I just want to be in the best shape I can be. Not to stand on that start line and say: 'Oh my God, I have this injury and that injury.' I just want to be able to go out and race.

The biggest danger is trying to put too much pressure on yourself, trying to get in too good shape.

I've been to three Olympics and I don't feel I've ever quite achieved my best at any of them.

In the marathon anything can happen.

I start planning then that's dangerous because then I have a target that I'm blinkered towards and I won't listen to the warning signs quite so much. I'd rather be in shape and then look around and say there's a race next week and jump into that than have it planned.

I have always run as hard as I can. You are not going to run any harder with or without men. You are running on your own two feet.

At big championships it's not the fastest person, it's the person who gets it right on the day.