35 Running Mantras for Motivation and Mental Strength

Regardless of how well we follow our training plan, commit to strength training and spend time recovering – sometimes running just feels hard. Whether you’re facing a hard workout, long run or just a regular easy run, having a running mantra can often provide the extra strength we need.

What’s a Mantra?

Mantras can be used in many different situations, but just about every one relies a mantra to provide some sort of mental strength or focus.

The term “mantra” is defined as a word, statement or slogan repeated frequently.

As simple as this may sound, mantras can have incredible power when used in certain circumstances. Finding an encouraging word or phrase to repeat during tough moments is sometimes all it takes to provide that extra mental boost we need to move forward.

Repeating a positive phrase to yourself not only takes your mind away from the negative, but after a while, you might actually trick your brain into believing what you are saying to yourself.

How to Use Mantras for Running

It’s no secret that running can feel hard. Any physical act requires energy, strength and effort to complete – something with which runners are quite familiar. We use running to challenge ourselves and conquer new goals, which means that we are often venturing into unknown territory.

Whether you are attempting to run more consistently, complete longer distances or run at faster paces, these physical challenges often uncover many mental barriers that we need to overcome.

Repeating a mantra to yourself in tough times can help channel your energy and focus into something positive. Even better, starting to repeat a mantra when things are going well is a great way to turn this into a habit.

Running mantras are powerful.

After selecting a meaningful mantra, begin repeating it to yourself or focusing on this phrase during each run. Whether it’s a hard workout, long run or easy run – focus on your mantra and what it means to you.

Starting this habit when running is easy will make focusing on your running mantra feel natural when you are struggling.

You might choose a single word that defines a quality with which you would like to embody, a phrase that helps keep you inspired and motivated, or a quote that reminds you to stay strong when faced with adversity.

Choosing a running mantra doesn’t have to be complicated.

Selecting an encouraging running mantra is a great way to build mental strength and grit to keep going when things get tough. Mantras help us keep going on race day or during training when our motivation might be low.

We can use a running mantra to help remind us of our purpose, keep our goals in the forefront of our mind, or provide the motivation we need to power through the tough moments.

However you choose to put your running mantra to use, the simple act of taking the time to select a mantra will help define your purpose and refine your motivation. Before you know it, your running mantra will be something that can keep you going even in the toughest of times.

35 Encouraging Running Mantras

“I can do hard things.”

“Be bold.”

“Get it done.”

“Focus on what you can control.”

“Pain is temporary.”

“I’ve got this.”

“You can.”

“Be brave.”

“Keep showing up.”

“Dig deep.”

“How badly do you want this?”

“If this were easy everyone would do it.”

“What do you do when no one is watching?”

“Show up.”

“You are ready.”

“Finish strong.”

“Believe.”

“I am in control of the outcome.”

“The faster I run, the faster I’m done.”

“Just run.”

“I am strong.”

“I feel good.”

“Pain is weakness leaving the body.”

“The strong get stronger.”

“Run the mile you’re in.”

“Define yourself.”

“Think strong, be strong.”

“Be fearless.”

“I can and I will.”

“Dig deep.”

“This too shall pass.”

“I can do anything for one minute.”

“Earn this.”

“No regrets.”

“I am a runner.”

Making Your Own Running Mantra

Sometimes we read through tons and tons of inspirational text, but still don’t find the perfect fit for ourselves. We want something that perfectly embodies our goals, aspirations, capabilities and morals.

When you find the perfect running mantra – you will know it.

Browsing through motivational running quotes and mantra examples is a great way to get started, but if you don’t find a phrase or word that is meaningful, another option is to create your own running mantra.

Creating your own running mantra can be as simple as writing down your goals, taking the time to think about your running philosophy, and determining what obstacles you are likely to encounter along the way.

The process of making your own running mantra can be very eye opening, and is a great strategy for any runner who wants to dream big. Whether you plan to embody a running mantra listed above or are searching for something more specific to your situation, brainstorming a few ideas is a great way to help narrow your focus.

Running is incredibly revealing. It has a unique way of showing us our weaknesses while also helping us prove just how strong we are. And it’s no secret: the bigger we dream, the more we are likely to accomplish.

Find an encouraging running mantra to use throughout training and lean on when things get tough.

And remember – above all, speak kindly to yourself. Because what you say in your head matters.