Now i'm not going to let myself have this as an excuse, but i'm going to feel so much more at ease with myself next time I 'stop and walk'.....
I always try to have the next race booked before I finish one, however far ahead, just to retain some sort of focus... and I find it intriguing that you currently have no particular races in mind. Your insights into your world of 'elite' running are such an eye opener, and your willingness to share them continually encourage me to strive on and up.
Any tips about the Athens course for November would be more than welcome....

I think it says a lot about this sport and about you that you are willing to share your ups and downs with us. I used to think that exercise was just a physical thing but am learning that it is so much to do with the whole of us, and the mental element is so important. It would be easy for us to watch you and other elites in races and think that it is all so easy but because you share your experiences with us we know that we all struggle with the same demons, just on a different scale. It certainly is encouraging to know that, and I hope will stop me from judging myself the next time I encounter one of them (probably tomorrow!).

Wow - can I just say how incredible it is to read your blog and hear that you struggle with all the same things as the rest of us - goals, motivation and all the rest!! It's so reassuring that you stop and walk, too - in a way, it makes it ok for the rest of us, lol!! :-) Please keep blogging, it's so fantastic and inspiring to read it and remember that amazing athletes like you are real people too!! Thank you.

It's good to know your ribs have healed up enough for you to run again now. I think we all struggle with motivation from time to time, regardless of level, but I find the key is to just keep on going until you get the enjoyment back again. Hope it returns to you soon!

It's good to know that we mere mortals aren't alone in suffering from a lack of motivation sometimes, and that it can affect elite runners as well. I still can't imagine running every day though.
Are you going to be running Wokingham Half or Reading Half again next year? If so I promise to let you beat me again!!
I'm sure you will be refreshed and ready to go again soon.

I am new to all of this - mid life, overweight but giving running a go. A privilege to read the experiences of one of our Olympic athletes. I hope your recovery continues to go well for you and thank you for sharing your experiences with us.

And there is me just trying to get my head round getting out twice a day, i'm getting good at this time juggling although I have just discovered I forgot to pack a towel for my shower after lunch so i'll be drip drying ...grrrr

Very human thoughts, but ones I suppose that we don't expect from international athletes, and rarely expect somebody at your level to admit to, probably very motivational for many of us. I'm sure a race isn't far away and I guess FLM 2009 is in your calendar so we'll probably all be able to run a few more races behind you this winter.

Hi Liz - you continue to be such an inspiration with your wise words and high self awareness. I came away from the seminar last week bouncing off the ceiling and am only just starting to come down!

I finally got that good run on Sunday that has been so elusive these past few weeks and I am sure it is partly down to putting into practice all the strategies you spoke about. My recent RW posts have all been, Liz says this and Liz says that but I've had nearly 20,000 views so someone must be interested!!

Thank you once again for providing the lift I needed just at the right time and if you've had chance to look at my vids on my thread, I hope you enjoyed them or they at least gave you a giggle!

Take Care

I don't feel quite so bad having stayed in to watch the tele last night *eek*

Mind, that you've cut from twice a day while I'm struggling to do twice a week does make a difference.

Keep posting Liz - it helps us all :-D