Mantras & Mindset: Elevating Your Running Journey with Don Oswalt

Unlock the secrets to transforming your running experience with the power of mantras! All by using simple, powerful phrases to elevate your mental and physical performance.

This episode reveals how elite runners like Deena Kastor and Meb use these mental power-ups to maintain focus and resilience. Discover actionable tips for finding your own mantra and how it can be a game-changer for your running journey. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned marathoner, learn how mantras can help you combat negative thoughts and boost your motivation with a burst of feel-good dopamine.

We're thrilled to welcome Don Oswalt, founder of My Race Tatts, who shares his inspiring journey and the unique concept of wearable mantra art. Discover how his innovative temporary race tattoos are empowering athletes during grueling endurance events from a training run to Ironman!

Use discount code STRIDES25 to get 25% off your purchase of $10 or more here

Running isn't just about physical fitness—it's a journey of self-discovery and mental resilience. We'll dive into personal stories and the importance of positive mindset shifts that come from joining a running community. Hear about the transition from seeking external validation to finding intrinsic joy and fulfillment in every stride. Embrace the significance of a positive outlook and how it can enhance your life experiences, self-confidence, and ability to overcome mental barriers.

Learn about the emotional and motivational support these affirmations provide and hear heartfelt feedback from athletes who've experienced their transformative power. 

Join our Extraordinary Strides community on Facebook and Instagram for more tips, stories, and encouragement as you make extraordinary strides in your running journey.

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:00

Hey friend, welcome back to another exciting episode of Extraordinary Strides. I'm your host, coach Christine, and today we have a fantastic show lined up for you and for those that know me well, you know this is going to be all of my love languages wrapped into one incredible interview. So, whether you're on a run, driving to work or just relaxing at home, get ready, you're going to be inspired, and I'm going to first drop a little bit of knowledge down with you. So, friend, because today, before we bring on our very special guest, I want to talk to you about something that has been a game changer for many people across the board, but especially for runners, including myself, and that's mantras.

Speaker 1: 0:44

Mantras, they're short, powerful phrases that we repeat to ourselves during our runs, and I'm going to suggest you start repeating them to yourself off the run as well, so you can really build a very strong connection to your mantra. It feels kind of almost simplistic and for some folks that may sound a little woo-woo, but the power of words and mantras are incredible. They have a profound impact on our mental and our physical performance. So if you're wondering, okay, back this up, coach, because I don't know if I believe it. And you're asking why are mantras so effective? Well, it comes down to how our brains work. So when we run, especially during those tough stretches I know we've all been there negative thoughts usually creep in, and these thoughts can be distracting and a little demotivating, sometimes even making us want to quit, question our sanity, throw in the towel. All of the above has happened on a run. But what a mantra does is it serves as a mental power-up, like a little level-up. Remember when you were playing Super Mario Brothers and you wanted that extra level-up? It gives us something positive and empowering to focus on. And neuroscientists see I told you, you know, if you know me, you know that I love me some neuroscience, neuroscientists have found that repeating mantras can activate the brain's reward system, releasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine, which helps us to feel more motivated and less stressed. And who doesn't want an extra little bit of motivation for those tougher, more challenging runs? And I'm going to give you some examples. Like a simple mantra, like I am strong or keep moving forward, can work wonders. So when you repeat these phrases, you start to believe them, and this belief translates into increased endurance and resilience. Think of it as flipping a switch from negativity to positivity, instead of focusing on the discomfort or the distance ahead, you're reinforcing hey, I can do tough things, I've got this.

Speaker 1: 2:43

And even elite runners use mantras, my friends. Take Dina Castor Again. If you know me well, you know that I will talk all about taking one of her incredible workshops. And she, I promise you, works on her mindset just as much as she works on her physical prowess. So Dina Castor, for example, uses the mantra define yourself. That's super powerful, and she helps to use that to push her through the toughest parts of her races, and this reminds her that she has the power to overcome any challenge. Or Meb who uses run to win to keep his mind focused on giving his best effort.

Speaker 1: 3:24

These mantras are not just words. They're powerful tools that help these athletes stay at the top of their game. So you know what I'm talking about. If it's good enough for the elite, it's good for us extraordinary runners as well. They're for everyone.

