Visualization Is My Secret to Running a Successful Marathon

Credit: Graphic: Bob Al-Greene / Photo: Hlib Shabashnyi (Shutterstock)

This is the second season of Training Diaries, a Lifehacker series about my journey to the 2024 Philadelphia Marathon. This series will cover all the ups, downs, and hill repeats leading up to race day on Sunday, Nov. 24. I’ll go over proper fueling, injuries and setbacks, treadmill tips, wardrobe malfunctions, long run logic, and just generally reflect on what it takes to cross a marathon finish line.

More than 50,000 runners will be lining up for the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon this weekend. When I crossed that finish line for the first time last year, it was like a dream coming true—and that's more than just a figure of speech. After months of day dreaming and intentionally visualizing what that moment would feel like, running those 26.2 miles felt as familiar as a recurring dream.

When runners prepare for a marathon, we meticulously plan our physical training: logging miles, perfecting nutrition, and gradually building endurance. But there's a powerful, often overlooked component that can dramatically transform your race day performance: mental visualization.

Tips to visualize your race

Visualization isn't just some wishy-washy conceptual thing—it's a scientifically-backed training technique. By mentally rehearsing your race, you're essentially performing a dress rehearsal in your mind, preparing both your brain and body for the challenge ahead.

To truly be intentional about this, close your eyes and construct a precise mental image of your race day. You can even use guided meditation apps. Include every sensory detail: The morning's crisp temperature, the sounds of other runners warming up, the anticipation buzzing through the starting area.

Break the race into segments

It helps to be as specific as possible here. From my past races, I like to visualize specific stages in these chunks:

Early miles (miles 1-10)

Picture yourself maintaining a steady, comfortable pace

See yourself breathing rhythmically

Visualize running with controlled, efficient form

Middle miles (miles 11-20)

Imagine navigating potential challenging terrains

See yourself staying mentally strong during more demanding segments

Visualize positive self-talk during potential tough moments

Final miles (miles 21-26.2)

Picture yourself drawing on inner reserves of strength

Imagine pushing through potential fatigue

Visualize a strong, powerful finish with perfect running form

Anticipate and overcome challenges

Mental preparation isn't just about perfect scenarios. Explicitly visualize potential obstacles and your successful navigation of them:

Muscle fatigue

Unexpected weather conditions

Moments of self-doubt

Physical discomfort

For each potential challenge, create a clear mental image of yourself confidently pushing through it.

The finish line

This is by far the most motivating thing to visualize. If you don't intentionally imagine any of the above, at least picture this scene:

The final stretch approaching

Your increased heart rate

The crowd's energy

Your powerful, determined stride

The exhilarating moment of crossing the finish line

Feel the emotions: Pride, joy, and an unreal sense of accomplishment.

Final thoughts

Visualization is a powerful tool that transforms marathon training from a purely physical endeavor to a mind-body experience. By dedicating time to mental rehearsal, you're not just preparing to run a marathon—you're programming yourself for success. Your mind is a muscle, too. Train it like you do those quads of steel.

If you're running this weekend, make sure to avoid these race day mistakes. And if you're a spectator, here's a mile-by-mile breakdown for supporting your marathon runner.