I know that lots of runners use a running mantra to help them get through tough runs and stay mentally focused during races. We hear the phrase running is 90% mental all the time. Apparently mantras can help you avoid negative thoughts and distract you minor aches and pains. I am on the search for a running mantra of my own. I have, thus far, not been able to come up with just the right phrase so I am hoping one of you might be able to help me find it.
According to Runner’s World, a “well chosen mantra can help keep you remain calm and on target. Repeating choice words can help direct your mind away from negative thoughts and toward a positive experience”. I went to my favorite group of mother runners to see what their mantras were.
Erika (MCM Mama runs) uses two mantras “suck it up buttercup” and “run the mile you are in”.
Coco (Got2Run4me) found that repeating “I am not throwing away my shot” (derived from Hamilton) got her through last weekend’s tough New York City half.
Some avid runners, like my friend Kate, use a more situational approach. Kate keeps her head in the game by thinking of a reward at the end of her race. At last week’s miserably rainy Shamrock half she reminded herself there was “beer at the end”.
How to come up with a running mantra
According to the expert editors at Runner’s World, your mantra needs to be short and sweet (4 to 5 words at most). You want to remember it and chant it when you need it most. Avoid using negatives and instead direct yourself to the positive. Combine short phrases with action words and adjectives. (source)
Think phrases such as:
Run strong
Push hard
Be invincible
Feel fast
Be brave
Embrace hills
Think power
I got this
Keep going
I am still searching for the perfect phrase to use this race season. Have any ideas for me? What’s your mantra?
linking up
I’ve always liked “Run Strong” and I have it on my Road ID and a momentum bracelet. I would like to come up with something a little more personalized but havent been able to think of anything. I like Run Strong because it refers to both the mental and physical aspects of running.
I have not been able to think of the exact phrase for me either
My motto is Live Beyond Expectations, but my mantra? That’s a toughie. I think of mantras as almost chantable, and when I am running and need to chant something, I usually go for something rhythmic, like “just gotta keep. on. going.” Saying it over and over again usually helps me pull through.
OH I know: “You are Capable” dur, that one is one of my mantras!
Yes definitely something you can chant. I like yours!
My mantras change depending on the run! But one that I always wear on my wrist is “never give up”. Determination, perseverance…it says it all.
Never give up is a good one!
Mine is… “There is going to be a day you can’t do this… today is NOT that day.”
Ooh I like that!
For me, I ty to pick a new mantra every year. My running mantra for this year is going to be “No Excuses”. I’m planning on running two pretty big marathons this year. Last year my mantra was “You can do hard things” because I was training for my first marathon.
I like you can do hard things that’s a good one
I LOVE the mantra “suck it up buttercup” and I definitely find myself saying that to myself on the hills! 🙂 It’s a good one and just resonates with me.
That’s great that it works so well for you 🙂
The one mantra that led to the name of my blog…No Regrets!
I also love Dig Deep! I had Momentum footnotes that said it and it’s worked well for me on those tough runs!
Dig deep is a good one! Interesting to know how you came up with your blog name too
Mine has always been, “Keep movin’ forward!!!”
I’ve said that one a few times too it’s a good one
Whenever I feel like I am going to throw in the towel, I repeat to myself that I am stronger than I think, I’ve done hard things and this too, I will overcome.
And you do too!
Mine is “The faster you run, the faster you get done” lol! Always has been.
I like that one!
This is well-timed, as my next half marathon is a mere 2.5 weeks away! On my long runs especially, I tell myself “I can do this – I’ve done it before” and “just keep moving” (like Dory in Finding Nemo).
I have used just keep moving forward as well. Good luck with your race
I need a mantra. I love that you could come up with one for any practice you have in your life ! Thanks for the inspiration!! I’m constantly trying to think of the RIGHT one, not sure i’ve found it yet.
That is exactly how I feel. Still searching for the perfect one
Mine is just keep going! I give myself a goal – to the next mile, to the next tree. Just keep going!
I like having little goals to get through as well
When it gets tough, I tell myself “I can do hard things” and think back to the fact that I trained for and ran 2 marathons in a year. That usually gets me through the doubt.
You sure did! I need to learn how to draw on my past accomplishments for inspiration
I often repeat to myself out loud when I’m racing. “You got this!” It seems to help! Great post! Hopefully you can find one for yourself soon!
