What is your Mantra

Do Whatever It Takes

"A body in motion tends to stay in motion".

Gotta go, gotta go, gotta gotta gotta go................

Repeat as necessary

I don't always have a mantra in every race but seem to have one in the races in which I exceed my expectations.  That said, every time, my mantra has come to me that day and has been very organic to the day.  Any time that I've gone in to and/or started a race with a mantra it has not stuck through the race nor has it helped me.  

I don't suspect that I'm the norm when it comes to mantras.

I stole someone else's mantra.

"When your legs give out, run with your heart."

During training it's "HTFU cupcake"

During a race, it's "run to that tree.. ok, run to the next light post.. k, now run to the next bush..."

For training, on those days I just don't feel like training - I remember something I read on BT (can't remember who wrote it to give them credit)

"I never regretted doing a workout, but I have regretted NOT doing a workout"

I also like to say "I take what my body can give me on any given day" (not sure that is motivating, but I like it)

For racing "You are NOT a quitter" "HTFU" "only ____ miles to go" "OMG this hurts" "I want my finishers medal"  "OMG this hurts" "OMG this hurts, what was I thinking?" "OMG, this feels great!"     

"Lets go Chris, everyone is watching" or "C'mon Chris you got this, your kids are at the finish line"

Training: "It doesn't get easier, you just get faster." - Greg Lemond

For races:

During the swim: "slow is smooth, smooth is fast"

During the bike: "enjoy the suffering"

During the run: "one more mile."

Just Breathe

(I have exercise induced asthma, but if I can stay focused on my breathing I do alright)