Running well is a matter of having the patience to persevere when you are tired, and not expecting instant results. The only secret is that it is consistent, often monotonous, boring, hard work. And it is tiring.
— Robert de Castella
Deek, as he was known, was one of the most consistent and long-lasting distance runners from a generation of blue collar, pavement pounding runners. I would be willing to bet that his long career can be attributed to his understanding of how to run well…patience, perseverance, consistent, monotonous, sometimes boring, and always hard work.
Phillips Running 