There are no shortcuts in the world of athletics. If desire is your wishbone, then courage is your backbone. It's easy to be mediocre, but it takes courage to excel, to be different from the crowd. That's why many people do not do it. The rewards are great, but so are the risks.
Most people have more courage than they give themselves credit for.
Most people are unaware they possess this type of courage. Because if they were aware of it, they'd have to test it - and that's risky. So most people play it safe and don't risk. Sebastian Coe used the word courage to describe what it will take to run the super mile. He didn't say mental toughness - which is what you need at the end of the race when your legs are dead and your lungs are bursting.