Key career moments

What were your memories of sport at school?

“We had a 5 star athletics scheme, Mike Leith was the first teacher to get me into running along with Alex Stanton.”

How have your family helped your career?

“My family helped lots to get me into running, especially my parents, my dad was a keen runner so I would always do a little running with him during his marathon preparations. Now it's Gary and Isla and I could not do it without them.”

How did you cope with sporting setbacks as a youngster?

“I learned from them and moved on, got stronger and would always look to the next challenge. I know not to repeat the same mistakes and this makes success sweeter in the long run!”

Memories of your first athletics club?

“Frodsham Harriers was my first athletics club and I have many fond memories of my early days. My next club was Bedford athletics club, we had a great team of girls who became my close friends we also had some great coaches, Alex and Rosemary Stanton guided me and the other girls very well.”

Memories of your wins?

“I have only happy memories of my wins!”

Best running moments and why?

“My best running moments would be setting new World records, winning the World Cross Country Championships, winning the Manchester Commonwealth games (the support I got in Manchester was amazing) and winning the Helsinki World Championships title. Racing and winning the London marathon was very special for me, I love running in front of my home crowd, it's always such a great event and just gives us a glimpse of what 2012 is going to be like!”

When did you decide that you wanted to be a professional athlete and why?

“I always wanted to run and improve. It was a gradual process to me believing I could be world class, starting at the World Junior title and Boston World Cross Country Championships in 1992.”