But what about the brain?! Regardless of your physical capabilities, training your brain is part of the fitness package.

Use techniques like these to get your brain fit:

Be Positive. Amidst the outside stimuli and your own beliefs about yourself, focus on the thoughts that make you feel good. Learning to focus on the positive can take some practice, but will pay off.

Be your own coach. Simulate the extra bit of motivation a real coach would provide by saying things to yourself like you are going to give this everything you have.

Visualize. Whatever the goal, imagine the steps you'll take, the way your body will look performing, and rehearse each step in your mind. Think about how it will feel to you.

Meditate. Various forms of meditation have been used for thousands of years for many purposes, including reduction of stress, enhanced mental clarity, and simple relaxation. Its really all about focus--in the moment, one step at a time focus.

Get Uncomfortable. You can't settle into a routine and expect to make progress. You're a walker? Add a little running. Same weekly lifting routine? Try it in reverse order. Calculated changes will shock your system and give you a greater ability to handle stress positively.

Be Prepared. If you've prepared yourself for everything, you'll be ready for anything Know ahead of a race what you are going to eat, wear, and think about that day. Anticipate problems and have a solution in mind. Knowing you have done everything (within your control) to get to your goal will help you mentally.