Anyway, this is for new and old runners and even non-runners. What's a mantra and how can it help me? See definition here. A mantra can be a word and or a phrase that you use for personal motivation.
You've probably heard that a race is 80% mental and 20% physical, therefore making a mental investment in your training can be quite beneficial. Examples of a mantra could be "Kick!", "Glory be to God.", "Life is short."..... I have about 3-4 mantras that I use while I'm racing as well as in daily life. Each one has its own personal meaning to me and serves its own purpose. Here are a few ideas on developing a mantra...
- Make sure it means something to YOU. Don't use someone else's mantra just because that's the mantra that works for them.
- Develop your mantra(s) over time. As related to running, I developed my mantras while in practice. Just like breaking in a new pair of shoes or trying a different meal, you don't try it for the 1st time on race day. Use that long run or track workout to break them in.
- I guess you can have as many as you want. I have a bad memory so I had to stick with just a few.. lol...BUT I will say because I just have a few, they pack a lot of power.
- Each mantra serves a different purpose. I have a mantra for when I'm hurting, for when negative thoughts creep in, self doubt, and for when I'm anxious.
- To share or not to share. I'd say its up to you, they're very personal and I'd say it just depends on the situation. Use discretion. I don't think I'd tell my biggest competition my mantras...just sayin'!
- Use your mantras wisely. Don't pull it out unless you're gonna use it. There has to be direct and immediate action.
- Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Mantras are typically repeated multiple times. Use your own judgement as to how many times, repeat as needed.
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