The potential elite runner must realize that hard means hard, easy means easy and they must patiently seek out what combinations work for them. They have to learn to be persistent and patient with their training and racing.

Right now, after having had back surgery, I am finally back to running again.

So, in a way I was hedging and saying that if the Olympic stuff doesn't work out at least I can be a lawyer.

I plan to be running as long as I can and have no plans to stop.

My goal is to break three hours in a marathon

Yes, winning the gold medal was undoubtedly the biggest day of my career - mostly because I won the way I had prepared to run it. It was a totally satisfying experience.

Running with others can help get you out when you might otherwise blow it off.