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Like Katie, I left class Monday night considering the differences, similarities, and limitations of the two brain models presented: that of the bipartite and tripartite brains.  I like the distinction that Katie makes regarding the ability for the bipartite brain to communicate with the unconscious--perhaps more easily or directly than the tripartite model would allow.

I just read an article in Runner's World Magazine (admittedly not an authority on brain research) which speaks of the brain's ability for "anticipatory regulation," which would cause you to slow down in a race before your muscles became over heated or taxed--so that perceived feelings of fatigue, rather than fatigue itself, is at work.  The research suggests that it's this unconscious function that causes you to slow down, rather than any signals from your muscles causing you to stop or slow down.  Unconsciously, the body starts to slow down; but consciously, you can train the brain to keep the muscles working and the body moving quickly, despite the feelings of fatigue.

Returning to Katie's post--it's an example of learning "to be conscious of [actions] and thus consciously change the unconscious."  I realize a simple model of "mind over matter" in running is an oversimplification of the more complex issues related to mental health and more complicated brain function--but it does seem to offer more support for the conscious to communicate with the unconscious, as may other more complicated stories.