I realized yesterday that I do a form of self-hypnosis during the race, especially during the run. I picked the number 49, then counted backwards from it. If I hit a number ending in "9" (39, 29) then I visualized it. When I got down to zero, I started over at 49. Weird, huh? It has nothing to do with running, but I had one of best runs ever. I think it keeps me from focusing on hot it is, or climbing a hill and keeps me running and not stopping to walk. whatever works.