Speaker 1: 3:39

So, whether you're just starting out training or your next big race, I'm going to ask you to truly get in to the mindset mantra game. The key is to find a mantra that resonates with you, something that feels empowering and relevant to your journey, and it may take some time to find the perfect one. You might not date a few mantras here or there, maybe just take it out for a test drive or on a run to see what really resonates with you. But, for example, it does end up becoming your secret weapon. And if you think about it from this point of view like think you're tackling a super tough hill and you're doing hill repeats and your legs are burning, your lungs are burning, you are exhausted and then kicking in and saying, repeating a mantra to yourself I am strong, or I'm queen or king of this hill With every step, it can make you a little bit more focused on that self-belief, that confidence, and helps to take your mind off of maybe any of the discomfort of reaching the top.

Speaker 1: 4:37

So mantras can also help with relaxation and staying calm. If you're ever in a super tense situation, maybe before you go to your races and we're all feeling those butterflies, a little bit of scared and excited, it's a great opportunity to use mantras where you can say breathe and relax to kind of help center you a bit more. It helps you to focus on your breathing, it helps to repeat those calming phrases and it helps you to keep your mind and body in sync. Of course, we want to prevent any of that panic. So going back to our breath and just breathe is a beautifully powerful mantra as well.

Speaker 1: 5:13

So, friends, I told you we're going to be joined by a very special guest and we are going to truly be joined by someone who has embodied the spirit and the power of mantras with his company, my Race Tax, and I can't wait to bring Don on so you can learn all about his story, his personal journey and how passionate he is about truly empowering runners and athletes with these incredible wearable art that can remind you of how powerful you are. So we're gonna be welcoming in Don Oswalt, who is not only an incredible athlete and runner in his own right, but he's also leading the charge and leading the way for other individuals to harness the power of their mindset with mantras as well. He's also given us a special treat, so do not skip this part, my friend. You're gonna definitely want to utilize the link in episode notes because we've got a great deal. He's given us the discount strides 25 to get 25% off any purchase of $10 or more, and let me tell you I have been using his mantras and these my race hats are so incredible. Just so much fun, and I love them for training runs, so I don't think they're just reserved for race day.

Speaker 1: 6:28

But with that said, enough chatting about me, let's talk about Don, his unwavering dedication and his ability to inspire others with his journey. So, without further ado, I'm going to welcome on in Don Oswalt to the show. Don, welcome, and we're so thrilled to have you here with us today. How are you doing, don?

Speaker 2: 6:47

Thank you, christine. I really appreciate it. I'm doing great, I'm doing really good, just had a great day and I'm really glad to be here. I really appreciate the opportunity.

Speaker 1: 6:57

I love that. You have a very great presence about you and the love of running and the community just comes through. So again, I can't wait for the audience to get to know you a little bit more Before we dive into my race chats. And mindset and mantras take us back to maybe your own personal journey of how you came to the world of running.

Speaker 2: 7:18

Yeah, it's interesting because In high school I did track a little bit, but after I graduated, I mean, I didn't do anything physical as far as exercise, running, any kind of physical activity, until my mid-40s. And so there was a long span of time and when in my mid-40s, I kind of was going through some personal issues and so I really needed an outlet. I needed a spot where I could just, you know, not have to worry about stuff for a little bit. And I had some buddies that were doing triathlon at the time. So I actually started to hang out with them and I've always wanted to do a triathlon. So I kind of taught myself to swim with those guys and borrowed a bike and then started running with them, and so it just grew into a real passion for running.

Speaker 2: 8:13

And while I was doing that, one of my girlfriend's friends was in a running group. She said, hey, come join us for our group. And so, as it turns out and as it usually goes with people, you just start hanging out with these people and then they're like, well, I'm going to sign up for this race or that race, and everybody was doing a half marathon. So I was like, okay, I'll try that. And so, anyway, it was a really great way of me just being able, at the start, to just kind of get away from all the things that were in my head, and it was a really great way for me to engage with others that had were like-minded and really wanted to just, you know, have fun.

