I’m in a period of running adjustment. 

It’s not comfortable, it’s humbling, and it’s a mental battle to be kind to myself with it. 

Comparison is a controversial topic; there are some that say it can take the joy out of things whilst others say it’s completely natural and a vehicle we use to make improvements. 

In my view, it’s irrelevant what other people are doing – they've got completely different circumstances to me physically and mentally so to compare myself is pointless. That’s not to say I don’t find the achievements of others inspiring – it offers a hint of what’s possible with the right commitment and dedication. 

I still have trouble comparing myself now to where I was though – that’s a trickier one. 

You never fully appreciate how fit you were until you’re not there anymore. No training run or race fazes you, you just know it’s going to be a good run. It’s how I felt at the start of this year before the calf injury. 

I’m thoroughly grateful to be over that issue (touch wood) but I haven’t been able to get near those heights since. 

I’m keeping faith that it will change; it shouldn’t come easy after all. I worked hard to get that fit and part of the ‘fun’ is trying to get back there. 

I’ve done a few sessions now since Berlin at the end of September and it’s confirmed that I’m marathon fit. However, to go any quicker for a sustained period feels pretty uncomfortable.  

I have to keep telling myself that’s okay and it’s normal. I’ve spent the best part of the last four months with marathons in mind – my body has got more efficient at running at marathon pace but complains when I try to increase my speed. 

It will adjust if I can look after my legs in the meantime. Strengthening hips, knees and calves will hopefully allow me to achieve the consistency and higher volume to hit those previous heights. Who am I kidding here... I want to surpass them! 

I’m acutely aware now that I’ve managed to post some half decent times for a runner of my ability. Those PBs aren’t going to come easy – the ‘new runner’ phase has long since gone. 

If I want to achieve new bests then periodising my training is necessary to some extent. 

There comes a point in training where you have to ask yourself what you’re actually training for? There’s no right or wrong answer by the way. 

Personally, I want to maximise my ability, and give my six-year-old son, Logan, a bit of a target to achieve when he’s older. 

I’ve got a few races left this year and then I’m going to dial back at the start of next year with a couple of big goals in mind. 

Another marathon is on the horizon at Barcelona and then hopefully something even bigger and longer.  

But we’ll save that for another column.