In Search of a Mantra

Today my husband had to take our son to the Dr...by  himself.  Our oldest child is 8 years old and this is the first time he's ever done such a thing.  I'll give him props.  He only called me 3 times from Safeway so I could point him in the right direction.  After trying to explain that tylenol IS acetamenophin, he said he'd just get the real shit.  Uh, ok. 

He also called back when leaving town to bitch about the fact that "this little trip to town" cost him nearly $200.  Obviously he NEVER buys groceries, and if he does his list pry looks more like this:

He was quite put out that I gave him a list to complete after going to the Dr.  We live in BFE.  It's against some law to go to the big city without getting the necessities.  He should just be thankful I didn't tell anyone else he was going or they'd have sent a list too.  That's how we roll here in the sticks.  

Anyways, the real reason for my post today...I need a running mantra.  Something to repeat to myself when I want to lay down in the middle of the road and cry.  Some I'm considering:

• Don't be such a girl.
• Do you want ppl to see you suck?
• Run, b*t*ch.
• Get your ass to moving.
• Focus, damnit!
• If I stop, I'll kick my own ass.
• If I stop, I'll let Heather kick my ass.
• If you finish, you can buy new boots..or jeans..or shoes..
• F*** you, hill or leg or lungs or whatever I'm annoyed with.
• I run to look good naked.

Although I'm fond of several of those, like a true problem solver, I turned to Google for more help.  According to Runner's World, a good mantra is  "one that's short, positive, instructive, and full of action words" and one that "diverts your mind from thoughts that reinforce the pain to thoughts that help you transcend it."  I've discovered that I often count my steps while running and figured that was "weird".  However, Google assures me that counting is actually a great distraction and that some runners even have a counting pattern.  I'll let you know when I find my pattern.  Maybe Google can help me with that too.

In all seriousness, I've discovered that the most difficult part of running for me is the mental aspect.  It's my brain telling the rest of me to stop or that I can't go any farther.   "Repeating choice words whenever you need to focus helps direct your mind away from negative thoughts and toward a positive experience." 

I'll admit that much of my "self-talk" may seem unorthodox, but it works for me.  My inner me is always cursing my outer me.  When I'm angry, I swear, so many of my "choice" words can't be repeated here and usually start with 'f'.   However, I am seeking a "nicer" mantra...one that I could actually write on my hand (like Neon Blonde Runner does) that won't get disdainful looks from others.  Some possibilities:

• DO. NOT. STOP
• You are a rock star.
• JUST. RUN
• NO EXCUSES
• Smooth. Steady. Strong
• Run through it.

 What do you all think?  Please help me get more than 2 responses here, people.  Do you have a running/fitness mantra to get you through??