3 running mantras you should be using

The power of the body is all in the mind, so we’ve picked the 3 running mantras you should be using to help you through the tough times – if they’re good enough for the pros, they’re good enough for us.

No matter how well we train, sometimes we all need a little confidence boost as we stand at the start of a big race or during those long, hard miles we all know so well. A mantra can be a great way to get a little psychological boost and remind yourself that ‘you’ve got this’.

Mantras are essentially short words or phrases that you repeat whenever you need to focus. These choice words help direct your mind away from any negative thoughts towards something a lot more positive, and have long been used to focus the mind in mediation. The idea is that when you start thinking, ‘I can’t or ‘This hurts’, you repeat your mantra and shift your thinking about the situation.

An effective mantra will address what you want to feel, not what you’re trying to overcome. It should be positive and help divert your attention away from any difficulties and help you transcend them. Sounds good, right?

So what does a good mantra look like? Here are our favourites – adopt them, or use them as inspiration to create your own.

‘This is what you came for.’
Scott Jurek, ultra runner, en route to breaking the American 24-Hour record in May 2010.

You’ve trained harder than ever putting in the miles and the long hours in the gym, and your effort will pay off on race day. So remind yourself with this punchy mantra. This one works so well because it’s a positive affirmation that’s easy to remember, energetic and you can say it in less than five seconds.

‘I love you [insert name]’
Paula Radcliffe, marathon world record holder, as cited in Adharanand Finn’s book Running with the Kenyans

Let those you love inspire you and dedicate your miles to someone special. Some runners dedicate their whole race to one person, others give a mile to each individual who has helped them on their running journey and inspired them along the way.

‘Smile’
Chrissie Wellington, four-time Ironman world champion

So she never forgets them, Chrissie Wellington writes her mantras on her water bottle and wristband when she races. We particularly like the reminder to smile – when you smile, you relax and your mood lifts. And that makes everything seem easier!