Magic Footprints: Here's another foot-related trick: Visualize fatigue escaping from your body through the soles of your feet. Imagine leaving footprints that are damp and faintly glowing with the residue of the fatigue that, moments earlier, was slowing you down. With every stride, you're gaining energy.

Super Coolant: It's a sweltering day, the finish line seems unreachable, and you're hotter than a polar bear at the equator. No problem. At the next aid station, imagine that the volunteers have slipped a secret ingredient into your water. This substance soaks up heat. Take a short walk break as you grab two cups, drinking as much of one as you need. Feel the water (and its secret ingredient) seeping into your arms and legs, down to your bones, cooling your core body temperature. Then lean forward, pour the other cup over your head, and picture steam escaping. Visualize billions of molecules absorbing body heat and then releasing it into the air.