Monday, March 25, 2013

Monday Mantras

So, this morning when I was running, I was thinking...

Oh, yeah, about that.  Well, I know I said I wasn't going to run today, but I have a good excuse!  Seriously!  I looked at the calendar and realized I have to move things around this week.  I'm getting color added to my tattoo on Wednesday afternoon and I won't be able to wear a sports bra (i.e. run) for at least 4-5 days, so I want to get my runs in before then.  Makes complete sense, right?  Nevermind that patience post from yesterday.  ;)

Anyhow...

First off, I ran 3 miles STRAIGHT.  Yep.  STRAIGHT!  I think that's the first time I have done that.  I usually take a minute to walk and so this is a big deal to me.  I broke my 11 minute pace as well and did it at a 10:58 pace, so that felt really good.  I actually don't think my pace changed at all, but not having that minute or two in there walking made it seem that way. 

Onto the point.  Sorry.  So, I was thinking about mantras when I was running.  I had looked around the web, thinking that having something to push myself or repeat in my head might be nice while running, but I didn't find anything I could actually remember.  It has to be easy, or I forget, so no long quotes about strength and perseverance for me!  Instead, I just let my mind go where it wanted, and realized that I have a couple mantras that push me through when I need it.

The first was "SETTLE INTO IT.".  I have no idea why I tell myself this, but I do it quite a bit and it really helps me slow myself down a bit, focus on my form, and BREATHE.  Sometimes I tell myself to breathe as  well, but usually just the settle into it works. 

The second was one that really helped when I wanted to walk.  Today I really wanted to keep running because I knew I could and wanted to run the whole time.  So, I just kept repeating to myself "I am a RUNNER." It really helped!  And I FEEL like a runner today! 

So, anyone out there have any mantras they use when running or working out that keep them going and give them an extra boost?  (such an assumption that anyone is actually reading this blog! LOL) 

14 comments:

  1. This girl is on fire....this girl is on fire

    If I don't run to music, all I can do while I'm running is count. Mindlessly. Even if I try to NOT count as my feet hit the pavement, I count. Numbers, doesn't matter where I start, and almost never start at one. Just something my brain does, and it drives me crazy. So I have to listen to music, and I find motivation in the lyrics of the songs I have on my playlist.

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    1. That is awesome! Did you know that Girl on Fire was the "theme song" for the Princess 1/2 this year? I run with music as well, that's interesting about the counting. I don't count, but I find repeating something over and over is almost meditative.

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  2. I have the same counting issue as Lora so I always walk and run to music. Otherwise I make myself crazy.

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    1. That is really interesting that you count too! I wonder if its a natural thing people do when they run? I just get annoyed at how loud I sound pounding the ground. Lol

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  3. I don't run with music and I don't count but sometimes I get these annoying little jingles in my head like PLOP PLOP Fizz Fizz, oh what a relief it is! It drives me nuts!

    I have a mantra for when I get tired... it is EMBRACE the SUCK! And it makes me feel tougher.

    Thanks for the new GFC follow. Glad to find you and your blog too! I love the picture on yoru header.

    We got married at The Grand Floridian Hotel in 1991 and WDW is a big favorite of ours. Have never run a race there though.

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    1. Hello Elle and Welcome!! Ah, you got married at GF?!?! That is so awesome. I never went to WDW when I was young, so I luckily didn't know about it when I got married. I keep telling Rey we should renew our vows there. Embrace the suck! That's the best! Nice one! I'm glad you found me and are reading! Thanks for responding.

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  4. Just came across your blog- really enjoying it so far!
    As for a mantra, the first mile for me is always the hardest and I tell myself exactly that! Suddenly after that first mile, I'm more relaxed and calm.

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    1. Thank you for posting! I usually remind myself of something similar, although I'm thinking that the 2nd and 3rd mile are still pretty hard too! LOL! I'm getting there.

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    2. I find that once I regulate my breathing, it gets easier.
      If you're interested, I'm currently training for the Dumbo race in Disneyland and I talk about my training progress on my blog.
      Http://domesticgoddessconfessions.blogspot.com

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    3. I found you on Bloglovin and subscribed!

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    4. Awesome! I'm following you as well!

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  5. I love the mantra 'embrace the suck'. I think I will use it. :) I actually never thought of using a mantra & am going to try it when the going gets tough (which is pretty quick for me).

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    1. I hadn't given it a lot of thought until I saw someone talking about it and I really feel like it helped me push through those times I needed it!

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  6. There's always mine - *at least I have legs*.

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