into the mental and emotional aspects of determination in running. Their quotes often inspire athletes to keep pushing and remain committed to their goals:

  1. “Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out.” – John Wooden
  2. “The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.” – Vince Lombardi 

Inspirational Movie Scenes With Running Quotes

Running quotes from movies have inspired us for years, often being remembered long after the film’s release. These quotes demonstrate the spirit of determination, courage, and perseverance that comes with the sport of running. Let’s take a brief look at some of our favorite quotes taken from classic films and recent hits. Check out these marathon running quotes.

Classic Films

In the world of classic films, several running quotes have captured our hearts and spurred us to put on our running shoes. The following inspirational phrases demonstrate the power of determination in cinema:

  1. “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.” – Chariots of Fire
  2. “Run, Forrest, run!” – Forrest Gump 
  3. “You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” – Rocky Balboa

Recent Hits

Moving into the modern era, recent films have continued to deliver memorable running quotes that showcase determination and motivation. Here are a few examples to celebrate:

  1. “Champions can come from anywhere.” – McFarland, USA 
  2. “If you can take it, you can make it.” – Unbroken

Literary Running Quotes

Running quotes serve to inspire and motivate runners in their endeavors. Often, quotes from literature can serve as powerful reminders of determination and resilience. This section will dive into some memorable running quotes found in fiction works:

  1. “Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” – T. S. Eliot
  2. “Nothing is impossible to a determined woman.” – Louisa May Alcott 
  3. “Bid me run, and I will strive with things impossible.” – William Shakespeare
  4. “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose!” – Dr. Seuss

Running Quotes By Theme

Running quotes by theme
“Running is alone time that lets my brain unspool the tangles that build up over days.”

Every runner faces various challenges throughout their journey, and sometimes, we all need a bit of inspiration to keep us going. In this section, we’ve divided running quotes into two sub-themes – overcoming obstacles and embracing failure – to help you find that motivation.

Overcoming Obstacles

Dealing with obstacles is an inevitable part of a runner’s life: new routes, inclement weather, or even personal struggles. These quotes remind you to persevere:

  1. “Running is alone time that lets my brain unspool the tangles that build up over days.” – Rob Haneisen
  2. “Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they’ve got a second.” – William James
  3. “In running, it doesn’t matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say, ‘I have finished.’ There is a lot of satisfaction in that.” – Fred Lebow
  4. “I breathe in strength and breathe out weakness.” – Amy Hastings Cragg

Embracing Failure

Embracing failure is an important part of growth, not only in running but in life, too. These motivational quotes will teach you how to deal with setbacks and become a better runner:

  1. “Once you’re beat mentally, you might as well not even go to the starting line.” – Todd Williams
  2. “What seems hard now will one day be your warm-up.” – Unknown
  3. “Every run is a work of art, a drawing on each day’s canvas. Some runs are shouts, and some runs are whispers. Some runs are eulogies and others celebrations.” – Dagny Scott Barrios

If you liked this post, you might enjoy these funny triathlon quotes. You might also be interested in our round-up of running-your-own-race quotes

This article was researched with the help of OpenAI and fact-checked and edited by our human editor.