All in my head

Having the right attitude, of course, is so important. Mental imagery is a good tool; if you can "see" yourself having a positive outcome, you're body is more likely to respond and the demons are more likely to stay away. Put yourself in a quiet dark place. Close your eyes and visualize yourself going up that hill. See your legs turning over effortlessly, feel your breathing being in control.

Another thing, sort of the opposite, that works as well is imagining the absolute worst possible outcome. Maybe for you, it's that the hill is so steep and hard that you have to get off your bike and walk up it. If that happens, that worst-possible outcome, what would be the result? Your bike time would be a little slower, but is one of your goals to win your age group? If not, who cares about an additoinal minute on your total time. It might be a bit embarrassing, but have you ever been embarrassed before? Of course! Big deal, it'll pass. The bottom line is you *will* get over that hill, and then it'll be behind you. Let it go and enjoy the downhill!

Mantras work, too. As you're climbing that hill, say something like "I love hills I love hills I love hills." or "calm, breathe, calm, breathe..." They'll keep you relaxed, focused, and will keep your mind occupied, which will help prevent negative thoughts from working their way into your skull.

I would look up Ernest Aimsly, I dont think he has "heeled" anyone in a long time.

Oh you could recite "the power of christ commands you" over and over