"The beastly nickname. The Skittles. The punishing running style and consistent production.

What surrounds Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch these days is often hard to miss. The man known on game days by his alter ego, "Beast Mode," is setting records seemingly at a weekly pace and has already established career bests this season in rushing yards (1,118) and touchdowns (13).

One reward came Tuesday, when the 25-year-old was named second alternate for the Pro Bowl. Many believe he deserved better.

But behind the broken tackles and candy showers in the end zone is something less obvious and more substantial. Lynch attributes much of his success this season to strengthening his commitment to preparation, whether spending more time in film study or just stretching properly.

"I feel I became a pro this year," said Lynch, the team's first 1,000-yard rusher since 2005.

The California product credits his backfield mates, fullback Michael Robinson and running backs Leon Washington and Justin Forsett, for helping in that development.

When it comes to taking care of his body, Lynch paid close attention to Washington, Seattle's return specialist. To prepare himself physically, Washington would often come into work early, perhaps to use the sauna or hot tub."