How did you get started running?
I originally trained as a gymnast until the age of 13. When I stopped doing that I had so much time on my hands. I needed something new so I followed my sister down to the local track.

When did you recognize that competing professionally was something you could do?
At school I never believed I would be a professional athlete. I knew I wasn't bad at running but when people talked about running in the World Championships or Olympics I thought they were getting a bit carried away.

My breakthrough came in 2007 when I won the National Indoor Championships. I was only 18 and had hardly competed against senior athletes before. Coming off the final bend I couldn't believe there was no one else in front of me. I couldn't stop grinning for ages—I looked like an idiot!

In an interview afterwards, and still smiling uncontrollably, I was asked where I thought I was heading. I said I thought I could be one of the best. I guess that's when I started to believe I could be a professional athlete.

Favorite training venue:
Richmond Park, London

Favorite workout:
4x 200m with a 30-second recovery, done a few days before a race. I love the feeling it gives of being in good shape—quick, relaxed and ready to race.

Least-favorite workout:
Aqua jogging—injuries are bad enough without having to hold up the slow lane of the swimming pool.

Favorite racing venue:
Berlin's Olympic Stadium. I've never had so much fun on a track as in the 2009 World Championships.

Is there a place where you get an extra lift or home court advantage?
Any time my family comes to watch. I don't like asking them to travel to see me, so when they do, I feel like I really have to perform.

Favorite race event:
1500m

Do you have any superstitions related to competing?
I like to be nervous before a race. If I'm not, I start to get worried.

What is your pre-race / warm-up routine?
I want to feel fresh so the last thing I do before leaving the hotel is have a shower.

At the venue I like to have about half an hour before warm up where I can just be by myself. I put some music on and go into my own little world. After the race I usually feel guilty because I've completely ignored someone without realizing it.

Then it's a pretty standard warm up: 45 minutes of jogging, drills and a few strides.

Piece of your race-day kit you would never be without:
My iPod—I don't travel anywhere without music. If I need to psych myself up or chill out I have a song that'll do the job.

What gets you most excited to compete?
The anticipation when you know you are in great shape and you just can't wait to get going.

Favorite meal, the night before a race:
I wouldn't say I ever enjoy a pre-race meal. It's usually bland, pasta or rice, and needs forcing down.

Favorite post-race meal:
You know it's been a good race when Coach suggests going to Pizza Express.

What food or snack is your guiltiest pleasure?
I am the inspiration for Cookie Monster.

What activity, apart from running, best-defines 'me time' for you?
Watching a movie at the cinema.

What person has most-shaped your career or life?
My first gymnastics coach, Ken. He will be 90 this year. He has seen and done everything and has always given me great advice.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
Be happy with what you have done, but never satisfied. There is always more to do.

Why do you run?
I run because I want to see what is possible. To see what I am capable of.

One of my first goals as an athlete was to run under 2 minutes for 800m. At the time that seemed like the hardest thing in the world, but now that is a slow pace even when running twice the distance.

I love the fact that no matter how high I set my goals, or how near impossible they seem there is something in my head that says, maybe I can do that.

I won't stop running until I believe I have done everything I can do, to be the best athlete I can be.

Most embarrassing running moment:
Every time I race I think I can run fast, even if I'm in terrible shape. Inevitably when I'm at my worst is the time when I set off at a suicidal early pace. By the end I'm crawling up the home straight. It's a terrible feeling.

Proudest running moment:
Running my first competitive mile at the London Grand Prix. I knew something would have to go wrong for me not to break 4mins but I wasn't expecting to dip under 3:55.

Who would you most like to run with?
JD from Scrubs—It would be the funniest run ever.

What tips do you have for new runners?
Don't overcomplicate it. Just get out the door and see where your legs take you. Run some place new—I love exploring new places on a run.