Radcliffe run down but by no means out

BRITISH long-distance queen Paula Radcliffe insists she is on track to regain her London Marathon and World Championship titles in 2009 - despite a recent bout of flu.

The 35-year-old will jet off to the US next week for her annual transatlantic training camp, as Radcliffe steps up her bid to claim a mouth-watering fourth London Marathon and second world gold.

After missing her favourite marathon, London, through injury and the birth of daughter Isla two years ago - Radcliffe is determined to add to her victories achieved in 2002, 2003 and on her last appearance four years ago.

The veteran Brit has returned to form and fitness in 2009 and has nearly a full month's training under her belt, although she recently lost a few days through sickness at her base in the French Pyrenees.

"We've been three weeks in Font Romeu and it went well until I got flu and missed last the last four days," said the world marathon record holder, who heads to New Mexico next Monday to intensify preparations for the London Marathon on April 26.

"I was enjoying running in snow and think it helped strengthen my legs. I was doing fast stuff on the treadmill and it was going well.

"Next up I'm heading to Albuquerque as I know it well, the weather is safe and I've got reasonable back-up there, both massage and medical.

"We go on February 2 after a few days' check-up in UK and I plan on staying for eight weeks."

A fourth success in London would match the number achieved by legendary Norwegian athlete Ingrid Kristiansen and would also be a massive boost for Radcliffe ahead of attempting to regain the world title in Berlin this August.

Radcliffe has bounced back from the disappointment of last summer's Olympic Games, where she competed when not fully fit, to claim a third New York title in November, and is hoping to test herself with a tough event in the US before London.

"There are no races planned yet but we're looking at both 10-kilometre and half-marathon options," said the Bedford star. "Now I will just be careful to shake off this flu and then decide on races."