I hope so too you all are giving me great ideas
“No excuses,” “do what you can with what you have,” “only the strong survive,” and “embrace the suck” are among my favorites. Do I say them to myself all the time while I’m running? Usually not. But when I repeat them throughout the day it seems to reinforce it.
I like embrace the suck thanks for sharing!
In the past its been “you can do hard things” but more recently it is “you’ve got this”.
I like you’ve got this 🙂
When I used to run, I used “You got this” combined with thoughts like “5 more minutes”…”1 more mile”
Mantras are personal. You probably already have one but don’t realize it!
I like to use time goals or remind myself how many more miles are left as well
For me, they change each time! There isn’t one gold standard mantra I can use for all my races and training runs. It revolves around a lot on how my week is going in general running wise and life wise, stress levels, mindset (positive or negative), how hard is my goal for the day, etc etc. My recent ones have been “You Got This”, “Shut Up and Run”, “Like a Boss”, etc.
those are all good ones!
I like using Scripture for race mantras like from Isaiah 40:31 or Philippians 4:13. A funny one I heard was when you are hill climbing you say “good for my butt, good for my butt!” I read that somewhere and I always think of it and start laughing when I’m climbing those hills!!
That would make me laugh up the hills too!
I’ve had plenty of mantras depending on the phase of my running. The recent most one – Shut Up Legs 😀
I love that! Thanks for sharing
I don’t have any running mantras in particular, but they are such a great motivator!
I am hoping I can find one that really works for me
I like to say “Hold Back” at the start of a race to help me slow down as I’ve made the mistake of going out too fast. Usually my legs give out first so I focus on my arms and tell myself “Swing your arms and your legs will follow”.
I always start out too fast too!
Some mantras I have used….
Sustain (as in sustain your pace, don’t let up)
relentless. forward. motion.
Keep Moving
C’mon, Let’s do this!
I like C’mon lets do this thanks for sharing yours
I was listening to the Hamilton soundtrack, and that line was just too perfect — especially if you know how they sing it. My other go-to’s are Hard is Where It Happens, and ___ miles/minutes until Starbucks. 🙂
Ah of course starbucks had to come into play! 🙂
Mine is “just a 100 more metres” over and over haha
That works too!
Well, as I’ve gotten older I’ve left “what doesn’t kill me makes me stronger.” 🙂
And I’ve been known to sing a line from that old Helen Reddy song I am Woman: I am strong, I am invincible. Mostly when climbing a long, steep hill!
OH never thought about singing a song that might work too
I love these and the ideas! I always like hearing others, and seeing them on bracelets.
I love the bracelets!
How about Don’t stop? LOL Back when I tried to run, I’d give myself little distances to reach. As in just until that stop sign. Just one more mile. Just until some marker. But then I’d keep going. Hope you find a good one that works for you.
Those little mind tricks work for me too
Keep going, and keep your head up!! Is one that I love!!
Always have to keep your head up!
I definitely think running mantras help. Mine is you are strong, you are capable.
I like that one too thanks for sharing
My favorite running mantra, or mantra in general is “I can do hard things.” It has gotten me through a lot of hard things indeed! 🙂
Definitely we are capable of so much more than we think we are
Today is your day! Just run faster Skippy is what my hubby always tells me 🙂 sometimes just thinking those words makes me mad enough to run faster because he has no idea what he is talking about! LOL!
My trainer tells me to just run faster-now if only I could figure out how to do that!
I usually repeat what doesn’t kill me makes
Me stronger. On hills I repeat what goes up must come down. And my end mantra is I did it and don’t die…lol
Those are all great ones thanks for sharing with me
Love “I got this” — I tell myself that often!
That’s a good one too!
This is great! I have many quotes that I mentally call upon during races, but I have not come up with a specific mantra. However, before my first Ironman, I taped the quote “She said she could…So She Did” on my handlebars 🙂
That’s a good one! And it sounds like it worked well for you
I feel like “Embrace Hills” is one I need to take on as we live in an insanely hilly area! That’s the perfect perspective to have!
embracing hills is a good one and I find doing hills really helps to strengthen my legs
You know, I’ve never really had a running mantra… During races, especially marathons, I do enjoy reading the various things (funny and inspirational) on signs as I run by.
I don’t run, but my mantras for lifting when it gets hard are…”stay strong” and “you got this!”
those are good ones too!