I can say without too much difficulty that I believe I am affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder.  I exhibit several key symptoms but it can be very manageable.  It is truly a strange feeling.  I remember nearly 20 years back when I first started on the multisport path and became more in tune with eveything around me when I felt something just wasn’t right during the winter months. I noticeably felt something was out of place on the longer darker days.  It continues to this day but the process of keeping it minimalized has become a lot easier through visualization. 

I am solidly in the camp of those who are fortunate enough to be able to use visualization techniques toward positive goals. In this case when the “dark side” starts to creep in around the edges, the process involves a combination of centering, or focused relaxation, and creating a picture that is bright.  My visualizations work best when either somewhat off beat, or abstract.  Sometimes the view I create is just a shade of brightness and I mentally increase and decrease the intensity of the light. That helps remind me that I do have some control over things around me and that I can work against those things that create roadblocks to where I am going. 

I’ve talked with a number of endurance athletes about it and I am surprised how many are reluctant to even admit they are affected by SAD as if it would be an admission of something bad.  I look at it just the opposite.  There will always be roadblocks.  Its how they are approached and managed that makes the difference.