Momentum During a Running Competition: A Sequential Explanatory Mixed-Methods Study

The purpose of this study was to better understand the psychological momentum (PM) in varsity cross-country competitive runners during a 3000 m selection trials. A sequential explanatory mixed methods design was used: recruitment trial race day (quantitative) and interview day (qualitative + maximal aerobic running speed [MARS]). Sample was consisted of fifteen university distance runners (n = six women [25.9 ± 7.0 years old; 22.2 ± 1.8 BMI] and nine men [23.2 ± 2.4 years old; 22.6 ± 1.6 BMI]). During the recruitment trial race, athletes' MARS was measured and used to create a performance index (PERF_I) relative to selected moments. Also, the recruitment trial race was filmed. During the interviews, the recorded film was used to support athletes in the identification of key moments of the race, as well as to discuss positive and negative PM. PM was both defined by participants and devised by three themes: psychological, physiological and psychophysiological change. A significant PERF_I difference (p < 0.001) was observed between positive (97.04 ± 5.88%) and negative (108.46 ± 7.76%) moments of PM. The results of PERF_I for men and women athletes were not significantly different (p = 0.118). The PERF_I standard deviation for women was not correlated (r² = 0.26, p = 0.30) with the 3000 m time trial performance, but it was significantly correlated for men (r² = 0.94, p < 0.001). The results of the present study could help developing interventions to focus on specific elements of the momentum such as race management/strategy, the attentiveness of the runner during the race and other elements of mental and physical preparation of the athletes.