"You're tougher than the rest."
Those are the words Sarah Reinertsen, the first female leg amputee to complete the Ironman world championship, repeated to herself in a half-Ironman qualifier when the going got especially tough.
As I read Reinertsen's mantra in Runner's World, I felt more than a bit sheepish, considering my personal workout mantras border on the edge of dorky and completely ridiculous. (Sometimes, I'll sing the lyrics to "Shoop" by Salt-N-Pepa; other times I'll chant the elements from the periodic table to the tune of Frere Jacques. Go ahead; unfriend me on Facebook.)
I asked other everyday athletes what words they imagine to psyche themselves up during a long run, a Spin class sprint, HIIT training and more. Feel free to snatch up their mantras, or share yours below:
"You can do anything for 30 seconds." -- Jennifer Borgioli, 34
"Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever." -- Sunset Sealy, 29
"Do it for you, do it for Scott. Do it for you, do it for Scott." -- Kristina Grish, 35 (married to Scott)
"Onward." -- Anne Krueger, 54
"If ultramarathoners can run 100 miles, you can easily do eight." -- Katie Higgins, 24
"The 'Just Keep Swimming' song from Finding Nemo." -- Theresa Hill, 27
"Just do it and it's done." -- Melissa Howard, 31
"You are more capable than you think." -- Kendra Sebelius, 31
"Stong and sleek." -- Jennifer Conlin, 33
"'Eye of the Tiger' -- and I imagine I'm Rocky Balboa climbing the steps in Philly." -- Julie Smolyansky, 35