Meaning: The quote by Alberto Salazar, a former long-distance runner and current coach, highlights the challenges and hardships that athletes face during their training and pursuit of their goals. Salazar's words emphasize the often grueling and demanding nature of athletic training, and the perseverance required to achieve success in sports.

In the first part of the quote, Salazar acknowledges the common misconception that training is always easy and enjoyable for athletes. He asserts that any athlete who claims that training is consistently easy and fun has not truly experienced the reality of rigorous athletic preparation. This statement reflects the physical and mental exertion that athletes encounter as they push themselves to their limits in order to improve and excel in their chosen sport.

Salazar's mention of elusive goals speaks to the challenges of setting and striving for ambitious targets in sports. Athletes often set high standards for themselves, whether it be achieving a personal best, winning a competition, or reaching a specific milestone in their athletic career. These goals can seem distant and out of reach, requiring perseverance and determination to overcome obstacles and setbacks along the way.

The quote also emphasizes the rewarding nature of the difficult journey that athletes undertake. Salazar suggests that the hardships and struggles encountered during training and pursuit of goals ultimately make the achievement all the more satisfying. This sentiment resonates with the idea that the journey itself, with all its challenges and obstacles, is as valuable as the final outcome. The resilience developed through overcoming difficulties contributes to the sense of accomplishment and fulfillment when goals are eventually reached.

Alberto Salazar's own experiences as a long-distance runner and coach lend weight to his words. As a three-time winner of the New York City Marathon and a former American record holder in the marathon, Salazar understands firsthand the dedication and perseverance required to succeed in the demanding world of distance running. His coaching career has further deepened his insight into the mental and physical rigors that athletes face, as well as the triumphs that come from overcoming adversity.

In conclusion, Alberto Salazar's quote encapsulates the arduous yet rewarding nature of athletic training and goal pursuit. It acknowledges the difficulties and challenges that athletes encounter, while also highlighting the sense of fulfillment that comes from persevering through adversity. The quote serves as a reminder that the path to achievement in sports is often demanding, but ultimately leads to a sense of accomplishment and personal growth.