Speaker 2: 8:58

And so that's kind of where it started for me and I really enjoyed just being in that community and I found out that I was actually pretty good at running and even triathlon and so started kind of like dabbling into qualifying for races and things like that, and I did qualify for Boston, ran Boston in 2014. It was 10 years ago. I've qualified again a couple of times, but just haven't gone back, but yeah, it's amazing, it was 10 years ago. I've qualified again a couple of times, but just haven't gone back, but yeah, it's amazing, it's just been an amazing journey.

Speaker 1: 9:31

So I feel like most people that are listening will resonate where most of us I feel like come to running a little bit later in life. I mean, there's always the folks that maybe are returning back to it from cross country or track, but there's a little bit of that finding it later in life and then also finding a new community and the transformative powers of it, of all of the really simple just moving forward. So with that I have to ask where were some of like? How do you feel like you may have changed before discovering running Like? What are some big takeaways that you could see? Like a big like definition of the changes that you may have seen?

Speaker 2: 10:07

Yeah, I mean, I think the biggest thing and I think this is a lot of people's journey is it just it gives you self confidence and that you're able to do hard things and be okay and get step out of your comfort zone and to really discover who you are as a person. And that was really transformational for me because of the fact that it really just grew me. It grew me up Even in my mid-40s. I don't feel like that. I was, I guess, an adult I'm not talking about adult things but just being mature and being able to have confidence in myself and my abilities. It really transformed my ability to just express who I always was, but was afraid to do that. So it really changed my life, honestly.

Speaker 1: 10:59

Automatically. What I see in my head when you're talking about this is kind of like a chiseling of like a perfect, the statue of like who we are. It kind of chisels away at insecurities and doubts and helps to kind of unveil the masterpiece within which is usually an individual who still has a lot of imperfections, but there is a resiliency, there's a grittiness, there's even grace that we find through all of that, which, again, we're kind of starting to touch a little bit on something that we both really really love. And one of the things that we connected about was the mental aspects, because I think people always think about running as I'm going to lose some weight, or I'm going to get stronger, or I'm going to be able to fit into my high school pant size or whatever the case may be. So when did you recognize that this was becoming such a big mental aspect of your life in terms of how you saw yourself, the confidence that it was building? Did it take you a couple of years? Was it after a big achievement?

Speaker 2: 11:54

Yeah, I think it was a progression, as everything goes, and it was kind of over a couple of years of really just realizing that I can take pride in who I am and what I'm doing. And honestly, in the beginning of my journey it was about the achievements, it was about being liked and wanting to fit in and wanting to have people pat me on the back. But now it's more about just developing me as a person, having fun. It doesn't matter about my time, it doesn't matter about my place anymore and it's just about the aspect of having fun and developing me as an individual, bringing more joy to me as a person and really inspiring others. And mindset really shapes our life how we look at life and if we're feeling positive about things, that's energizing and we're going to be more optimistic and compassionate and have self-belief. On the other side, if we're feeling down or we're about ourself, about our performance, you see the world as limited and closed off and you don't have any options and you won't trust that you can accomplish. You know what you're working towards. So, understanding that for me it really shaped my life. It changed. It was a game changer for me when I understood that. My mindset, how I view the world, how I view experiences, really shapes my life. It's really a game changer, and whenever you notice a negative mindset coming up because we all have it and we can always take a step back and just observe it without attachment and just ask yourself is this really true? Because we all have those voices in our head that can tell us that you're not going to be able to do this, I can't do this, or why are you doing this? You know all those things and those are just momentary things that you know our brain likes to trick us with. We have to remind ourselves that we are capable, we are strong, we are powerful in our own way, that even if we're coming last in a race, we are powerful in our own way. And there are two things that I like to do with when those things, those negative things, come up in my head or I have.

Speaker 2: 14:24

A challenging thing that happens during a race or with in life in general is we don't want to resist negative emotions because it's going to happen and we have to welcome them, because what we persist will persist. Yeah, absolutely yeah, what we resist persists, and the key to getting rid of that negative emotion isn't to think that you shouldn't have them, because we're all going to have them. We just need to look at them objectively and almost as a messenger. What is this trying to tell me? What am I giving it meaning to? And we can always find.

