The Competitive Edge explores the psychological factors that influence a distance runner's performance. The book is intended to help competitive runners get a handle on the 'inner game' of their sport and maximize their running potential. It covers such topics as: the challenges posed by the psychological aspects of distance racing the use of relaxation techniques to calm the body the use of mental rehearsal to visualize and prepare for races the care and feeding of a runner's 'emotional battery' a discussion with top runners about the psychology of racing the formulation of a mental training program"