It seems insane that I can even be remotely down about my race: it's a world apart from where I started this year. The fact that I went from barely being able to walk, to toeing the start line of the Olympic Final falls just short of being a minor miracle but as athletes, we always want more.
In my first round race, I ran 15.17 minutes to take an automatic qualifying place in the Final, which was an achievement in itself. I ran my last lap in 63 seconds which was much faster than the majority of the field so I felt I had a really good chance of running a personal best in the Final.
However, I found the Final much tougher than my heat. It was always going to be a struggle, attempting two 5K's within four days given my lack of running, or more importantly, the lack of impact going through my legs across a typical week of training.
I was competing against women who are much stronger than me and are training over 80-100 miles a week. I am running 40 miles a week, but this entire year has been a compromise to make the start line. It's something I'm actually quite proud of – knowing how hard I've worked to achieve my goals. Particularly as I have had to use an unconventional method - cross training instead of running.
In the end I ran my second fastest time ever to clock 15.12 in the Final. Although I was disappointed, there are loads of positives I can take from the whole experience.
The difference between championship racing and racing on the circuit, such as the Diamond Leagues, is huge. In the Diamond Leagues there is a pacemaker setting a fast pace from the start. Laps are usually very even – clocking away like a metronome. Whereas, championship races start at a very pedestrian pace with surges throughout the race. This has been my main stumbling block. It's something I've never experienced before and has been a huge learning curve.
Changing from the steeplechase has also been challenging. Again, the steeplechase is usually quite even-paced because the athletes have to manoeuvre barriers as their legs tire. Surging is much less common. Next year, I'll be much better prepared.
My coach and I both know where my weaknesses are and how I can improve for next year which is quite exciting. I've learnt so much from each race and I can't wait to implement the necessary changes in my training this winter. I still believe that in a more even paced race, I can get under that illustrious 15-minute barrier.
To be brutally honest, Rio 2016 was no London 2012. But it was always going to be a hard act to follow. Our home Games was truly incredible and no race will compare to that. I've also had the experience of a Scottish Games at the Commonwealths last year. Unfortunately the crowds in Brazil were quite sparse – the noise a mere bustle compared to the electricity of Hampden. However, I was extremely grateful to be part of the most successful GB team ever.
The Olympics may be over but my season is far from being finished. I still have a further two races left, maybe more. Many of the team decided to finish their season and really let their hair down the last few days in Brazil. At the London 2012 Games – I did the exact same and really made the most of my time off. Four years later and something has changed. I’m not sure whether it’s maturity or perhaps a change in mindset. I spent one day sightseeing, then the following day got straight back into training again. I want to make the most of being healthy and in form. My time to relax will be after my last race, then I will have a holiday.
Now, my sights are fully focussed on the World Championships in London next year. This championship has definitely filled me with confidence about the 5,000m and reaffirmed to me that I can make some positive progress in this event.
Leaving the steeplechase behind has been emotionally tough but I’m excited about this new journey. Who knows, a 10,000m might even be on the cards for next year!