Gail Emms: I've been doing some TV presenting. I did a programme called Destination 2012 for Channel 4, which was great. I got to interview up-and-coming hopefuls in all disciplines from table tennis to fencing and water polo. The youngsters were all really involved and you could actually see and feel their ambition. I'm also a brand ambassador for Wilson rackets and there are a few other things in the pipeline.

I also hear you're running the London Marathon this year. What made you want to take part?

Gail Emms: I was bullied into it! A lady at Sparks - a charity I've been involved with for the best part of four years along with Nathan (Robertson, her former badminton partner) - asked me after Beijing. I know how hard it is to get a charity place and I just thought it was a great opportunity. My dad has run it before and I just thought it's a good way to keep fit and raise money, so why not?

What has been the toughest part of the training?

Gail Emms: I've spent the last 8-9 years as an elite level sportsman when I trained 2-3 times a day and suddenly I had to go back to 'normal life.' I'd be having meetings, travelling by train and then I'd have to fit training in around it and I'd be knackered! The lifestyle change has been a big shock. I used to have to be very careful about what I ate and drank as an athlete, but then I started having coffees and drinking alcohol and I got pretty unhealthy.

The last few months I've been taking Multibionta vitamins, I've cut down on coffee and alcohol and replaced them with fresh fruit and vegetables and plenty of good carbs. I've realised you can't run a marathon on alcohol, coffee and sandwiches! The body needs the right vitamins to repair itself.

How do you motivate yourself to exercise?

Gail Emms: There are times when you have to listen to your body. I've never been the sort of person to jump out of bed and go 'Woo-hoo, let's go exercise!', but you have to focus on the feeling you'll have when you've finished training for the day, on the hot shower at the end. When I do something, I do it properly.

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Gail Emms' sporting world