On all marathons, I carry with me this device, which is mounted to my shorts in the small of my back. When someone passes me in the late stages, my left brain explodes with a stream of negative messages, such as “Look how smooth he/she is running, and how ragged you are.” It’s easy to listen and give in to those logical messages which are trying to reduce my effort and slow me down.

But instead of believing the source of lazy and distractive ideas, I attack by throwing the giant band over the head of the individual who had the audacity to pass me. For a while, the lead may grow. During the nest few hundred yards, I fill in a great number of details, such as imagining how the tension on the rubber band is increasing cutting off oxygen supply to the brain of the person I “rubber banded.” The hope develops that he or she will have to slow down.

At some point, I must laugh at myself for believing in such a ridiculous device. But laughing helps to send me into the right side of my brain, and I relax. Limber legs turn over quicker, and I usually catch up with, or pass, the person that passed me.

The giant invisible rubber band worked again!

Jeff Galloway Resources: www.jeffgalloway.com Visit the E-Shop where you will find “Jeff Galloway Marathon” and other books for your running library. You will also find training tips, training groups, running retreats and more. Look for Jeff’s article,” The Starting Line” in every Runner’s World magazine.

Join us in Atlanta for the 2017 Jeff Galloway Race Weekend! To register or find out more information on the JG 13.1, The Double G, Barb’s 5K, Fit Kids Run and other weekend events go to: https://jeffgalloway131.com

ANNOUNCING the new Galloway Run-Walk-Run training app! With coaching, motivation, nutrition, a FREE run-walk-run timer, and more!

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