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

What spurs a person to get more serious is highly individual, but I have found that no matter what a person’s level of ability, motivation must come from within, or it will not last.

For a couple of days after chemotherapy, food tastes really bland, even the best foods. I haven’t been sick, but have been a little tired. I haven’t lost any weight.

To suddenly be a hero on a world basis was hard for me to understand. God gave me a gift. I got the chance to use it. I didn’t think I deserved what people were saying. My talent is just more visible than theirs.

Another inspiration that has helped me get through has been Lance Armstrong’s story. My cancer is not nearly as bad as his, but I believe in staying motivated and keeping as fit as you can.

Some people feel ‘transformed’ from the first day they begin running; others feel that it’s just plain hard work. Most of us realize it is both. I know how great running can feel, but I also know it can feel not so great, even downright awful! It can be fun, but it takes work to have that fun.

I’m never going to run this again.

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.

For every finish-line tape a runner breaks – complete with the cheers of the crowd and the clicking of hundreds of cameras – there are the hours of hard and often lonely work that rarely gets talked about.

You’ve got to look for tough competition. You’ve got to want to beat the best.