A few years ago, I told Seamus that someday I’d like to run a “very fast” 5k. However, I haven’t fully committed myself to reaching this goal. Most times, I run a 5k as a practice run for another race or I start training for one and find myself giving up and signing up for a longer race.
I fear training for and running a 5k. The first hard speed workouts at a sprint usually scare me away. As a long distance runner, the feeling of burning lungs and fatigued legs is tough for me to experience at such a short distance. Over the years, I’ve became rather comfortable with running a certain distance at a tolerable pace and struggle with sprinting. Seamus says to run as fast as you can until you can’t run any more, but I find it hard to do this.
In less than four weeks, I’ll be running a 5k race. Staying committed to my training schedule has been a great challenge. Every day I’m forced to push myself at a different level. I’m doing exercises that I don’t necessarily enjoy doing and running at paces that are extremely uncomfortable. In between all the hard workouts, I’ve also dedicated myself to improving my mindset, such as changing old habits (longer runs to shorter, speedy, runs). I started new ones and am working to stop the self-conscious negativity. Instead, I am focusing on positive self talk (I am strong, I am unstoppable, I am feeling great)!
I’m not only growing as a runner but also as a mom. Now, I find myself more often using positive self talk through difficult situations when dealing with a kid at home. I’ve also learned that my daily running habits have reflected on my children’s behavior to stay active. I’ve been unintentionally training them as they continue to ask questions about how they can improve their running skills. It has encouraged them to enjoy running as well. My oldest son, Kieren, has dedicated himself to running a few times a week in the early mornings and is competing in a 5k in four weeks. My two middle children are constantly sprinting laps around the house and cheering for one another to “keep going.”
Through mindset training, I’ve learned to love and appreciate the journey of reaching a GOAL and to continue to work toward being my BEST. For that reason, my goal for this race is to run as fast as I can until I can’t run any more. Regardless if I meet my 5k goal, I’ve got to stay positive knowing that my kids are watching what I do. They need to learn how to be patient and resilient when facing challenges, too.
