There’s a lot going in the minds of runners at the half marathon point of the MCM. While there may be positive thoughts and feelings of confidence in some participants, others may be struggling to overcome individual challenges and doubts. Specifically, many runners often find themselves along Hains Point with the pressure of Beating the Bridge still weighing heavy. In an effort to help runners maintain focus, the Marine Corps Marathon will make the Psyching Team available to runners. This team of 20 volunteer sport psychologists and sport performance consultants will be on the course to offer mental strategies between mile 11.5 and 15.

The goal of the Psyching Team is to provide commonly-used performance strategies including appropriate goal setting, mental rehearsal, relaxation strategies and mindfulness to assist participants in coping with the mental rigors of a marathon. Psyching Team members are trained in these methods and can tailor a technique to the individual runner. The services provided are free.

Look for the Psyching Team in lime green T-shirts as they provide support to MCM participants by running, walking or speaking with runners during this stretch of the course, at the water points or in aid stations.

Thanks for visiting this archived blog. The content and details are specific only for the event year highlighted in this article. For current information, please visit the event page within the MCM website.