POV: Your hand hovers over the remote, staring at the Netflix prompt: ‘Are you still watching?’
*hesitating*
Do you binge one more episode or finally ditch the couch for a run?
When the couch 🛋whispers, “Stay awhile,” a mantra like “I can do hard things” can give you the push you need to get moving.
But why does this work? What sorcery is this?
*whispering* They’re running mantras.
Yep, running mantras can…
✅ Calm pre-race jitters…even when you’re checking the weather for the hundredth time before the big day.
✅ Help you bust through the wall at mile 10…even when your legs are saying ‘nope.’
✅ Drown out the doubt…even as you’re questioning all your life choices.
You can swipe a running mantra or create your own…whatever you want ‘cause you’re in charge here.
That’s why I’m here to give you a shot of inspo with the most popular…dare I say, BEST? running mantras.
And then we’ll chat about how to create one that packs as much energy as your morning triple-shot, 2 pump vanilla, oat milk latte.
Ready to dive in? Let’s get started.
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WHY USE RUNNING MANTRAS?
Some brilliant minds, Berkovich-Ohana et al. (2015), explored the world of repetitive speech and its impact on our brains, uncovering what’s known as the ‘Mantra Effect.’
What it is: The ‘mantra’ effect acts like a mental volume dial, turning down the noise of all those buzzing, distracting thoughts.
It’s like when you’re blasting your fave tunes but need to turn down the volume to hunt for that one address your map insists is right there.
You need a little silence to focus, right?
Just like turning down the volume helps you focus, a mantra can 🤫 hush the chatter in your mind and let you hone in on what really matters.
THE BEST RUNNING MANTRAS LIST
Ready to go? These may just be the best running mantras that’ll give you an extra push to run fast.
The best running inspirational mantras for running
The best race day mantras
Let’s unlock your motivation with race day mantras for the 5K, 10K, and half marathon
Race day is supposed to be YOUR moment, right? All that work over the past few weeks has led to THIS MOMENT.
No pressure…except there’s so much riding on this 1 day. The need to make all that training count. Pre-race jitters. They’re all here to ruin the vibe.
But not today. It’s your time to shine, whether you’re running a speedy 5K, a challenging 10K, or an epic half marathon.
Ready for the list of race day running mantras? It’s for runners of all levels because every race distance deserves its special kind of motivation.
The best marathon mantras: Tackling 26.2 miles with purpose
Mastering the unique challenges of marathon running
So why is there a whole list for marathon race day mantras? Well…because we all know 26.2 miles is no joke.
You need marathon mantras in your back pocket like you do your gels and water.
Ready for ‘em? Let’s dig in.
The best running mantras for motivational signs
- “Run now, brunch later!”
- “May your shoes fly like the wind, and your blisters be minimal!”
- “Pain is temporary, selfies are forever!”
- “Chafe now, brag forever!”
- “Run like you stole it!”
- “Smile if you’re not wearing underwear!”
- “Your pace or mine?”
- “This mile brought to you by pizza — keep going for the next slice!”
- “Your only limit is you. And maybe the porta-potty line.”
- “Your determination is hotter than the pavement!”
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT RUNNING MANTRA FOR YOU?
Try using ‘you’ instead of ‘I’ in your mantra
Swapping ‘I’ for ‘you’ in your running mantra may seem small, but it can make a big difference.
Cyclists in a 10K time trial tried this switch. 1 The result? They rode faster and worked harder, but felt it was a breeze. Curious, yes?
Why does it work? Well, it’s like turning on a light in a dark room—you suddenly see everything in a new light (literally).
So the next time you’re questioning why you’re even running in the first place (are you beating The Blerch? 🤔 I lol’d my way through this book.), flip that light switch.
Give it a try; you might just find your mantra magic.
Keep your running mantra short but exciting
So instead of saying ➡️ ‘I will keep pushing through every mile’ try this instead ➡️ ‘Your race, your pace.’
Keep it simple and short, and toss in some action-packed words like ‘fast,’ ‘effortless,’ or ‘smooth’.
Match your running mantras to your goals
This helps you connect with your goals. So, how do you create a mantra that vibes with what you want?
Play around with your running mantras
Your running mantra is like a blank canvas—you can mix and match words and phrases in a way that feels totally you.
So get experimenting—try different mantras on the run!
They’ll hit differently depending on the day. Pay attention to how each mantra affects you. Some will pump you up and others will help you find your zen.
Try it out, keep what works, and throw out the rest.
Sources
Effects on Instructional and Motivational Self-Talk on the Vertical Jump
Effects of a Motivational Self-Talk Intervention for Endurance Athletes Completing an Ultramarathon
Talking yourself out of exhaustion: The effects of self-talk on endurance performance
Improvement of 10-km time-trial cycling with motivational self-talk compared with neutral self-talk