The often used adage “Running is 90% mental” may or may not be accurate. However, it is a fact that our thoughts impact our physical performance. You may have heard the term running mantra or may already have one yourself. What exactly is a running mantra? Do you need one? How might it help you on your runs or hard workouts?
What’s a running mantra?
In simple terms, it is a word or phrase that when repeated, helps you to push through a tough run, race, or workout. This phrase or affirmation can be repeated verbally or in your own head. The idea is to evoke your personal running mantra during a tough effort to distract you from the physical struggle and allow you to propel yourself forward. It is important to choose a mantra that resonates with you.
Examples of popular running mantras
The word “mantra” in Sanskrit means “instrument for thinking” (source)
I can and I will
I can do hard things
Don’t stop when you’re tired, stop when you’re done
Fast Feet
This is what I trained for
What hills?
I am a runner
Just finish
You got this
Get it done
Dig Deep
Get it done
Finish strong
Relentless (Bill Rogers)
You get to do this (Amanda Boone)
Relax and Roll (Sarah Hall)
How can a mantra help you?
The phrases and narratives we tell ourselves in our heads can have a huge impact on our effort and performance during a tough race or training session. This study found that positive self-talk led to improved performance. Conversely, negative self talk can have a detrimental effect on performance.
How to develop a mantra of your own
Make it short so it’s easy to remember and repeat. (mantras of 1-4 words work well)
Pick strong words that resonate with you.
Practice your mantra on training runs before race day. Don’t hesitate to change yours if it doesn’t do it for you.
Tell me, are mantras something you use on race day? What’s yours?
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Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Laura, Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
I love mantras! I use “you get to do this”. I see from your post that Amanda Boone uses this one.
It helps when I start to feel tired or wish the race would end.
It shifts my perspective: instead of focusing on the pain, I feel grateful that I can run.
They really can help get us through a tough race and remind us why we do what we do
My mantra is “I can do it”! Moreover, when I feel very tired, I remind myself that when I was in the Navy I had to go through much harder tests (pretending to forget that I was much younger).
That is a good point. I bet you have pushed through many a hard effort
I find mantras to be so helpful! During my last race I used “I am strong” and “I get to do this”. I always recommend to athletes I coach that they come up with 1-2 mantras before a race. I think its the simplest and easy way to give yourself a mental boost!
It is a great way to give yourself a pep talk and distract yourself from the effort
I love mantras–the best thing to do is put it on a Momentum Wrap and wear it on your wrist so you see it! I often wear mine to work even–yes, sometimes I need a mantra to get through my day, lol
hey, whatever gets you through the day! 🙂
When I was running the Cannonball Marathon (Oct. 2018), the back half was almost a nightmare…nonstop hills, little-to-no crowd support, and very few other runners (so I was all on my own). Somehow, MC Hammer’s “Too Legit to Quit” song popped in my head LOL I started saying it to myself, and it morphed into “Too much grit to quit” and it stuck. Since then, I often say that mantra when I need a boost of mojo.
I love how you came up with yours!
Yes. Mantras are important. I often repeat: I can do hard things. Or You got this.
They can really help us push through a hard effort or even a tough day
My most commonly used mantra is Invincible! Actually it’s a whole phrase from the song I Am Woman (Helen Reddy). I am Strong, I am Invincible. I even have a Momentum necklace I had made that says it. I also will pick a Momentum wrap that speaks to me on a particular day or event. It’s nice to wear your mantra around your wrist or neck just as a reminder when things get tough.
It sure can be nice to wear your mantra as well. I used to that a lot but then did not want so much on my wrist with a larger watch.
Yes, mantras really work. I have a longer one that I’ll repeat over and over again if I’m struggling- “I’m strong, I’m good at this, I can do it.” I make myself repeat it over and over for a mile, and 100% of the time, I feel much better by the next mile. Shorter ones (like at the end of a race) are “light and quick” or “fast and strong.”
I like those! Glad those are helping you too
Ha! I’ve got a brilliant one: “I am a dull, but competent, runner”! It’s got me through a few horrible training runs and long races!
I also like Murakami’s “Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional” though.
ha ha you are not dull! I love it 🙂
I’m a really big believer in mantras, but it changes depending on the race! Thanks for all the suggestions, Deborah.
That is a good point. Why not switch it up for different races
I used mantras during both of my BQs! I set custom alerts on my watch to show them when I knew I would need them.
Great idea!