I've often thought that the art of chopping a log in half is a good analogy for training. Check out the video below if you've never actually done this yourself.

Notice how you need good equipment, strength, stability, balance, and good form to be able to do this effectively. If you have chopped a log you know it is hard work requiring consistency, patience, and fuel - this kind of work of work is very mentally and physically draining. Training for running is very similar. Finally if you notice the act of chopping requires one to hit around the end target much like the we do with the paces surrounding our goal pace. You can't hit only at the middle right away or the blade gets stuck. You chop away at one side ("aerobic support paces"), then the other side ("speed support paces"), slowly working your way to the middle - "race pace". Then when the time is right (championship season) you hack away more specifically and almost exclusively at race pace when we need to be at our best.

Chopping away at a log can be a good visual cue (or mantra) in your head to stick with the entire season of training or through tough times in a race. If you can do it long enough with proper fueling, form, intensity, effort, composure, and mental focus you'll achieve those breakthrough goals and break your opponents!