Have a strong belief in your capabilities.

Have an unwavering desire to excel and do your personal best or better.

Remind yourself of your past successes and the injuries and difficulties overcome.

Success may be simply training yourself to be immune to boredom. Success will follow.

Have an attitude of persistence. It is more powerful than talent or genius.

But striving for perfection for most is usually foolhardy, often leading to injury for an athlete and involving a disproportionate amount of effort.

Be mentally tough. How to do this? With tough consistent training within your limits, racing tough competitors, and enjoying the journey along the way.

Every hardy experience develops the latent force within you.

Prove to yourself in your training that you can do anything you set out to do.

Do everything over the years of persistent dedication to put yourself in the position to be a champion.

Prepare, prepare, prepare with passion; and the extra miles and exhaustive efforts will guarantee surprising results.

Then when you toe the line you will know you are ready in body, mind and spirit.

And winning gracefully and celebrating your achievements humbly, will boost your enthusiasm and provide motivation for future endeavours.

Have a detailed plan. Planning well in advance. Your passion will carry you to success.

Notes: There is a 35 page chapter on Mental Training with 31 references in my 450 page book all in color, The Complete Guide To Running. Well over 4500 copies sold since 2005, and second edition 2007. Still available. Order from Amazon and other booksellers.