Speaker 2: 15:04

Number two would be having giving it the meaning that we want, because we can make it mean it whatever we want and we can choose the emotions and the message that's coming through those emotions and it's just recognizing and it's like okay, is this true? How do I really want to feel and how can I change this? Because it may be just. You care deeply, that might be the only meaning. I care about how I perform and I care about my body and taking care of myself, and it doesn't have to mean that it's a bad outcome. So those things are really important to me and have really changed my life in the fact that I can give them an experience, the meaning that I want, and we all have different perspectives on things, and so if I come last in a race, what am I going to tell myself? What's the meaning that I want? Well, I gave it my all, I gave everything I could and that's okay.

Speaker 1: 16:07

I love how you have found that your journey has kind of changed from being very performance metric focused and, while you still have fantastic performance and I'm sure your metrics are still there that it's not the primary focal point, that's not a primary motivator for you anymore.

Speaker 1: 16:24

You touched on so much from the fact that, of course, we all have these thoughts that sometimes will play in and then the practices that sometimes we can utilize to help us with those thoughts. So I think I'm gonna first take it back First. I'm gonna take it back to our motivators because, as you touched on, our motivators will change throughout our journey and I think it's really important that whomever is listening right now knows that, whatever your motivator is, that we're not here to judge it, because, while it may be this point, you may be lacing it because you do want to lose weight or you want to get healthier or you want to fit back into your size. I don't know that you were in high school. There is nothing wrong with that motivation. So it's not like we're trying to say like it has to be super esoteric, but tell me more about your own journey through the motivators and maybe some of the practices that you started to utilize. That's changed your motivation.

Speaker 2: 17:12

That's a good point because it has to do with being emotionally connected to what you're doing. And it may be that you want to lose weight. You're going to be emotionally connected to that. That's going to help you get out the door and it just goes back to your why. You know, why am I doing this? What's the emotional connection? Do I want to do it for my health? Do I want to just be able to play with my kids and get on the ground and play and not have to struggle to get up off the floor when I'm playing with my kids? That may be all your motivation to get out the door.

Speaker 2: 17:48

Or are you wanting to qualify for Boston or qualify for some other race? And I think that it's finding that emotional connection. Why are you emotionally wanting to do this? Because when the motivation isn't there, that's what's going to help you and that's really what has helped me. I can honestly say that just having that emotional connection to wanting to improve myself, wanting to be a better person, be a better father, be a better husband, be a better friend and those things when we're running or doing triathlon or just going for a run 5k, it doesn't matter, it's just about becoming a better you, so that those around you, you, can become better for them.

Speaker 1: 18:37

Absolutely.

Speaker 1: 18:38

I think I mean again, this is super powerful and so many different discussions, because what I'm hearing is really harnessing a practice where and maybe it's we're developing when we go for a run, or maybe it's off the track or off the asphalt where we're developing an intrinsic connection to our motivator, because I think that there's always gonna be some extrinsic type motivators as well.

Speaker 1: 18:58

But when you start to really harness in that connection, that intrinsic so for me when I really felt like I was able to get into that practice, it was through and we're kind of probably going to get into conversation before I really thought we were going to. But for me that really what helped was journaling with a positive mantra affirmation process. So, like nightly to this day I've been doing it for five years. I have not missed a day where I will journal before bed and do it a positive mantra affirmation kind of. I am practice, so let's get into that. Because for you this also translated into I assume that for your very first race you weren't necessarily thinking I'm going to get into positive affirmations and mantras, but similar ways so how did it kind of happen for you were devolved and then brought us to my race stats.

Speaker 2: 19:42

I'm glad that you brought that up, because when I did my first Ironman race, I had a lot of hesitations, a lot of can I do this, and all of those things. So I don't even know where I got the idea from, but I just started writing, you know, motivational things on my arm so that when I was running or biking or whatever I was doing, I could at least look down there. This is why I'm out here, and I mean sorry to get emotional, it was just an emotional experience of just knowing that you know, hey, I'm out here because I am strong, I am capable, and it really. I love that practice that you have started and that you've continued, because that's so critical to our mental strength or mental health, our not just in training and racing but in everyday life. It's like giving you the ability to trust yourself, to believe in yourself and know that you're, you know you've got this, and so Well, it's a practice, like everything else.

