I like what you imagined today!!! Hey- whatever gets you through those tough spots is doing it's job!!!

I have mantras that I say when I need to focus and give myself encouragement. I say them over and over again until the words don't make sense (maybe I'm a little insane, but that's not news). They are situation specific. They're stupid, but they work for me.
When I do marathons (or long runs) and it gets tough I say "I own you 26.2- run fast run strong"
When riding up big (or long) hills I say "pedal, pedal, pedal, UP!"
When riding long (and sometimes boring miles) I say "time spent spinning is time spent winning"
When I'm racing I say "You're stong, you're fit, you'll win this race for you"
(disclaimer: I've never won anything except in my own mind, but telling myself I'll win boosts my esteem)

Dumb, but saying the same things over and over in different situations (I don't say one thing at another time- I'm weird like that) gives me focus and gets me through the tough spots.

(ok- after reading what I just wrote- it makes me sound a little weird...) Good thing you ladies don't know my real identity.