I'm in the Chris camp on this one. Everyday training makes up a large percent of my mental training. Actually, the more I think of it I probably do many of the things you mentioned when running. Visualizing races, relaxation, surges, forming images around music in my head, et cetera is done running. When I run I am constantly thinking about that run. I really don't think about anything else unless someone is engaging me in conversation. The day before the race I just want to relax and feel light.
…and I agree with Double that the more the I think about the more I realize that I also do the visualization during my every day runs. Those articles kind of reminded me of that. I just don't do the meditation thing….at least yet.