Elliott Almond

American distance runners have gone to great lengths to find the magic formula for success.

Former Stanford star Ryan Hall has gone to Redding, Calif., to join a faith-healing church.

America's best marathoner changed ZIP codes just months before the U.S. Olympic trials Saturday in Houston because he decided he doesn't need a coach as much as conviction in what he believes.

"It's pretty cool to be on the starting line and think the guy who is my guiding coach is the creator of the universe," Hall said. "It's pretty cool to wake up every morning and talk to him about training."

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Last year, Tommie Smith tried to sell his famed gold medal from the 1968 Olympics. Now, it's Lee Evans' turn.

Evans, the San Jose State runner who won gold medals in the 400 meters and the 1,600 relay in Mexico City, said he hopes to raise $250,000 from the sale of both medals to help build a school in Liberia.