So, I went for a 5 mile run yesterday, and because I'm stupid, I tried to see if I could run sub N minute miles, where N is more than 30 seconds faster than my normal pace. Needless to say, at mile 2 I was already negotiating with myself and there was no way I was going to continue this pace. Then around mile 3, through a stunning combination of my lack of awareness and the driver of the SUV being on a cell phone while backing out of the driveway, I almost got run over. For the next mile, all I could think about was how close I came to being in the hospital or dead, or most likely both. So, here's my idea. For that mile, I wasn't thinking about anything except the close call, and I ran that mile in under N minutes. I ran miles 4-5 at my normal (ie, slow) pace.
Here's my business idea: mp3 recordings of simulated terrifying experiences that keep the runner's mind on edge and not focused on the pain or total boredom of running. I have heard too many people talking about how they try to keep their mind off of thinking about running while they're running and I am convinced this would be a can't miss hit.
Let's say it would be a suite of mp3's, and most of the time the audio would be something like waves crashing against a beach, or wind whistling through trees, but then at random intervals you might suddenly hear "For God's sake, put down the gun! You're drunk! DONT SHOOT! "