Vision can and does drive performance in all endeavors. Losers see these things as obstacles that cannot be overcome, a pessimistic point of view. The successful runner know that positive vision and appraisal drives positive performance. The successful runner feels in control of any situation and recognizes the importance of facing up to obstacles. Winners can control both kinds of energy to their benefit.
Winners know how and when to apply pressure to themselves.
They also know what motivates them to their best performances. When athletes describe successful performances no matter what the sport, their descriptions of what they were feeling are very similar. They describe not having to think about what they were supposed to do, but that it came naturally. They were able to concentrate easily and a super awareness. They felt in complete control, able to do anything, confident and positive.