Women’s World Marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe insists she is competing in the New York Marathon (7 Nov) because it is “about being happy”.
She told BBC Radio Five Live today: “The first time I went out for a run I thought it was much more like me and I was definitely on the road to recovery. I was enjoying my running and it has been a lot of fun and that is when I decided to go to New York.”
“It's very like me. I am very spontaneous and impulsive in what I do but the way things have been over the last couple of years I have had to plan things out. We were invited to go as guests and I went out for a run one day and came back saying I don't want to go as a guest - I want to race.”
“It is the taking part and giving the best of yourself, doing the best you can. It is not totally about winning - it is about doing the best you can. Obviously I would not be going if I didn't think I can do myself justice - it is also about being happy. I have got to forget about everything else.”
“You have to remember it's my sport and underneath it all it's my hobby and what I enjoy doing. Racing is what I do and that is what makes me happy.”
