The Psychology of Marathon Running (or...bringing my hobby to work!) Fran Garrad-Cole @FranBangor Centre for Enhancement of Learning and Teaching
Not really, but.. Was I a runner?
Was I a runner? Just about! Could I run? Started running about 3 years ago couldn t run 250 metres! Started Parkrun and Athletics Entered first 10k Jan 15!
Who are runners? People who run long distance have certain characteristics: Determination Resilience Flexibility Self-belief Growth mindset Good time management But they re not normal.right?
Christmas 2014 Concept: anyone can run a marathon with the correct training and mind set
Previous academic experiences Psychology Oral Presentation Practice Sessions (POPPS) Coaxing students with anxiety out of comfort zone Persuading them they can do more than they think they can Little steps, reflection, recovery... progress
Combine the small steps/reflection approach from POPPS Teach theories of positive and motivational psychology Apply it to a real-world challenge of running a marathon Put myself through the challenge!
But what would the Head of School think? Me: Hey John, I just read this cool book about how anyone can run a marathon if they apply positive psychology and goal-setting behaviour. We should do it as a Year 3 module John: Yes. Do it. Me: Ha ha, I m only joking! Can you imagine ever actually doing something like that. John: Yes. Do it
Introducing Prof John Parkinson (JP)
Module development Me: What if a student wants to set a goal for swimming, or cycling? John: But we re runners. Its about running Me: Should we perhaps just do a half marathon this first time [quietly to myself please say yes!] John: Go hard or go home. Me: Right.
Becoming a runner
Expectations 18 weeks to train non-runners to become marathon runners They should be able to run 5 k before module GP to be happy with their fitness/health Students to create/find individual plan Train 4 times a week including a group run.
Lectures Monday 9-11am: SMART goals positive self-talk growth mindset GRIT personality in sport anxiety/arousal resilience flow Nudges
Lectures
Guest lecturers
Clinic/Group run Tuesday 11-2: kit breathing pain blisters injuries hydration pace goal setting associative/dissociative techniques physiotherapy
Clinics Photo credit: www.northwalescancercare.org Photo credits: Will Philpin @ whenitrainscreative
Group runs Photo credit no. 1: John Parkinson Photo credits no 2, 3, 4: Will philpin @ whenitrainscreative
Group runs Photo credit: John Parkinson
Group runs Photo credits: Will Philpin @Whenitrainscreative
Getting paid for my hobby!
Assessments Blogs (40%): Reflect on theory and how it has been applied to running during the week https://jesshowardjourneytothemarathon.wordpress.com/ https://jamescarsons.wordpress.com/author/jamescarsons/ Evaluate specific event (20%): Create, utilise and reflect on a psychologicla plan for event success Final essay (40%): How does psychology assist in achieving goals such as running a marathon?
Events along the way
Ruthin 10k 26.02.17
Anglesey Half 04.03.17
Penmaenmawr Reggae 29.04.17
Did it work? 28.05.17 Liverpool Rock n Roll marathon 13 Full 3 half
Did it work? Academically? Average module grade for BU students = 68% Grades improved over blog assignments Most students scored higher on this than on other modules 98% module satisfaction
Aim for graduate skills Competent Capable Flexible Resilient Creative thinker Ambitious Team worker Honest/Self-aware Good time planning
Embedded employability I've learnt about goal setting and motivation Learning how to implement intentions is a very transferable skill and should be very helpful in employment and future life. I am a more motivated and positive person in multiple aspects of my life and this would help me in future employment. Due to this module I have worked harder than ever before at uni. I honestly think that I have grown massively as a person and I have shown myself what hard work and dedication gets you. I have so many new skills that I can take into future employment. This module has been an integral part of my academic life, the skills I have nurtured will stay with me for life. This is one of the things I have loved most about the module, that it hasn't felt like a module in which we've had to learn content to prove how much we've learnt to then pass an exam, but instead we have learnt about tools to help us achieve a goal Born to Run has taught us to rise to difficult challenges, to never give in, to find enjoyment in putting the effort/time into hard work and, most importantly, it has taught us to be compassionate to ourselves and others.
I am a Marathoner
The Future #Psychrunners2 Now starting @PsychBangor @BangorUni More to be found here: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/students-marathonefforts-put-psychology-into-practice youtu.be/y7totzr9fgu