If you’re a runner, then it’s pretty much a guarantee you’ve had some runs that don’t feel great. I think running is like life that way: not every day is going to be amazing, and not every run is going to be amazing either. That’s where running mantras come in. When running gets tough, repeating a mantra in your head can be super useful.
Why Use a Running Mantra?
A mantra is a commonly used tool in meditation practices. It’s roots go back centuries, and they are believed to help alter a person’s mental and emotional state.
The word mantra derives from the Sanskrit words manas, which means mind, and tra, which means tool. Mantra literally means a tool for the mind. Essentially, a mantra can be anything from a word to a sentence to even just a sound. It’s a similar concept to prayer or meditation, in that it can help the mind relax and enter a flow state.
The Science Behind Running Mantras
There’s been a few studies about the power of mantras. In one study, 14 men did a series of four 10 kilometer cycling time trials. After two time trials, the men were split into 2 groups. One group was directed to use motivational self-talk while the other was not. The third time trial showed no difference in speed, but by the 4th time trial, the group using motivational self-talk performed better in the time trial than the other group. Pretty cool!
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10 Running Mantras Used by Professional Endurance Athletes
1. “Believe” – Courtney Dauwalter, Professional Ultramarathoner
If you’ve seen Ted Lasso, you already know about this mantra. Courtney Dauwalter is a queen of the running mantra, and you’ll notice I’ve included several of hers on this list. She says “believe” has been an important mantra to keep her positive. She says changing the space in our brains to a positive place, which can make a huge difference in the outcome of a run or race.
2. “Calm, Calm, Calm, Relax, Relax, Relax” – Des Linden, Olympic marathoner and Boston marathon champion
3. “Relax and Roll” – Sara Hall, Olympic marathoner
4. “You’re Fine. This is fine. Everything is fine.” – Courtney Dauwalter
She says this is her go-to mantra.
5. “This too shall pass” – Sarah True, Olympian and triathlete
6. “Embrace the pain.” – Courtney Dauwalter
7. “Choose strong.” – Sally McRae, professional ultramarathoner
This mantra is so essential to Sally that she made it the name of her podcast.
8. “Just keep running” – Emma Coburn, 3x Olympian and World steeplechase champion
Emma credits Dory’s mantra in Finding Nemo, “just keep swimming” for this mantra that she says she uses a lot throughout training. Her other go-to mantra is “Do it Anyway.” She says sometimes, you’re just not going to vibe with a run or a cross-training session so it’s important to remind yourself to “do it anyway.”
9. “Right foot, left foot” – Courtney Dauwalter, professional ultramarathoner
10. “Robot, Robot, Robot” – Courtney Dauwalter, professional ultramarathoner
She says this one popped into her head and was her mantra for the last 40 miles of one of her races. She was in so much pain that she just needed to tell herself to go into “robot mode” and this was the mantra she used. I love it.
7 Running Mantras for When You Feel Weak
- I’m tough.
- Forward is forward.
- Inhale, exhale.
- Running is a privilege.
- There’s somebody out there who wishes they could run right now.
- I GET to do this.
- You got this.
My favorite running mantras are probably “you got this” and “I GET to do this.”
What’s your go-to running mantra?
