Mantras for Runners

Let’s talk mantras.

When I toe up to the starting line of any race, whether it is a speedy 5 km or a torching marathon, if I am not mentally ready for it, I am not ready for the race at all.

Of course, there is that irritating fact that the less you dwell on the race, the better you will do, which means that there is a fine line between being mentally prepared and mentally taxed for a race.

Approaching a race with a calm, relaxed mind and an arsenal of mental tricks to coax you through the next number of miles, minutes and sweat-soaked footsteps is vital to a good race.

Why do you need mantras while running?

Despite your best efforts, things can go wrong while you are racing. It can be hotter, colder, or windier than you expected. Your digestive system may rebel against you. You may have an injury flare up. No matter what is going on, not every race is a breeze.

This is where your mental grit comes in, whether it is an inspirational phrase, quote, person or goal, it is important to have it ready to pull out of your back pocket when the going gets tough.

My recent marathon, I had bought myself a comfy (and ridiculously tight) pair of compression tights to wear right after the run for recovery. I wore a BOSTON STRONG bracelet and painted my nails in Boston colours for motivation to keep trucking along with my pace, but as the miles wore on and I became increasingly fatigued, my mind began to fixate on putting my legs in compression tights, rather than focusing on my goal.

Whatever works, I guess….

Another thing that I have done in the past is run a race FOR someone. As many of my long time readers know, my youngest sister, Jolene, has had a decade-long struggle with anorexia and I ran my first ultra-marathon in 2010 for her and put You are Stronger than you think on an old race bib. This mantra was for her, but when you are racing FOR someone, you have a smaller likelihood of giving up.

And then, there are those phrases that propel you to that finish line. I have curated a little collection of my absolute FAVOURITES for you to use as well. The best mantras are short, energetic and meaningful to you.

2 Samuel 18:23 – Come what may, I want to run.

HILLS – Claw the ground. 

STARTING EASY – Pass no one. 

This was a mantra given to me by a team mate on 100 Mile of Wild this spring. He was an army ranger and every time we hit a huge hill, he would yell this out.

PASSING – Run fast, go past. 

Never judge a run by the first mile. 

All I smell is my personal best!

And when all else fails, I fantasize about the food waiting for me at the finish line!

What are your running mantras?

Don’t forget to enter for a free pair of compression socks from CEP Compression Canada. Contest ends November 10, 2013.