The mind matters

What do you visualize to get pumped up during a run?

I ask because I think my visualization's kind of silly, but it does the trick. When I'm getting worn down in the middle of a long distance, I imagine it's the end of the Olympic marathon. I'm the underdog. Everyone's counted me out. The favorite enters the Olympic stadium for the last lap and a half of the 26.2—you know, the "victory lap" portion of the race. There's a polite cheer. He gets the first 100 under his belt and he starts to round the first turn.

Then there's a roar as I burst through the tunnel. My eyes are focused. I'm breathing hard.

And I am haulin' ass.

It's about here that I tee up my favorite kick-ass tune. (My faves are "Fever Dream" from the "300" soundtrack and "Guns" from "The Rundown." Check 'em out on iTunes and you'll see what I'm talking about.)

My pace gets faster. The favorite, he hears the cheer and he looks back at me. At first he's dismissive—he's so far ahead—but then he sees that I'm gaining on him. He tries to go faster but it's not happening. I'm too quick. His lead dwindles...quickly. Just before the last turn, we're about 20 yards apart. By the end of the turn, I'm breathing down his neck. The finish line looms in front of us. The crowd's going nuts. We're neck and neck, trading the lead.

And then, right near the end, I look over at him. He looks at me. His eyes are wide. He's giving everything he's got and he knows I know it.

That's when I smile, find another gear...and win the race.

Told you it was silly, but it works.

So what say you, blogosphere? What do you visualize? I'd love to hear it.

Happy running.