Researchers have examined the experiences of marathoners during training in terms of psychological adaptations and training volume (e.g., Lane, 2001; Lemm & Wirtz, 2013); however, limited research has been conducted examining the experiences of marathon runners post-marathon. As part of a larger study, the purpose of this study was to determine mood state, weekly mileage, and intention to run another marathon one and two months post- marathon and how injury and marathon performance impacted these variables.
Fifty- four participants, enrolled in a marathon training class, completed online assessments of mood state, running mileage, and intention to run a subsequent marathon at one and two months post-marathon. Injury was self-reported throughout training; marathon time and perception of marathon performance were collected one day post-marathon. T-tests revealed that mood state improved significantly from one month post-marathon to two months post-marathon (p<.05). Mileage and intention to run a marathon did not change significantly from one to two months post-marathon. Multiple regression analyses revealed intention to run another marathon at one month post-marathon was a significant predictor of mileage at two months post-marathon (p<.05) with greater intention associated with higher mileage. Additionally, marathon time was a significant predictor of mood state at two months post-marathon (p<.05), with a faster marathon time associated with less mood disturbance. Bivariate correlations revealed that the number of days of training impacted by injury was significantly positively correlated with mood disturbance two months post-marathon (p<.05). Mileage at two months post-marathon was significantly positively correlated with intention to run a future marathon at two months post-marathon (p<.05). Results of this study reveal that mood disturbance post-marathon may be a concern for runners and also highlight the potential impact of injury and marathon performance on mood state and subsequent running behavior.