Running mantras can be super motivating and helpful when on a tough run or finishing a race. I’ve relied on many myself in the past to help me push through a tough effort. However, there are a few, what I call, toxic run mantras that I’m leaving behind this fall. They no longer serve me well.
Toxic Run Mantras I’m Leaving Behind
These are my top toxic mantras to leave in the dust. Do any of these hit home for you?
No pain no gain
Experiencing pain while running or exercising is not normal and can lead to serious injury. I’ve made the mistake numerous times of running through pain and ending up with an injury. As a new runner 20+ years ago, I ran through shin splints which lead to a stress fracture. I’ve run through hip pain which lead to a labrum tear. If I had just been a little smarter at the time I may have been able to save myself months of recovery and rehab. Pushing through actual pain does not lead to gain. It is so much better to take a few days off by choice than be forced to take a month off due to injury.
No Rest For The Weary
If you are training for a longer race and feeling significantly more tired and worn down, that is a sign that your body needs more rest. Perhaps a sign that your training plan needs to be adjusted. Rest is not a sign of weakness. Extra rest during hard training cycles is how our body’s adapt to the load. Forcing yourself to take an extra rest day is discipline. A well rested athlete performs way better than a overtrained exhausted athlete.
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
Originally coined as a war mantra “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” – Friedrich Nietzsche has become kind of a cliché saying for both physical and emotional trauma. Kelly Clarkson has a number one hit song with just that mantra. This article debates a few of the basic tenets of this argument.
Myself, it’s the times that I have felt strong and resilient that make me stronger. For me, and perhaps many of us mere mortals, it’s time to let that one go.
These are my thoughts based on my own experiences and lessons I’ve learned about my own body over the years. You may or may not agree with me on these and that’s ok. I’d love to know what you think.
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Excellent thoughts! I’ve never thought of these sayings in this way, but you are absolutely right. I’ve run through pain (Achilles) and had to take MANY months off because of it.
Come to think of it, some of these sayings – especially the last one – sound quite desperate and are probably more suitable for soldiers fighting a (losing) battle.
Yes exactly! PS I am having trouble commenting on your blog have tried a few times
Thanks Deborah! You’re not the only one who has trouble commenting. I’ll look into it.
I know what you mean about these being problematic. I understand the idea behind no pain no gain but it can be taken too far. It’s one thing to push yourself out of your comfort zone but another thing to push to the point of pain.
Yes, exactly. I have made the mistake before myself
I had to laugh because I think I say ALL those things.
Usually I’m kidding because they are all valid.
There’s such a fine line between getting the miles in so you don’t get injured in a race or not skipping runs because you lack the mojo and overdoing.
Yes, it is important to stay on top of your training load and rest schedule
I have never liked the “no pain, no gain” one. It has a very negative connotation, and I think some use it as a means of validation to their “toughness.” I much prefer “healthy discomfort leads to potential progress” …though it’s a bit too wordy 🙂
yes I agree with you- it does seem that phrase is used as a measure of toughness. Pulling back takes discipline as well
Yes, I too have learned the hard way that Pain does not equal Gain! And the importance of rest days. For the last one, I would say that gutting your way through a difficult run (as long as there’s no injury pain) CAN make you mentally stronger. But I agree- we shouldn’t be out there trying to kill ourselves.
It took me a long time to learn some of these lessons
I made your same experiences but I learned the lesson too late!!!
I confess that, sometimes, I am late to listen my body.
yes, I think we have all made that mistake! Hopefully we learn!
I think these are hard lessons for any runner or athlete. It’s just so hard to “give in” to rest.
It can be but I have learned the hard way that it is necessary for me
Okay, I admit I do say a few of those things but only because it’s kind of a habit. I know very well there should be no pain and we needn’t be close to death to get stronger. It’s good to put them behind though.
Agreed! Let’s do it