Week 5 of training found Kafi running a Chicago 5K with her family.

Week 5 of training found Kafi running a Chicago 5K with her family.

In this week’s update, mother runner Kafi, who is training solo, acknowledges she’s been thinking about what it would be like to have a “real-life” BRF. She also talks about running with her family and what mantras motivate her the most.
What’s been clicking so far in your training?
Actually getting it done! It used to be that if I didn’t get it done in the morning before the day started, I would just give up. But now I find the time to get it done!
Any bumps along the way that you’d want to share?
Now is the time when I could use a BRF, or at least a real-life running partner. I find myself craving company when I run, which is something I never considered before because I always doubted myself as a runner. My pace has definitely slowed down during weeks four and five. Learning how to pace myself on the longer intervals has been a challenge.
Any stand-out moments (good or bad)?
The bad: that jump in week four to 8 minute running was HARD! I knew I could do it. In fact, I had already been doing it. But somehow knowing that I had to do it was a huge mental hurdle I had to jump. This week continued to be challenging, but at least I know it’s all in my head and not my legs.
The good: Last Saturday, my family and I ran the Bunny Rock 5K in Chicago. I was able to run for the first 2 to 2.25 miles without a walk break, and then switched to a walk/run for the remaining mile. It was awesome because it was my first outside run! I felt challenged but not overwhelmed. I feel really good about where I am at this point in the training as it relates to an actual race.
Any particular item/person/mantra helping you stay motivated?
My mantra lately has been “GO!” I am so used to stopping myself either mentally or physically that repeating GO keeps me going. Another plus: it’s really short so there’s not much to remember and I can say it even when I’m huffing and puffing. ;-)
I really, really want to be able to run with my family. Right now, we get there and leave together but that’s all. My husband and kids are way, way faster than me and I want to be able to keep up with them. Well, not really keep up because the kids are getting faster and faster, but at least feel like I can hang for a little while.
“If you want to stop starting over, stop giving up!” This mantra is taped on my bedroom wall, and reminds me to stick with my training because I’ve had a history of getting to a certain point, quitting, and regretting it when I finally make my way back to running (or many other things in my life).