143 Quotes by Paula Radcliffe

You see, with me, when I’m nervous, I smile and laugh.

I’ve had a lot of success over the years racing in New York, but the main point is that I feel the marathon is a different event, a lot more my event.

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

I would be happy with an Olympic bronze. What I don’t have is an Olympic medal.

If 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.

You can wish as hard as you like but all that really matters is the shape you’re in on the day of the race. I’ve always felt these really big races aren’t necessarily won by whoever is the fastest. They’re won by the athlete who is the smartest and in the best shape on the day.

If you look back at my marathons and ask whether I would swap one of them for my one balls-up, of course I would. But you can’t choose. You have to make the best of it on the day.

I prefer just a women’s race. It’s a totally different game mentally.

I prefer to be in tune with my surroundings and to be aware of things. I like listening to my foot strike and my breathing. It can be quite soothing.