Spend at least some of your training time, and other parts of your day, concentrating on what you are doing in training and visualizing your success.

One day you are happy and laughing and the next you are crying.

I am a private person and that has always been my personality.

I tried to keep it secret, but the story got into the newspapers. It was more difficult for my family, who couldn't understand why the media wouldn't leave me in peace.

In addition to the well-known benefits of health and well-being derived from exercise, there are other unique advantages to being a runner. You are more attuned to not only your body but also the world around you. The outdoor life you lead as a runner gives you a special relationship with your surroundings: nature, the climate, the seasons. As you depend on these things to accommodate your activity, you grow to understand and appreciate them.

I am about to get involved with the biggest cancer hospital in Norway. They are building a fitness center to work with patients. I will be a consultant.

I don't think I would have been such a good runner if I hadn't enjoyed it.