Mantra Maker

So, I got a little excited last night when I found a facebook listing of Running Mantras.  I haven't picked my own yet, but I totally see the point of them!  ---and then I got REALLY excited when this HTML clueless girl figured out how to make a Scrolling Mantra List for my blog (see lower right sidebar)!  Here are some tips that I thought were helpful:

From:  Runner's World


Mantra Maker
How to put together your perfect phrase

Keep it short
Your mantra should be an affirmation, not a novel. "When you're tired, you don't want something elaborate," says Stephen Walker. "It's too hard to remember." Keep it to five seconds or less.

Stay positive
Think of the problem you're trying to counteract and turn it around. "If you're feeling weak, your mantra should be I am strong," says Walker.

Make it energetic
Your mantra should center on action verbs or strong adjectives, not abstract phrases, says Robert J. Bell. Look for words that convey energy, like "fast," "strong," or "power."

Embed instructions
Use the mantra to remind yourself what you plan to do or how you want to feel as you're running, says Walker. Now is the time; go for it. Or, Run relaxed. Finish strong.


BUILD IT, BELIEVE IT, BECOME IT
Choose one word from each section below to create a motivational, get-it-done power chant.

A
Run
Go
Stride
Sprint
Be 

B
Strong
Fast
Quick
Light
Fierce

C
Think
Feel 
Embrace
Be
Hold

D
Power
Speed
Brave
Bold
Courage

Sunrise Exercise

Getting my workouts in, in the morning is my favorite thing!  I've said before that I was a morning person, but, really, I think my body just really likes the sun.  When the sun comes up, I wake up!  When the sun goes down, I turn into a baby and want to go to sleep.

It is sooo refreshing to be out running as the sun comes up!  There is something very energizing about it!  Unfortunately, that's generally not possible this time of year... which would explain why I'm h aving so much trouble getting up in the mornings anymore.  It's cold outside, and it's so much nicer to be snug in a warm bed.

BUT, over the past few weeks, I'm being reminded again and again of how working out in the morning is just what "works" for me.  If I don't do it, I stress about it all day- about whether I'm going to get it in, about how to do it with the kids, about if something is going to prevent me from doing, about if I'm going to have enough ENERGY!  It's an extra ball to juggle through out the day, and it adds so much unneeded stress!

When I DO get my workouts in, I feel awesome, and energized!  It feels great going through the day, knowing I already kicked butt- and I did it without the interference of anybody in my fam-- (cuz they're all still sleeping-- this is MY time!).  It puts me in a good mood, and makes me feel powerful.  And, I don't hold any "grudges" through out the day, making me a much happier Mommy and Wifey!

Suck it up, Amber-- get out of bed.  You'll thank yourself later!

Just do it!

This is pretty amazing...

Just keep watching the whole thing...  I'm speechless!