Race mantras are one mental strategy that can help with your running by keeping you focused and positive during a challenging race. If you have never used a race mantra before you may not know where to start. I’m going to share some examples of helpful race mantras and also explain how to use them. This way you can come up with you own and practice to use them during a challenging run or race!
Helpful Race Mantras and How To Use Them
Race mantras can be a word or short phrase that is significant to you. It gets repeated over and over to help you stay focused and get through a challenging part of a race.
Examples of Race Mantras
Here are some examples of race mantras. Maybe one of these will resonate with you. If not, come up with something meaningful to you! It can be a good idea to have a few so you can use them at different times.
- Keep believing
- The faster I run, the faster I’m done
- When your legs get tired run with your heart
- Run strong
- Don’t give up
- Just keep going
- Finish strong
- This feeling will pass
- Breathe in strength, breathe out weakness
- What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
- Stay calm
- I can do hard things
- I’m prepared for this
- One mile at a time
- Believe that you can, decide that you will
How to Use Race Mantras
Once you have chosen a few mantras that you want to use during a race, write them down. Next to each one write a few sentences describing what that mantra means to you. The mantra will be short (just a few words) but the meaning behind it will be more detailed. Do some brainstorming to flush out your thoughts about each one.
Next you will want to practice using them. The easiest way to start is by using them when you don’t really need them. For example, if you’re just driving in your car and thinking about your upcoming race choose one of your mantras to repeat in your mind a few times, then remind yourself of what it means to you.
From there you should practice using a mantra during more challenging moments, like during a run or workout. You may want to choose a couple of practice mantras if you want to save your race mantras for race day and not overuse them. When your run gets challenging, repeat your mantra in your mind about 3 times and think about what it means to you.
Other ideas for race mantras
You can also have your mantra written somewhere, like on a bracelet, a water bottle, or even your hand. Maybe if you have friends or family members cheering during your race you can have them add your mantra to a sign!
Example of practicing a mantra
One race mantra I like to use is “Run Strong”. If I were to prepare to use this during a race I would write it down and then describe why I chose it. I might write “I know that I am a strong runner. I’ve worked hard this training cycle to build strength and endurance. I want to run strong both physically and mentally”. Then when I am thinking about my race I would remind myself of why I want to run strong. During a hard workout I would practice using this mantra. Then, I would use it on race day! I even have this mantra on one of my bracelets.
Using race mantras is one mental strategy that can help you during a race. It’s worth giving a try if you need a way to get through some of those challenging moments when racing!
You may also like:
Think Positive & Conquer Your Negative Thoughts on the Run
What To Do The Week Before Your Race
Top 7 Racing Mistakes To Avoid As You Return to Running Races
What is your favorite race mantra?
Do you practice mental strategies before a race?
Now it’s time for the Runners’ Roundup! Link up your running and fitness posts below! Join myself, Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Runs with Pugs , and Laura Norris Running to post your favorite running tips, experiences, race and training recaps, workouts, gear, and coaching ideas.
Thanks for these mantra ideas, Lisa. I like using mantras during a race, I find them very helpful.
One of my favourites is “You get to do this”. It reminds me that running and racing is a privilege which I should be grateful for. There are many who would love to run but can’t.
That is a great one to use!
I like mantras–I usually hashtag one in my IG posts. One of my favorites is “can’t stop, won’t stop”. I also like ‘relentless forward progress’. Interestingly, the Fluid Running Coach uses them in the workouts as well!
Those are great! I love when they are incorporated into workouts.
Great suggestions! I totally think mantras are beneficial…anything to keep the optimism flowing will (hopefully) help to keep one’s head in the game. While running the tough (hilly and boring race course) Cannonball Marathon, I started saying “too legit to quit” and that has stuck with me. I also try to remember to take a deep breath (if I’m in a struggling situation) and tell myself “breathe in, breathe out.” And, another is “Okay, let’s get this done!”
I love all of those! Its great when you find something that works for you, especially during a tough race.
Sometimes a mantra will just pop into my head mid run or workout and I will find myself using it to power through! They can be of great help
Yes! It’s great when that happens!
I love mantras! They help us so much. I definitely choose one when I’m training for something, and I know it helps. I think one helpful tip is to keep it positive — IOW, don’t have a “don’t” mantra (as in don’t fall). Where the mind goes, the body follows!
I also love Momentum wraps to keep that mantra front & center.
That s a really good point! It’s definitely better to say it in a positive way.
I also love mantras, and I’m going to echo Judy’s comment about making sure the mantras are all positive. You don’t want your mantra to be “don’t slow down” because then the words “slow down” are repeating in your mind over and over again. Your brain doesn’t respond well to negative commands, so “light and quick” would be more effective.
Yes! That is such a good reminder!
Yes mantras are important. Though I think the Momentum wrap I was given said “Don’t stop.” I think that’s ok. It mean’s “Keep going! You’ve got this.”
I recently said to myself “Run your own race.” It seemed that everyone was passing me by. And It did and did ok.
I’ve used “run your own race” before too! I agree, its helpful to remember to just focus on yourself and not worry about what is going on around you.
Mantras are great and definitely underrated. I need to think of some in advance, because struggling during a race isn’t the best time to try to figure out some self-motivation! I’ve definitely used “No regrets”, and “run with your heart”, but I love the idea of writing out what these mantras really mean to you.
It’s definitely helpful to plan them before a race! When I don’t have them planned I am more likely to turn to negative thoughts.
I don’t use mantras very often. I think I prefer the boot camp/tough love strategy where I just yell at myself a lot. It’s probably not as effective, but I need that kind of energy LOL.
Ha! Well if that works for you, that’s great!
I often tell my athletes to make their mantra meaningful to their “why” behind their race. It’s been a while since I really raced, but I used “dig deep” and “I can do this all day” in some of my PR races.
Those are great! And yes, connecting a mantra to the why behind their race can be so helpful.
I totally believe in mantras and positive thinking. I usually say “You got this!” Or “Stay strong!” It definitely helps.
Those are great mantras!