I really enjoy being fit and running most days. I also like to swim and cycle and go to the gym. Even though I am training a lot less now and the intensity is at a lower level, it isn't any easier as I always need to come up with new goals and things to motivate me. As an international athlete there was always an Olympics or World Championship around the corner and my day revolved around my training. Now I need to fit in my training around day to day activities and try to have more balance in my life as training is now just for fun and fitness.

I always find that if I have some training fitness goals that it's easier to focus on healthy eating. I'm never without fruit and vegetables and also try to encourage my children to eat healthily. The one thing I do notice is that the time required to eat healthily is a lot greater, but I suppose this depends on where you live. It's great if you have a market or fresh fruit and vegetable shop nearby because you need to buy these items more regularly since they don't keep as long as packaged items.

I love to share my sporting passion with my children, they are very active and I like to encourage them to walk to school and run around outside as much as possible. They are just starting to become involved with organised sports now and I'm looking forward to sitting back and watching.

Australia has a very outdoorsy lifestyle and you do see this in Ireland too, particularly in the spring and summer. Community sports clubs seem to be thriving in Ireland and kids don't seem to mind the cold once they are running around. The thing that is more difficult in Ireland is for the parents standing around waiting in the cold!

Young kids have so much thrown at them that sometimes I think we'd be better holding off until they're teenagers, when so many kids are lost from sport. The weather definitely plays a big part in the outdoor Australian lifestyle, but then it has been said there is no such thing as bad weather, just weak minds and we should make the most of what we have!

Parents need to lead by example and take part in activities with their kids, even if it is just going for a regular walk or exploring in a park. Parents can change their lifestyles through their kids and provide an all round healthy active family lifestyle.

Young kids need more natural play time where a parent is close by but not standing over them constantly. As children go to secondary school they need to focus on sport as a lifestyle and wellbeing activity, something that can make you feel good inside and out. Whether it is competitive or for fitness depends on the child.

Whenever I'm in London I come to Ireland, I think it is a great place to bring the kids for holiday and there is so much to explore in Ireland. People seem to have more time to stop and talk and I think it is good for children to experience this rather than the constant rushing around.

I miss the lift you get in a competitive moment with that finishing burst of speed. No matter what I do now I can never get that back, it was just magic and something that came naturally too me. Now all the elasticity is gone and the shock absorbers are worn out- I'm a bit like a much loved old car, I can turn up in new gear and shoes and look the part but definitely don't move as well as I used to!

I don't miss running twice a day and the times when you really have to watch your diet and what you eat. I can eat plenty now and look and feel very fit for a non elite athlete so I think I have reached a nice balance.

Prepare well in advance and the challenge will be achievable. We used to say train hard, race easy. I always looked forward to my races as I knew that I had trained well and there was always a little extra that I could do in a race that I could never do in training.

If you can stand on the start line relaxed and looking forward to the marathon then you will have a good run. You should break the race down into segments and think about small pieces making up the big picture, complete each section then move onto the next.

Yes I'm really looking forward to London 2012, there is a huge motivation for Irish athletes to be well prepared as they have never been able to perform at the Olympics in front of their friends and family. It won't make things any easier for athletes or management, but it will provide the best ever reason to do everything to have the best possible Irish team competing in London. Belief and Confidence will play a huge part in getting athletes to achieve their potential.