Speaker 1: 20:49

Like we can't get better at running, we can't get better at cycling, we can't necessarily enhance our positive association with ourselves without practicing it. So I have to ask what was your first? Oh wait, let me say, for folks that maybe aren't familiar with Ironman, can we tell them what that is? Let's get it a little bit more detailed, because, just in case they've heard of it but they don't actually know the distance associated with it, what is Ironman?

Speaker 2: 21:12

A full Ironman is a 2.4 mile swim and then 112 mile bike and then a marathon, all in the same day, one after the other, and so and you have 17 hours to complete it, have 17 hours to complete it, and so it's a long day and the real warriors are out there for 16, 17 hours. Those are the champions and I mean I can do it less than that. But it's really talk about a mental journey and a mental challenge. That's really testing your every cell in your body. And I really love the Ironman distance because it is you're not going all out, kind of like a 5k or something like that. It's more about pacing yourself because it is a long day. But yeah, it's really is a mental challenge and it really has an amazing journey of self-discovery. Honestly, it really is a mental challenge and it really has an amazing journey of self-discovery. Honestly, it really is.

Speaker 1: 22:14

I love that phrase, self-discovery because, again, as you mentioned, it's truly an endurance event where it's the mental resiliency that you have to tap into. So for me, when you start talking about your first Ironman, you decided I'm going to write an affirmation for myself. I don't even know if at that point, you even know it was an affirmation. If you just wanted to write something, and I'm thinking immediately like it would make so much sense that you would do it with, like a permanent marker or marker, because, again, triathletes, because you are out there for 17 hours potentially you're going to sweat through a lot of things, you're going to be in the water for an extended period of time. So what did you actually write on yourself for that very first time out of the gate?

Speaker 2: 22:51

If you're willing to share, yeah, it was like you got this stay strong, stay positive, and it was just those types of things of and do it for yourself. I mean, those things were just really important for me to just be, and it's like setting yourself up for success, it's like setting your mind or your intention before you get to your event. And that's really where the my race tats came in. As far as why I created them, because I used to write with a Sharpie and it by the end of the race it was like gone. It was like, you know, when I needed it the most, I couldn't even read it.

Speaker 2: 23:35

And so it was actually a couple of years ago that I had the idea.

Speaker 2: 23:39

It's like wow, because I saw this I think it was an ad on Facebook or Instagram or something.

Speaker 2: 23:45

It was more of a mainstream tattoo place that was just mainstream tattoos for everybody, and I was like, wow, what if I could do that for athletes and have some kind of a positive affirmation for athletes that would be more permanent and stay on during the race, regardless of the size, the length and regardless of the race conditions.

Speaker 2: 24:09

And so I had the idea. I kind of tested some at a local triathlon here to see how they did and they love them. And then I put a store together and just kind of did a pre-sell to see if they would sell and people started buying them. So it was like, okay, well, this might be something, but it's been really inspiring for me to see athletes use these to help them in their mindset and their believability in themselves, and I received so many messages about how they've helped athletes and it's their wording to me is like it's just a reminder of why they're out there, what they're doing and why they're doing it. So I think it's been just really inspiring for me to be a part of this and to help athletes have self-belief, and it's just been really a cool journey so far.

Speaker 1: 25:13

And such a critical time that they need it. Yeah, yeah.

Speaker 2: 25:17

Yeah, exactly.

Speaker 1: 25:18

I love how you say a couple of years hasn't been a long journey. You've definitely spoken like an iron man, somebody who has a different perspective of time entirely. I have to ask based off of that and friends, I really do want you guys to use the link in episode notes and head over to the shop and the website, because you're going to see some of this incredible artwork that he's put together. Do you have a favorite? Not what necessarily everyone else loves, because I have to be telling you what I'm looking at right now. I have to say that, based off of what you told me, I'm gravitating towards one specifically. I'm curious if that might be it, if that's your favorite, or is it like trying to pick a favorite pair of shoes or as a runner?

