As you run, whether during training, a marathon, or to burn a few calories, you probably feel so drained and wish to stop. However, you should remember that running, or anything you do, is not only a physical but mental challenge. In fact, you may have heard of the quote that “running is 90% mental.”
And that’s actually true! Mental toughness is just as important to maintain to reach your goals and improve your athletic performance.
But how can you develop your mental strength as you run? There are many things you can do, with running mantras being a great help.
What is a running mantra and what running mantras can you follow to keep you going? Read on to learn more about this!
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What Are Running Mantras?
Running mantras are words or phrases you repeat to yourself while running, whether during a race or training. These phrases would have significant meaning to you, so if ever times get rough or you feel tired, the words inspire you to continue pushing to the limit.
Running mantras lets you dig deep as you continue reciting it repeatedly. There are two kinds of mantras:
- Motivational mantras are like a personal cheerleader to keep you feeling positive
- Instructive mantras are like a personal running coach to direct how to run better
You can create your own running mantras for more personalization or take running mantras from other runners and athletes!
How Do Running Mantras Benefit You?
How do running mantras help you anyway, when they’re just words?
They are NOT just words! With running being a mental sport, your running and training are only as good as your thinking.
You know about the conscious and subconscious, but are you aware that you’re driven by thoughts you aren’t mindful of? The conscious mind will take over as you decide various choices, including whether you want to run or push for the last mile!
Meanwhile, the subconscious will kick in reminding you that you’re either lazy or a runner. This all depends on what program you’ve followed throughout the years.
Of course, you won’t purposefully say things that would derail your progress. However, we pick these subconscious thoughts up from anything we see, from magazine covers down to mere comments from coaches.
Your brain will work quickly in absorbing thoughts and sights, from approaching cars to your pace. It won’t have much time for you to process subconscious beliefs that pop up, telling you that your pace is too quick or you’re tired from all the hard work.
That’s why it’s your job to provide your subconscious with newer and more positive programming. That’s where running mantras come along.
You’ll need a mantra that resonates with you. Through the right mantra, you will repeat it every time, with your body and brain responding positively. And the more you use it and repeat it confidently, the more the thought will become ingrained so you’re thinking of your mantra without even knowing you do.
Do you want to learn more about how powerful running mantras are for mental strength? Check out this awesome video:
Running Mantras to Live By
Now that you know what running mantras are and how they help, what are some awesome and inspiring mantras to follow? Here are some running mantras you can use, which can work not only during tough runs, bit the tough moments in your life:
- Light and fast
- Earn this
- I am a runner
- I can and I will
- I am strong
- One step at a time
- Be fearless
- Be brace
- You can
- Unstoppable
- Breathe in strength and breath out weakness
- You are ready
- Finish strong
- You’re focused and prepared
There are so many more you can find online or when asking for advice from fellow runners!
Besides this, as I mentioned, you can create your own mantra as well! Here are three rules to create supercharged running mantras:
- Make sure that you use the word ‘YOU’, which is even more powerful than using ‘I’. This is because you would create distance and objectivity between your emotions and runs
- Make it short, since you wouldn’t want to rack your brain remembering an entire paragraph while running. This can throw off your pace, as running is already tough enough without memorizing monologues. Short mantras should be recited like a steady beat of a drum as you sync your steps to the words you repeat
- Make sure your mantra is super strong! Use strong action words for a more encouraging running mantra. Furthermore, the words should be energizing and memorable, including words like “effortless”, “fast”, “smooth”, and more. They don’t need to be clever, original, or groundbreaking, your mantra should just work best for YOU
On your next run, practice and use your running mantras and recall how you felt as you ran with these mantras in mind, writing them down. Learn about what mantras worked better and keep those in mind during your next runs, also creating specific mantras for every running situation, such as training days, recovery runs, races, when you’re feeling demotivated, and the like. Specific mantras can help you during those times compared to generic mantras and phrases.
Wrapping It Up
Whether you’re trying to conquer uphill running or want to go beyond your usual distance, then you’ll want to try using running mantras to stay motivated as you reach your running goals. With the right mantra to repeat, you’ll feel even more inspired to race to the finish line!
I hope that this article on running mantras inspired you to use some for your mental strength soon. So, don’t wait any longer and begin trying to set yourself up for success with proper running mantras now.
If you have any questions or want to share your tips and experiences on running mantras, send us a comment below, your thoughts are much appreciated!
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