Paula Radcliffe insists she is competing in the New York marathon because it is ''about being happy'' while admitting that dealing with the consequences of her dramatic experiences in Athens is a long-term process.

Radcliffe made a late decision to enter the race in America next Sunday.

She will return to action for the first time since she dropped out of both the marathon and the 10,000 metres in the Olympics.

The 30-year-old had been expected to make her comeback in the Run London 10km event at the end of November.

But she decided to bring it forward after training in relative anonymity in Flagstaff, Arizona, following the Games.

She told Radio Five Live: ''The first time I went out for a run I thought it was much more like me and I was definitely on the road to recovery.

''I was enjoying my running and it has been a lot of fun and that is when I decided to go to New York.

''It's very like me. I am very spontaneous and impulsive in what I do but the way things have been over the last couple of years I have had to plan things out.

''We were invited to go as guests and I went out for a run one day and came back saying I don't want to go as a guest - I want to race.''

Radcliffe was the overwhelming favourite to win the marathon in Athens and her failure to finish either race was one of the biggest shocks of the Games.

There was blanket coverage of the aftermath and for Radcliffe it has been a difficult period, although she is adamant her decision to race in New York is purely about wanting to enjoy running rather than exorcise any Athens demons.

However, when asked if her Athens experience has made her a stronger person, she said: ''Not quite yet but maybe in the long term.

''At the time it was very traumatic and it does almost destroy you at the time but when you start at the age of 11 you accept that is the risk you are running.

''It trades off against all the good times and against all the enjoyment and getting the best from yourself.''

The world-record holder faces a tough test in America where she will face Olympic bronze medallist Deena Kastor, who will be looking to impress on home turf, and her successor as world cross-country champion, Benita Johnson.

However, Radcliffe insists her participation is not wholly about winning but also about enjoying her running and ''giving the best of yourself.''

She said: ''It is the taking part and giving the best of yourself, doing the best you can.

''It is not totally about winning - it is about doing the best you can.

''Obviously I would not be going if I didn't think I can do myself justice - it is also about being happy. I have got to forget about everything else.

''You have to remember it's my sport and underneath it all it's my hobby and what I enjoy doing. Racing is what I do and that is what makes me happy.''