I don't know if it's magical thinking, but I've surely thought things along those lines, albeit less unrelated. "If I can just get around this curve on Mt. Wachusett, I will [see that great view again/get to the top/not die]." Or whatever. But there does seem to be a point at which -- as long as you can keep brainwashing yourself to meet intermediate goals -- the ridiculous awfulness of the long-term goal can be put out of mind.

Man, I wish triathlons didn't involve swimming. I might actually be convinced to try one in that case ;). But ukeleles don't swim.