Speaker 2: 25:58

I think for me I'm looking at them right now because I've got I think for me it's like I am in control of my body, my mind and my race, and I think that really is boils down to how you can. You are in control, and sometimes it doesn't feel like it, but we do have. We're in control of two things when we're racing and that's our effort in our attitude and those things you have under your control. And so you know it's about being in control of those emotions that come up and when we're struggling out there. So what was your favorite?

Speaker 1: 26:39

Oh gosh, no. Well, first of all, it's impossible for me to pick a favorite either, but I will say I do love, I am, mantra specifically because there is so much attachment to it in terms of we all have identities and I think that the beautiful thing about running or swimming or cycling is that we start to see our identity kind of chiseled away and created anew, and it's a beautiful, usually metamorphosis. So for me and I am, is always gonna be, super powerful. I love that you've got this because that was one of the things that you said that you wrote for your first one. She believed she could, so she did. What woman listening to this could possibly not want that? I mean, that's just such an incredible. It's all about, again, that self-belief. What's not to love about them? I am a champion who doesn't want to hear that to themselves when they need it the most.

Speaker 2: 27:24

Yeah, and it's interesting, the she believed she could, so she did is our most popular one right now. And interesting story behind that is I saw this, that quote, and it's been out there a long time, but this athlete specifically had mentioned it and she has it on her. She's a pro cyclist called her name is Paige Onweller, and she has that saying put on all of her race kits and I was like wow, that's a cool saying and so I actually kind of put it out to. It's been kind of cool because my Facebook and Instagram community I'll just put an idea out there and that was one of them and everybody was like, yes, definitely, that should be a tattoo. So I actually put it together. I actually put four different designs together. I said, which one do you think you'd like? And so it was kind of a fun process of picking the design and all of that. So, yeah, that was a cool, it's a fun one and, yeah, it's one of our most popular.

Speaker 1: 28:30

So, friends, what I'm going to do right here and now is that, now that we have the feature where you guys can text us as you're listening to this podcast, I want you, when you go to the website and you check out your favorite, I want you to text me.

Speaker 1: 28:40

Let me know which one you absolutely love the most here, if you're able to actually pick out one that you love, just one, because I'm looking at the I am relentless who doesn't want that? Or the I am strong, I'm focused, I am ready. I mean, these are just such powerful, powerful words to remind you of what you need to lean on as yourself to get through any of these race day experiences. So, with that again, I have to say that this has to be such a rewarding experience for folks to be able to have them available and have them in such a really when they need it the most. Let's talk about your latest line because, as I mentioned, I am a huge believer of I am type of affirmations, and you have a new line that just kind of dropped recently.

Speaker 2: 29:24

Yeah. So I've had requests for the marathon, half marathon and Ironman distances, and so, rather than just putting 26.2 or 13.1 or 140.6, the Ironman distance, I decided and I had actually seen a post or a photo that somebody took and said I am 26.2. So I was like, wow, how cool is that? Because the I am phrase it's just not a phrase, it's just not a nice phrase, it's an important affirmation as an athlete, because anything you say after I am, your brain believes. So you know, you're declaring your identity, you're reinforcing positive self-image, and so I thought that it would be cool to just put I am 26.2. I am 13.1. And so, yeah, I've got. Let's see if I can show you. So this is the tattoo here.

Speaker 1: 30:26

I mean they're beautiful. They're all so beautiful.

Speaker 2: 30:30

So this is, that's the marathon tattoo. So I thought that that would be a cool way of just not just putting the number but declaring who you are and that you are capable of doing the distance and you know, have unshakable on a leap in yourselves to do it.

Speaker 1: 30:47

So yeah, yourselves to do it. So, yeah, what I'm going to suggest, friends, when you do decide which ones that you're going to get, is don't just wait for race day. If you have been having a tough period in your training and invariably during any endurance training you're going to have some days If you see something coming up on your training plan that you're a little fearful of or you're starting to feel a little bit trepidation around, I'm going to suggest that you break out that tattoo right then and there, and very easy to apply, absolutely easy to remove once you want it off as well. But to help you during your training run. I think there's so much to being able to look down at this and having that affirmation or that little boost of confidence when you need it, because, again, you're really learning how to rewire your neural pathways of one step at a time, believing in yourself a little bit more, of course, depending on maybe one leg at a time or one swim stroke at a time.

