Mantra Revisited

The word mantra comes from two Sanskrit words, man ("to-think") and tra ("tool"). Thus, the literal translation of the word is "a tool of thought." Mantras are used in Buddhist and Hindu practices as tools that clear your mind of distractions. They believe when you focus on repeating a mantra over and over again, the noise of distractions die down and you can hear your inner voice.

Similarly, in running the marathon, you can apply this practice as a tool to clear your mind of thoughts that are saying you can't sustain your goal effort, and help you to work through periods of physical fatigue that all runners usually encounter at some point in the latter stages of the race. The key here is to find a word or coin a short phrase that is so meaningful or inspiring that you drown-out the physical and mental distractions and find your inner strength to continue running.

Of course, you have to separate distractions of physical and mental fatigue, or self-doubt, from those of "true-pain" that indicate injury or onset of muscle or bone trauma that leads to inability to maintain your normal running gait or speed. In running marathons, even the world's best encounter periods of fatigue and doubt and find ways to work through them, and many of them resort to their mantras and zone in to them.

Dull-aching, tightness, light throbbing or burning sensations in leg muscles are often normal signals of physical stress that often can be worked through and eventually subside simply by continuing running on. Other times, minor adjustments in form and speed, or a brief walk-break may be necessary to get back on track. There is no simple answer how to interpret signs of stress and when it is permissible to "break on through to the other side" and discover your "second wind." This is part of the "art" that goes with the"practice" that the performance requires.

But, a mantra can help give your ability to endure and persist through rough times in the latter stage of the marathon, so it is worth it to create one or more for yourself and your upcoming marathon. As we get into the real long-runs, pay close attention to the sensations and signals you feel and how to consciously interpret them as simple fatigue or pain that signals an injury in the making.

Give some thought to these concepts and start thinking of what mantra(s) you will rely on when it comes to marathon race day.

Coach Frogger