Race Day Mantra

I've read tons of running articles filled with top ten lists of how to stay motivated when the running gets tough. Most suggest finding a meaningful saying to repeat to yourself is a good way to find the extra umpf for the last few miles. I always thought that sounded like a bunch of hooey till I found my mantra. Shooting for a PR in the New Year's Day 5K this year I had to dig deep to find something to overcome the wind and rain and cold. At one mile I hit a strong stride, but I was a few seconds too many off pace to hit my sub-25 goal. Normally this would have taken the wind out of my sails, but my mantra found me, like the mythical search-for-the-spirit-animal montage in every cheesy movie scene about coming of age as a Native American... This is my race. No one can beat me in my race.