His Mantra is Probably "Yes, I Can"

on January 20, 2009

I’m so disappointed I have to work today — I would really like to watch television all day long.

I settled for Inauguration Oatmeal. 🙂

My oatmeal contained:

1/2 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1 sliced banana
Toppings: strawberries, blueberries, and granola

It felt patriotic and delicious! Yay, America!

So I have terrible Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) in my legs from Sunday’s 12.0 miler (ouch, ouch, ouch!). And I have immediate soreness in my arms and back from weightlifting last night. I haven’t done weights in so long — and it definitely shows!

What’s Your Mantra?

I was reading some message boards on Cool Runnings last night about running mantras. So many runners have funny mantras; some have super serious mantras. Here are some of the best!

Screw it; run through it!
I’m a machine and can go forever!
Second Place is the First Loser!!!
The only person who can beat you is you…and I’m pretty sure you can take her.
SEE THE HILL — TAKE THE HILL!
The only easy day was yesterday!

My mantra is "Pain is Temporary, Quitting is Forever." I internally yell it to myself whenever I want to quit on a run.

Do you have a workout mantra? What is it? Do you tend to think positively ("You are AWESOME") or negatively ("Come on, you lazy bum! RUN!") when you are motivating yourself?

{ 13 comments }

Tami January 20, 2009, 6:59 am
i ran 9 miles yesterday and came right home and did yoga for runners from yogadownloads, i felt great this morning when i woke up.
Mica January 20, 2009, 7:03 am
Haha, patriotic oatmeal. Obama would be proud.

I heard once that Paula Radcliffe kept repeating to herself “This is mine!” in the NYC Marathon (2007 I think). Sometimes, I say that to myself but on my alone runs…when I’m not competing with anyone. So really, it’s just a redundant mantra.
Simple and Divine January 20, 2009, 7:04 am
I always have to mantra my ass on my mat (usually in the beginning) to really focus… JUST BREATHE L0VE. It works magic 🙂
Heather McD (Heather Eats Almond Butter) January 20, 2009, 7:05 am
Hey Caitlin,
Try ice baths after your long runs. They are torture but really help as the cold constricts the blood vessel resulting in less soreness. Fill your tub with 2 bags of ice and a little water. Sit in it for 10-15 minutes.

Also, a must for every runner…www.thestick.com. I recommend this or a foam roller to all my running clients.

Sorry you have to work today. 🙁
jenngirl January 20, 2009, 7:10 am
haha I love those mantras…Mine is probably something along the lines of “yes, you can!” but I may steal some of yours 🙂
Aimee January 20, 2009, 7:17 am
I have a Lance Armstrong itunes coaching run on my ipod and during part of the workout Lance says your mantra. That pain is temporary but quitting lasts forever. Hearing Lance say it, just makes me feel extra guilty if I do quit!
greendogwine January 20, 2009, 7:19 am
Love the shared mantras, some of those are great!

Happy Obama Day! 🙂
Amanda January 20, 2009, 7:22 am
Ooh sorry about the soreness! I agree with Tami – the Yoga for Runners from yogadownloads.com is awesome. It’s a free one and only 25 mins … really does a good job 🙂

I’m not really sure if I have a mantra … it’s more just like “Breathe, push through it, it’s going to be easier in a minute!”

YAYYY OBAMAAAA
Victoria January 20, 2009, 7:30 am
Often when I want to quit on runs I just give myself a streaming peptalk. No specific mantra. Just stuff like “Oh you’ve done this before. You’ll be so proud of yourself when you’re done.” That sort of thing. Occasionally I actually say these things aloud without realizing it and get odd looks form my husband or those around me.
Colleen January 20, 2009, 7:33 am
No mantra really…but I always start out every run (no matter how long) saying to myself “you only have to do 2 miles.” Usually by the end of mile one I’m starting to get into my groove, so then I just think repeatedly “WooHoo!” as I’m running! Finished 4 miles yesterday this way (I had only planned for 3). Silly, but it works! 🙂
Meghann January 20, 2009, 7:38 am
Can you take those mantras and make a design so I can put them on a shirt?!?!?!?! PLEASE!! :)Thanks!

I’ll remind you!

and YES to back up plans at Ethos. i saw Gina’s post yesterday and figured soemthign was up and its completely understandable. I hope everything is ok.
Meg January 20, 2009, 8:01 am
Love your breakfast! I don’t have a mantra, but you have inspired me to make one!
seeleelive (for the love of peanut butter) January 20, 2009, 4:32 pm
hey caitlin! love this new title 🙂

my mantra? exercise is 30% physical, 70% mental.

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