Finding Your Running Mantra

How I found my "running mantra"
Good morning! I'll start off by saying that I am a new runner myself and I am LOVING it! Motivation hasn't been that hard to come by because of the passion behind my reason for running. One thing I came up with this week was my "running mantra," like most other runners have, because in the middle of those hard runs you might need some short phrase to give you a boost. I first went to Pinterest to see if there we any catchy ones there, but it eventually came down to just going to the Word and finding something that will bring me back to Him so I could rely on His strength and not my own. 

The verse that resonated with me the most can be found in Isaiah 41:10: 
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (emphasis added)

When I read this verse, I picture God reaching down and lifting my shoulders up and lightening the load off my feet. I imagine him giving me that boost to keep going or to run a little harder. This verse doesn't say that he is going to run for us; it says that he will strengthen, help and uphold us. When I am in the middle of a run, that is exactly what I need: God's help and strength. 

I have tried to "become a runner" countless times in the past and have failed time after time. I couldn't find that magic spell other runners had that gets them up in the morning to exhaust themselves. I tried focusing on weight loss or getting back to my athletic ways (I played select soccer most of my life). None of them were a good enough reason to get out of bed in the morning. At least, not for me. I needed something much larger and grander to lace up my gym shoes and go. This semester I have been insanely busy. Working two jobs, being a small group leader, going to school full time, and being in a classroom nine hours a week has really taken a toll on me and has exhausted me. So now you're probably thinking "Why add a workout routine to that?" Well, it came down to needing scheduled time with God. A time when I could let go of all stresses that the day contained. Even though this time is usually at 5:something in the morning and it is still dark outside, it is still a time where there is peace. The world hasn't woken up yet and it's just me, Jesus, and the pavement. 

Runners Prayer

While I was searching for this running mantra, I did find an awesome Runners Prayer:

Run by my side; live in my heartbeat; give me strength in my steps.

As the cold surrounds, as the wind pushes me, I know You surround me.

As the sun warms me, and the rain cleanses me, I know you are touching me,

challenging me, loving me. So I give You this run.

Thank you for matching my strides. 

Amen

My goal this week is to memorize this prayer and make it a part of my routine. I absolutely love the last line: Thank you for matching my strides. It's such a wonderful reminder that the Holy Spirit is right there with you, every step you take. 

Other Verses and Mantras:

Here are some other verses and mantras I have found either on Pinterest or while reading the Word. You can always use part of a verse or mantra as well. Whatever gives you that boost during your runs!

• I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13; emphasis added)
• But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31; emphasis added)
• Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and the perfecter of out faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1; emphasis added) 

 

 You can also make your own! Runner's World has a great step-by-step way to create your own mantra that you can use at different points in your run!

Do you already have a running mantra? Do you have any other tips or things you do during your run that can give you a boost? Please comment below!