by Coach and Trainer Frank Pucher

How do you attain the success or results you have worked so hard for? Have you heard of the reticular cortex? The reticular cortex is that part of the brain that when given any specific goal or objective allows you to target that goal or objective with great vividness, alertness and sensitivity. In other words "you more easily achieve, that which you think of."

As another example, suppose you desire a new model running shoe. You never would have even noticed that shoe when you had no desire for it or focus on it. Now that you have a desire for it and you've filled your mind with thoughts and feelings for it. You can be running down the road minding your own business and your brain will point it out to you. You'll see it from the corner of you eye, running on the other side of the road, on the shelves at the store...everywhere! That's the power of the reticular cortex.

Think! How you can apply this same technique to your performance? By stating and thinking about the time you wish to run, or how far you wish to jump or throw, you instantly take a step in that direction. Your pace and technique will adjust and you will start to come up with all kinds of ways to bring your goal about. You'll have an extra reserve of energy because your mind and body will work together to bring you towards that goal.

This is a powerful technique (sometimes called Visualization) that is used by all World Class Athletes and High Achievers. Try it for yourself, write down the goal you "are trained to perform" in your next event. Repeat it to yourself, over and over up to several times a day for several days before the event. Watch what happens!

I've never finished a run and thought, "that was a waste of time."

Frank Pucher is a former 2x All-Conference Distance Runner and NCAA XC Qualifier for East Stroudsburg University. A 6x Boston Marathon Qualifier, he owns a Sub-3hr PR in the Marathon and a ½ Marathon best of 1:15. In addition to being the personal coach to many outstanding athletes, Frank is also the owner of Fitness 121 Personal Training in Livingston. He is one of the few Coaches/Trainers to receive certification as an Endurance Performance Specialist from The National Endurance Sports Trainers Association (NESTA). Frank is also certified by The American Council on Exercise and The Cooper Institute of Aerobic Research in Dallas, TX. Visit his websites: TheRunCoach.com and Fitness121Online.com.