Words, Mantras and Fxck Cancer Motivation

Motivation doesn’t come easy when feeling rough at the end of a race. The last miles can be painful, both physically and mentally. The more tricks you have to combat fatigue with distraction, the better equipped you’ll be as you push toward the finish line. Key words, mantras and other motivations each play a valuable role. Here are a few of the things I’ll be thinking as I train and when I finally get to run my 50-mile race.



Anyone can follow a training plan and line up at the start feeling good. However, race day isn’t always sunshine and roses. What if it’s pouring down rain, like it was during my first half marathon? Temps could be below freezing or, my personal nightmare, it’s a hilly course. You should have seen my face when the announcer said “welcome to the hilliest half marathon in Michigan” just before the race start. I didn’t know that key piece of information when I registered.

Any number of things can go sideways during the race too. Blisters, chaffing or a cramping calf ranges from unpleasant to distracting to downright painful. The brain screams QUIT and starts pointing out every little ache and pain as a testament to give up. At this point, all you can do is dig deep and look for motivation to continue. Reciting a word or mantra is like meditation. Speaking or thinking that word or phrase with each footstep will take focus off the pain and put it on finishing the race.

My Word
My word this year is STRONG. I also feel encouraged by the words powerful, courageous and warrior. Simply reciting these words over and over can boost your confidence and put your mind in a better position to endure. It’s a reminder to not quit just because you’re tired or sore, but rather be STRONG and push through to the finish.

My Mantra
Mantras work in the same fashion. This year, my mantra is “Think Strong, Be Strong and Finish Strong.” I also like to remind myself that “I’ve got this” and sometimes I like to think about the beer at the finish. A mantra or phrase can be used like a metronome. Use the phrase to reset your cadence from a zombie shuffle to getting some bounce back in your step. Focusing on cadence will also get your mind off the fatigue and discomfort that comes in the last miles of the race.

Fxck Cancer Motivation

Motivation can also be found in doing something philanthropic. Running for a charity or someone special is not only motivating, it provides a bigger purpose. Instead of running for yourself, you are running for someone else. Now, you are motivated to get to the finish line because someone is depending on you to succeed.

I found the Fxck Cancer Endurance Team through social media and immediately knew this was the right charity for me to support. The cause and the team of athletes has been inspiring. Many ambassadors are Ironman triathletes, which is impressive, and they are training while also going through chemotherapy. Yes, these triathletes are fighting for their lives while also preparing for big events like the Ironman! These cancer warriors inspire me and I’ll think of them during my 50-mile run. Their perseverance and bravery will give me strength during the tough miles.

With Fxck Cancer at the core of my motivation, I have a newfound level of confidence to run 50 miles. I’m inspired, encouraged and motivated to accomplish my goal, no matter how long it takes or how much it hurts. I have Fxck Cancer gear to remind me of my purpose when completing this 50-mile race. It also will remind me of the cancer warriors out there living life the best they can and that I am stronger than I think.

Please consider donating to this amazing charity that is doing epic things. In addition to educating and informing people about early detection, they gift special VIP treatment to cancer warriors through their Dyin2 Live Dreams program. Your donation is incredibly helpful to so many people.

Please donate by clicking on my personal fundraising page. Visit the Fxck Cancer website for more information and to purchase some of the epic merchandise.



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