If I have learned one thing this training cycle it is that each is very different. Some training seasons are on point and others are a mess.
I’m not quite sure what I want to title this one as yet, but it sure isn’t as smooth as previous ones.
One thing I enjoy doing each time is selecting a mantra to helps me get through it. I use this during training and especially during the marathon itself as a reminder of what it’s taken to get there.
You can read about my running story here and here.
Here is a look at some previous mantra’s I’ve used:
My First Marathon (Chicago 2012)
As with anyone’s first marathon, you really don’t know what to expect. I knew it was a long way and I knew I really needed to focus on being able to run that long.
My mantra for my first marathon was:
“You can do this. Just finish”
It’s a simple mantra but without ever having run a marathon before there were many times during training I wondered if I could eve accomplish my goal.
I remember hitting the wall of my first marathon at 15 and being on the verge of tears. I was struggling so hard but I kept telling myself “you can do this!”
Kiawah Marathon
I’m skipping over my second marathon in Chicago, because I honestly don’t remember too much about. Let’s focus on my first marathon I ever ran with a time goal – Kiawah Island Marathon.
I set my goal of wanting to BQ without really believing that I could; however, I knew I would never know unless I tried.
I quickly realized what my mantra would be:
“EARNED not given.”
I even received a Momentum Jewelry Motivate wrap with those words written on it. I wore it for every workout, tempo run, and even on race day to remind me that it takes hard work.
I put in the hard work and it paid off! Of course, this doesn’t always happen but I was lucky enough to succeed that day. I remember looking down at that phrase several times throughout the course. I had defiantly earned it!
Chicago Marathon 2015
I’ve been thinking a lot recently about what I want my mantra going into Chicago to be. It sure hasn’t been the greatest training season, but I know I’ve still put in a lot of work.
I’ve heard some great ones as I’ve been thinking about this such as: “I can do hard things”, “believe”, “just run”, “run the mile you’re in” etc.
However, I’ve decided that the mantra I’m going to focus on this time is:
“Relax and believe.”
Being able to relax during even the hardest runs is tough. It’s been something I’ve made a big priority during the second half of my training.
My goal going into Chicago is to remind myself to relax and believe that I can give it all I’ve got. I don’t know exactly what the outcome will be, but you better believe I’m going to give it my all!
What is your go-to running mantra?
Do you repeat anything to yourself during a marathon?
Just do it!!! That is what I tell myself. To just get through it and you can do whetever you want when it’s over. Thanks
bakingrunner.blogspot.com
That’s a great one! Simple and to the point 🙂
“Looking good, feeling great… you should be in Hollywood” or some variation of this, has been my mantra this summer plowing through the heat. However, now that I am in Maui and it is both hot and super humid, plus there are some pretty big hills on the course, I am going to use your “run the mile you’re in” and “just finish”. No real time goals with these conditions…
~ Run with joy!
You are in Maui!? Ok…I’m JEALOUS!