If competing in a gruelling 26-mile race through the streets of London is not hard enough, Tanni Grey-Thompson has managed to make the challenge even more difficult this year.

Since February, the eight-time Olympic gold medallist has been busy adapting to the joys of parenthood.

Most mothers would find it difficult to plan past the next nappy-change or feeding time, let alone prepare for a marathon.

"It's probably quite strange that I started training so soon," said Grey-Thompson, who notched up her fifth win in the women's wheelchair race in 2001.

"It's probably not most women's idea of fun, but it is mine.

"Actually I trained to some extent most of the way through the pregnancy and I think that kept me fairly healthy."

This will be her 12th London Marathon in a 14-year career of competing at the highest level.

But racing so soon after Carys' birth, the British star is not expecting to break any records and prefers to set her sights on the big event this summer.

"I think that the time I do in London is not going to be fantastic," she explained, "but just getting round and being back fit will be good for me."