Every runner has been there: the gruelling point in a race where exhaustion takes over, and not even a “let’s go” or “keep pushing” from the crowd feels like it’s helping. But what if the right words could reignite your drive and help you find that extra gear to push you to a personal best?
That’s precisely what American distance running coach Ed Eyestone proved at the 2024 NCAA Cross Country Championships last weekend in Madison, Wisc. Eyestone, who coaches U.S. Olympic marathoners Conner Mantz and Clayton Young, along with Brigham Young University’s (BYU) cross-country program, utilized a brilliant strategy to motivate his runners to the top of the podium.
🗣️ “[The notecard on my wrist] is positive affirmations for all the guys on the team. They tell us what they would love to hear. For each one, we have three or four things we can yell at them.”
Between wrist notes and dry-erase scoreboards, it’s in the details for @BYUTFXC… pic.twitter.com/j5CAkxWtmy
— CITIUS MAG (@CitiusMag) November 24, 2024
Eyestone wore a quarterback-style wristband inscribed with each athlete’s specific motivational triggers. These were not generic cheers, but deeply personal cues each runner wanted to hear at pivotal race moments. The result? BYU became only the fourth school in NCAA Division I history to win both the men’s and women’s team titles in the same year—a feat not accomplished in 20 years.
Why does personalization matter?
It’s easy to default to encouraging phrases like, “Great job!” or “Good work!” While these sentiments have good intentions, studies have shown that tailored, meaningful feedback has a far greater impact on an athlete’s performance. Specific, personalized words can shift focus, reignite motivation and help athletes fight those challenging moments.
The key as a coach or support crew? Understanding what drives the athlete. Whether it’s reminding them of a goal, reinforcing their training, or simply offering a grounding phrase; these personalized remarks can make all the difference.
When the body starts to struggle, the mind often follows. Strategic cheering taps into sports psychology principles, helping athletes overcome these mental battles by reconnecting them with their purpose and “why.” In this example, coach Eyestone uses small details—like saying exactly what an athlete wants to hear when the going gets tough.
Meet the marathon guru behind three of North America’s top runners
Takeaways for your race day
If you’re cheering for a runner, here are a few ways you can level up your support: first, learn what motivates them. Is it their goal time? A mantra they rely on? A personal reason for running? Use this knowledge to craft your encouragement. Lastly, be specific. Instead of saying, “You’ve got this,” try something more tailored to the race itself, like “You’re right on pace!” or “This is the hill you’ve been training for.” (Or better still, ask them if there are some specific words or phrases they’d find motivating.)
Eyestone’s masterclass in motivation is a reminder that support is more than just words—it’s about connecting meaningfully with the person on the course. Whether you’re coaching, cheering or even giving some self-talk, the right message can turn a good race into a great one.
