The Power Of A Great Running Mantra

Published with permission from RatherBeRunnin’s blog.

The Sanskrit word “mantra” literally means “instrument for thinking.”

Mantras have been used to focus the mind in meditation and can help you stay on “track” when the “road” (puns intended) gets tough.

It can be used anywhere: during the last few miles of a race, a particularly challenging hill repeat, or even during a long run.

You might be asking yourself, “What makes a good running mantra?”

Allow me to help you:

An effective mantra should focus on what you want to feel, not on what you’re trying to overcome…

It should also be short, positive, instructive, and full of action words.

A few that I have adopted over the last few weeks are:
For hill repeats: “I eat hills for breakfast.”
For long runs: “I am strong, I am powerful, I can do this.”
For speed work: “My legs are so strong, I am so fast.”

I have used these mantras during my last two long runs, and I must say, they have really helped me stay positive and run faster.

Do you have a running mantra? If so, what is it?

Read More About Motivation:
What’s Your Motivational Mantra?
7 Mantras That Will Get You Through Tough Runs