| The current study was designed to assess mood change in runners during a marathon using a multidimensional verbal self-assessment, a procedure developed in a previous pilot study. Energy and Tension ratings were used as in-race indications to participants' mood based on Thayer's mood model. Participants (n = 22) provided five ET ratings at various points during the 2012 Birch Bay marathon in addition to completing pre- and post-race questionnaires.;A consistent decrease in energy was observed, though tension levels peaked before the race and at "the wall" and were at their lowest after the race was completed. A distinct "exhaustion" mood-state was observed post-race, with ET ratings trending towards support of the experience of the three other conceptual mood-states at various points. No statistically significant difference was found based on participant ability, experience, nutrition, and psychology in their mood experience during the marathon. Participants did not find the procedure to interfere with their performance or enjoyment of the race. Assessments were provided at all stations. Future studies can incorporate physiological measures to correlate with participants' subjective psychological experience in order to maintain an unobtrusive system of measurement. |
