Creating a Motivating Running Mantra

A running mantra can be used like a kick in the butt on tough stretches of your run.  Think of it as a jet pack.  Personally, I tell myself to, "Dig Deep and Power Through!"  A running mantra is personal, so I don't expect this to work for you, but it works for me.  On tough uphill climbs I tell myself to "Dig Deep."  Then, once I reach the top of the hill I urge myself to "Power Through."  Why in this order you ask? 

Currently, I am focusing on maintaining my target pace on uphill ascents and picking it up ever so slightly once I reach level ground.  This tactic should improve my overall time if executed properly.  Think about it.  Why should I waste energy on a big hill?  Half a mile uphill counts the same as half a mile of flat terrain.  Thus, I should exert just enough effort to maintain my target pace and use any extra energy on the flat or nearly flat portions of my run. 

Understand that running mantras can be used in any way that motivates you.  The only real advice I have for you is to keep it simple.  Anything more than a short phrase is too much.  For example, it would be hard to motivate myself with a phrase such as, "Dig deep within yourself on this hill and power through once you reach the flat terrain at the top."  Thus, you must first figure out what you hope to achieve with this running mantra.  Then, create a sentence that can be shortened into a 4 or 5 word phrase that is easily repeatable.  Got it? 

Now go create your own personal running mantra.  Then, come back and share it with me and my readers. 

Below are a few links pertaining to running mantras that you may find to be of interest:

• http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-267--11776-1-2-2,00.html 
• http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-244--13819-1-1-2,00.html 
• http://www.downtown-runner.com/2011/01/series-running-mantras/

Stop Procrastinating and Achieve Your Goals

Finally, with 10+ weeks of difficult training under my belt, I quit procrastinating and registered for the Country Music Marathon in Nashville on April 30, 2011.  I have put it off and made excuses for 2 months now.  Initially, I told myself that I wanted to make sure that I didn't get injured as I started to increase my mileage.  Then, I started looking for "conflicts" with my schedule.  The truth is that I'm a little bit scared.  The distance scares me less than the whole BIG race scene.  I enjoy logging miles on quaint back roads and abandoned alleys.  In fact, I am attracted to running because of its simplicity.  Plain and simple, this race is going to take me outside of my comfort zone.  By procrastinating, I was able to delay the inevitable.  In order to achieve my goals, I must move forward and face my fears of the BIG race scene and the daunting 26.2 miles.  This will be the first of my many running and racing goals to be conquered.  Looking to the future, I intend on completing a 100 mile ultramarathon and a full Ironman event.  Who knows, I may even qualify for Boston or Kona along the way (talk about BIG race scenes). 

Benjamin Franklin once said, "You may delay, but time will not."  Take this quote to heart and stopping putting off today's dreams until tomorrow.  Take action, overcome your fears, and enjoy the journey!