Running shoes are stacked on the shelf. Skin tight running pants are neatly folded and the compression shirt is safely in your wardrobe. It’s cold and grey outside, the sofa’s more comfy and the TV’s in range. Why would you ever think about going for a run?! We’ve all been there. We all know how difficult it is to pick yourself up and go. Motivational music helps some people, other maybe by a green tea smoothie with spinach, mint and honey. It doesn’t matter which style you prefer, a running mantra can’t hurt. Mantras are all about mnemonics, which usually have some kind of spiritual meaning. The (mental) reciting of mantras helps us to achieve our sporting goals. Stuff like “even further!”or the Freeletics motto “no excuses” really help. Mantras serve as both motivation and inspiration. We’ve put together 25 mantras; whic one is your favourite?  

25 motivational mantras for runners

the-faster-you-run-mantra  
  1. The faster you run, the faster you‘re done.
  2. If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.
  3. Don't listen. Don't look. Just run. — Christine Fennessy
  4. Strong legs. Fast feet.
  5. I don’t stop when I’m tired, I stop when I’m done.
  stop-when-youre-done-mantra  
  1. One mile at a time. — Amby Burfoot
  2. As we run, we become. — Amby Burfoot
  3. Born to Run.
  4. Fast or slow, it hurts just the same. —Sean Downey
  5. Pain is temporary. Pride lasts forever
  pain-is-temporary-mantra  
  1. I am. I can. I will!
  2. Think strong, be strong, finish strong. —Renee Metivier Baillie
  3. Nothing is impossible. The word itself says “I’m possible”. — Audrey Hepburn
  4. Train insane or stay the same.
  5. If you can’t run faster, run further.
  run-longer-mantra  
  1. Make it or break it. — Jordan Desilets
  2. This is what you came for. — Scott Jurek
  3. Unless you faint, puke or die, keep going!
  4. Run the mile you are in. — David Willey
  5. It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up. — Babe Ruth
  every-single-step-mantra  
  1. Decide. Commit. Succeed.
  2. I have met my hero, and he is me. — Dr. George Sheehan
  3. Keep moving forward.
  4. Believe the voice that says you can.
  5. Every journey begins with a single step.
  You’ll find all of these mantras in our Pinterest gallery: Follow keller Sports Wall „Motivational Quotes / Mantras“ on Pinterest. running shoes  

Make up your own mantra!

A mantra only works when you believe in the words. It has to make sense to you. If none of our mantras suit you, then create your own.
  • Use adjectives like strong, fast or powerful.
  • Use suitable verbs like run, think or feel.
  • Use a strong noun, e.g. power, courage or body.
Keep your mantra short and concentrate on the emotions and feelings that it should convey. Try it out! Share your mantras with us on Pinterest or Instagram!