Mantras

As a subscriber to Runner's World, I've read several articles about mantras. I've never really been a believer in them. How much can a couple of words help? Can repeating the same phrase over and over really make a difference? A lot and Yes.

There is one thing I know for certain about my running style... I'm a terrible pacer. I run at the pace of whoever I am with. When I'm by myself I have to set my treadmill or check my Garmin to make sure I'm at a pace I can sustain for a given distance. But the same rules don't apply while racing. I have to give it my all the entire distance. I aim to experience that 10 second window of potential vomiting.

While trying to ward off hypothermia during my last race, the light bulb came on. I was repeating the same words over and over without realizing it. "Never quit pushing. Never quit passing." And my mantra was born. (It's also my mantra while driving, hence the multiple speeding tickets and horrible gas mileage.)

During races I chase the person in front of me. When I pass them I chase the next person. I never want to quit pushing or passing. That's my race pacing strategy. Last year I hit all new PR's and this year is off to a great start.

I'm now a believer in runners finding those magic words that help break through the mental and physical barriers we all experience from time to time.