As fall approaches, race season is right around the corner. For many runners, this is the time of year when all the training, sweat, and sacrifice start to pay off. If you’ve been sticking to your plan, logging the miles, and hitting your milestones—congratulations! That’s no small feat.
But if you’re like me, maybe life has gotten in the way. Between traveling for work, family responsibilities, or dealing with the occasional injury, it can be tough to stay as consistent as you’d like. And that’s okay. What matters most is showing up, doing what you can, and keeping your eyes on the bigger picture.
The Struggle to Start
This morning, I had one of those days. You know the kind. I woke up, stared at the ceiling, and felt the weight of my long run ahead of me. Sundays are usually my long run days, but today my watch called for an easy 33 minutes at a 10:25 min/mi pace. On paper, nothing too demanding.
Still, I dragged myself out of bed, grabbed a banana, and laced up. As I kept reminding myself, “All you have to do is start. One step at a time.”
Usually, that’s enough. Five minutes into a run, I find my rhythm and wonder what the fuss was about. But this morning was different. Every step felt heavy. Every breath felt forced. My heart rate was steady, so I knew it wasn’t a fitness issue—it was a mental one. Honestly, I didn’t want to be out there. I wanted to turn around, crawl back into bed, and call it a day.
Why Mindset Matters in Running
If you’ve been running for a while, you know that not every run feels good. Some days, you glide through miles with ease, while others feel like you’re running with bricks strapped to your shoes.
The truth is, running is just as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. Your body may be capable of more than you realize, but your mind can either push you forward—or hold you back. That’s why cultivating a strong running mindset is so important, especially if you’re training for something big, like a marathon.
Finding My Mantra
I’ve read before that having a mantra can help you push through the tough miles. Some runners repeat phrases like “One more step” or “You can do this.” Up until today, I never really had one of my own. But somewhere between mile one and two of this difficult run, I found it.
I started asking myself:
- Why am I running? Because I want to run a marathon.
- Why do I want to run a marathon? Because I want to be the best version of myself.
- What does it take? This. This is what it takes.
That became my mantra: “This is what it takes.”
When I felt the urge to stop, I reminded myself: if I choose comfort every day, I’ll never cross that marathon finish line. But if I can embrace the hard days, if I can show up even when it’s tough, then I’m training not only my body—but also my mind.
Applying the Mantra Beyond Running
Since that run, I’ve realized this mantra applies to much more than just getting through workouts.
- When I need to sleep early instead of staying out late? This is what it takes.
- When I have to wake up before sunrise to fit in my miles? This is what it takes.
- When my legs are sore from a long run and I still have another session on the schedule? This is what it takes.
Every sacrifice, every small decision that moves me closer to my goal, adds up. Running a marathon—or any race, for that matter—isn’t just about physical training. It’s about mindset, grit, and resilience.
Do You Have a Running Mantra?
If you don’t already have one, I highly recommend finding a mantra that resonates with you. It doesn’t have to be complicated. The best mantras are short, powerful, and personal. Something you can repeat when your body says “stop,” but your goals say “keep going.”
Here are a few examples runners use:
- “One step at a time.”
- “Strong, steady, relaxed.”
- “I am stronger than I think.”
- “This is what it takes.”
Your mantra is a tool. Just like proper shoes or good nutrition, it’s something that supports your training and carries you through the tough moments.
Final Thoughts
Running is never just about the miles. It’s about the mindset you bring with you to every run, every decision, every sacrifice. Some days will feel effortless, others will feel impossible—but both are part of the journey.
So the next time you struggle to lace up your shoes or fight the urge to quit mid-run, ask yourself: Why am I doing this? And when you find your answer, remember: this is what it takes.
Stay consistent. Stay patient. And above all, stay committed to becoming the best version of yourself—one run at a time.
