Paula Radcliffe returned to Limerick today to see leading sports physiotherapist Gerard Hartmann less than 24 hours after winning the 46th Campaccio Internazionale cross-country in Italy. Radcliffe's visit is for the equivalent of an MOT before she flies off to Albuquerque in New Mexico for a two-month spell of altitude training.
Radcliffe intends to defend her World title in Dublin at the end of March but has no intention of running in another cross-country race before that date. Radcliffe, 28, insisted last night that her debut in next year's Flora London Marathon is currently the most important target in her schedule although she still believes she can compete successfully in the World Cross Country.
"My main focus this winter is definitely the marathon but because of the type of training I will be doing I am also certain I will also be in good shape for the World Cross Country," Radcliffe said. "I definitely will defend my World Cross-Country title but I will only run in the long eight kilometre race."
"I'll visit Gerard in the week before the World Cross for a full check out. After the race I'll get the tightness out of my legs then go back and see him in Limerick. I'll do a big, long run allowing him to monitor my fitness before competing in London."
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
