May You Never Lose the Joy and Play of Running

The older I get and the more I run, I see that what matters most is what’s between my ears.

When I’m tired what will I say to myself to keep going? 

My brain says I need to stop.

When I feel the pain, the nerve twinges what will I say? 

My brain yells I need to slow down.

When snow, rain, or wind are outside my window what will I say to get out the door and stick to my training plan? 

My brain whines, you can run another day. 

When I let my brain spiral to negative thinking or self-doubt without fighting back my run and race performance suffers. 

I need a mantra to stop the spiral.   

​​Leading up to The Boston Marathon I was practicing mantras in advance to have at the ready. I understood this race would be hard, especially with Heartbreak Hill at mile 20. My mind was the factor that would ultimately matter. I didn’t question my training. I was prepared and physically fit to run. Yet my mind, and what I said to myself would have a huge impact on my performance and crossing the finish line. 

During training runs, I would repeat mantras to prepare me for race day. I have what it takes. Breathe. Relax. Run. My legs are strong. I got this! I would write them down in my journal and even write poems! 

Boston Marathon here I come

Many years to achieve this one

Will keep on training 

My mind is gaining

I’m running the roads as I hum.  

I know my thoughts are powerful and they matter. The moment self-doubt creeps in and I allow it to stay, racing becomes a long day. This is why I believe my mind matters most, not my shoes, clothes, special exercises, or training program. That is helpful but isn’t what ultimately gets me to the finish. It’s what I say to myself and the attitude I bring to the start line. 

Mindset is everything and the more I practice mantras that serve me, the easier it becomes. I’m appreciative of the time on the road I get to practice and manage my mind. 

So let me ask you…what are your mantras? 

Do you have them ready when you toe the start line? 

What will you say to yourself when discomfort, fatigue, and pain show up.

What will you say to yourself to keep freaking going?! 

I would love to know…head over to my platform on Substack-Run to Write with Julie B. Hughes and hit me up in the comments. 

You got this! See you on the roads or trails. 

May you never lose the joy and play of running.  

 PLAY RUNNING

What do you play?

I play running

I don’t hear that

Do you?

It would be cool

To hear-

I play running too.

Running is play

This is why

How many birds can you find in the sky

Leap over rocks

Chase a fox-

Beats staying inside

A box

Trees all around

Glorious fresh air

Adventure awaits

You can go anywhere

Bound uphills

Soar back down

Feet flying off the ground

No rules, no whistles

Wide-open space

To play, run

A smile on my face

I play running

Everyday-

It’s fun to have some buddies

Along the way

-What do you say?

Join the Run to Write Community for weekday encouragement, running stories, and a poem of the day.  

Her Run to Boston book of poems for the marathoner is now available in store!

Julie B. Hughes is an author, licensed physical therapist, and marathoner. She lives in Manlius, NY with her husband, Jeff, and children Brindsley & Delaney. Her book of poems was inspired during her training for The Boston Marathon. Julie hopes her poems will energize your miles and keep you showing up. She is grateful for her running, writing, and the joy it brings her. You can find her week-day blog, Run to Write at: juliebhughes.substack.com. Thank you for your support. She can also be found on her Author Page.