Say these and turn on the executive brain
Athletes have used key words or phrases for generations. These short statements shift control to the frontal lobe, while they activate positive attitude hormones. Keep using them, and you can push back the negative and increase the positive. Try these out during your runs so that you will feel comfortable with them. When needed, you’ll be ready.
Have fun with these. Combine several that make you feel strong. Get into a rhythm. Make up a little lyric and sing them.
Mantras that work at any time:
Don’t give up.
I can do it.
This is my day.
I’m feeling better.
I feel good.
I am strong.
I have control.
I’m getting it done.
I feel confident.
I’m running smooth.
I will prevail.
The spirit is strong.
Talk to your workhorses:
Heart—Great pumping action.
Heart—Send the blood.
Blood—Bring the oxygen, bring the energy.
Blood—Remove the damage.
Blood capillaries—Open up, good flow.
Feet—Light touch.
Feet—Good turnover.
Feet—Quick and light.
Feet—Low to the ground.
Muscles—Pump the blood.
Legs—Stay strong.
Legs—Smooth motion.
Knees—Not perfect, but working.
Lungs—More oxygen.
Lungs—Working better.
Lungs—Clean the blood.
Body—Everything working together.
Body—Smooth running machine.
Endorphins—Hit me.
Endorphins—I feel good.
Endorphins—Flowing better.
Endorphins—Make me feel so good.
Mind–body—Great teamwork.
Mind–body—Get it done.
Mind–body—A powerful team.
Mind–body—Solving problems.
Tight muscles—Go away lactic acid.
Oxygen—Go to the muscles.
Sugar—Go to the brain.
Blood—Flow, flow, flow.
When it gets tough:
One more mile.
One more minute.
One more step.
I have reserve strength.
I can do it.
I feel empowered.
I can push through fatigue.
I am doing it.
The finish is closer.
The strength is there.
The vision:
I want to run.
I am a runner.
I am free.
I can feel the accomplishment.
Finish line—I feel it.
The stress is leaving.
The energy is increasing.
The endorphins are flowing.
I’m being pulled to the finish.
I’m pulled along with the flow.
The crowd is pushing.
I’m getting energy from the crowd.
There’s energy moving together.
I feel the energy of others.
We’re helping one another.
I’m feeling stronger.
I’ve got mental momentum.
I’ve pushed through the wall.
I’m going to finish with strength.
I’m improving the quality of my life.
I’m improving.
I am better.
I am fit.
I’m running like Phidippides.
I’m continuing the marathon tradition.
2,500 years of history—I’m part of it.
I’m smiling.
I’m breathing life into my body.
Distractions from negative thoughts:
Where could I move that sign?
How would I redesign that building?
What type of house would I build here?
Where would I live in this neighborhood?
What role would that person play in my novel?
What can I do to help that person get into running?
Where would I put a running trail in this neighborhood?
Talk to spectators and to volunteers:
Thank you for cheering.
Thank you for being here.
You can join us next year.
Thanks for your energy.
Thank you for helping me improve my life.
Funny mantras:
I’m running like [a funny character].
I’m dancing.
I’m running on thin ice.
Talking to the pain mantras (walk a bit more on the walk breaks and smile):
Brain, I know what you are doing.
Open up blood flow to my [foot, leg, hamstring, etc].
I feel better, now open up more blood.
Blood flow, blood flow.
Endorphins—flow in there.
I need more endorphins—come on in.