Speaker 2: 31:37

Right yeah.

Speaker 1: 31:39

So I mean, and then there's. So again, there's just so attractive, they look great and they say everything you could want when you need it the most. So, with that said, what are some of the things that you have heard from your I guess part of your community in terms of their takeaways with them?

Speaker 2: 31:56

Yeah, it's interesting you say that because I received this message just yesterday from. I took a screenshot of it. So this was Antoinette. She said I love my race test. I completed my second 5K this Saturday. I don't know how many times I was ready to give up. I looked down at my arm and to see the encouragement I love the personal note that accompanied the tattoos. I can't wait to order more. So it was like, when I was ready to give up, I just looked down and I was able to continue and that's that's really what I'm seeing and hearing from athletes. It's just about encouraging yourself to keep going, and that's really what has been inspiring for me, and why I created these tattoos was just to and I'm sorry I got emotional, it's just no, my God, we love it.

Speaker 1: 32:51

I'm going to take that as a reminder, friends, that the reason why I wanted Don to come on and chat with you all about this and his company is because clearly he's very passionate about it. He's passionate about supporting athletes in this community, and more so. What's really important is that he's also a small business person and he's pouring his love and passion into every single product that goes out there. So when you guys do support and you get the products and you love the products, as you invariably do, and then send these messages, it means the world. So, antoinette, big shout out, because I can tell you he definitely he's going to be keeping that screenshot for quite some time.

Speaker 2: 33:28

Yeah, I get those all the time and it brings tears to my eyes because it's just I'm just helping them realize that they already have what they need inside of them. It's just a matter of having that vehicle to help them understand that.

Speaker 1: 33:47

And so, yeah, we're all more powerful than we think we are. I think that is a very powerful statement. So with that, I'm going to say, don, that we all look forward to everyone heading to your website, getting their own race hats and sharing them. Text us your favorite mantras, friends, because we want to share with you guys as well, and thank you so much for joining me.

Speaker 2: 34:07

Yeah, you're most welcome and definitely share the code. I'll have a special code that strides 25. They'll be able to get 25% off and I look forward to hearing and seeing some stories from your audience.

Speaker 1: 34:21

And tag us both on social media, because I can't wait to see these coming through and again, especially as we all go into endurance training season. This is just such a perfect opportunity to have this, as we lead up to training for our races and have to dig deep. So, don, thank you so much for sharing this.

Speaker 2: 34:35

Thank you so much. I really appreciate it and didn't mean to get emotional, but yeah it's an emotional journey that we're all on, and so I love it. Yeah, it's life changing.

Speaker 1: 34:48

And Don truly is right Mantras are life changing. So, friends, with that said, I want to again thank Don. What an incredible conversation. I'm so inspired by his journey and the insight he shared with us today. And, friends, I also want you to take advantage of this incredible offer he has for us Strides 25. Remember, you can get 25% off your purchase of $10 or more, and Dawn's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the community of running and, of course, the power of mantras.

Speaker 1: 35:22

So, before we wrap up, I want to remind you all that these simple yet powerful phrases can make a huge difference in your running journey. As you heard me mention, I literally have a practice, a mantra practice, every evening as part of my journaling practice. Before I go to bed, I will do my journal, I'll kind of count through the day plan for the next day and then I get into my own mantra practice. So, again, this is something that I truly, passionately believe in, and I think that we have such an incredible opportunity to get some of this beautiful wearable art and see a visual reminder of our mantras through my raised hats. So, with that said, I can't wait to hear your favorite mantras.

Speaker 1: 36:05

Please do share with us over at Extraordinary Strides in our Facebook page community. I wanna hear all about which ones you love, which ones you're going to get, or the ones that you're already using, and friends. I want to thank you so much for tuning into today's episode of Extraordinary Strides. I hope you found it as inspiring and motivating as I did. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram at extraordinary strides pod and join the Facebook group for more tips, stories and community support, because until next time, I'm going to ask you to keep running, keep shining and keep making those strides extraordinary. See you next week, friend.