If I have learned one thing this training cycle it is that each is very different. Some training seasons are on point and others are a mess.

I’m not quite sure what I want to title this one as yet, but it sure isn’t as smooth as previous ones.

One thing I enjoy doing each time is selecting a mantra to helps me get through it. I use this during training and especially during the marathon itself as a reminder of what it’s taken to get there.

You can read about my running story here and here.

Here is a look at some previous mantra’s I’ve used:

My First Marathon (Chicago 2012)

As with anyone’s first marathon, you really don’t know what to expect.  I knew it was a long way and I knew I really needed to focus on being able to run that long.

My mantra for my first marathon was:

“You can do this. Just finish”

It’s a simple mantra but without ever having run a marathon before there were many times during training I wondered if I could eve accomplish my goal.

I remember hitting the wall of my first marathon at 15 and being on the verge of tears. I was struggling so hard but I kept telling myself “you can do this!”

Kiawah Marathon

I’m skipping over my second marathon in Chicago, because I honestly don’t remember too much about. Let’s focus on my first marathon I ever ran with a time goal – Kiawah Island Marathon.

I set my goal of wanting to BQ without really believing that I could; however, I knew I would never know unless I tried.

I quickly realized what my mantra would be:

“EARNED not given.”

I even received a Momentum Jewelry Motivate wrap with those words written on it. I wore it for every workout, tempo run, and even on race day to remind me that it takes hard work.

I put in the hard work and it paid off! Of course, this doesn’t always happen but I was lucky enough to succeed that day. I remember looking down at that phrase several times throughout the course. I had defiantly earned it!

Chicago Marathon 2015

I’ve been thinking a lot recently about what I want my mantra going into Chicago to be. It sure hasn’t been the greatest training season, but I know I’ve still put in a lot of work.

I’ve heard some great ones as I’ve been thinking about this such as: “I can do hard things”, “believe”, “just run”, “run the mile you’re in” etc.

However, I’ve decided that the mantra I’m going to focus on this time is:

“Relax and believe.”

Being able to relax during even the hardest runs is tough. It’s been something I’ve made a big priority during the second half of my training.

My goal going into Chicago is to remind myself to relax and believe that I can give it all I’ve got. I don’t know exactly what the outcome will be, but you better believe I’m going to give it my all!

What is your go-to running mantra?

Do you repeat anything to yourself during a marathon?