Digital Mindset Intervention for Half Marathon Performance
The Efficacy of a Digital Mindset Intervention to Improve Race Performance, Training Outcomes, and Recovery in Recreational Half Marathon Runners: A Randomized Controlled Trial
University of Auckland, New Zealand
207 participants
May 15, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to test whether a brief digital mindset training program can improve performance among recreational runners training for a half marathon in New Zealand in 2025. The study will recruit healthy adult participants who are registered for an upcoming half-marathon event. The study aims to answer two main questions: 1. Does the mindset training program - designed to reframe common physical symptoms like fatigue or muscle soreness as signs of progress - help more runners complete the race and improve their official times, compared to standard training advice? 2. Does it support better training (e.g., longer peak training weeks) and faster physical recovery after the race? Researchers will compare participants who receive the mindset training program to those who receive widely followed half-marathon training content and a group who receive no study content, to see whether the mindset training leads to better half-marathon performance and training outcomes. Participants will: * Complete a brief online survey at the start of the study * Receive and engage with four pieces of digital content across nine weeks before the half-marathon race (if assigned to a training group) * Complete a follow-up survey after the half-marathon
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria6
- Be aged 18 years or older
- Be registered to run (not walk) in a 2025 half marathon in New Zealand
- Be running their 1st, 2nd, or 3rd half marathon
- Be able to complete the half-marathon without physical assistance or aids
- Be able to read and understand English
- Have regular access to email or an internet-connected device
Exclusion Criteria4
- Have completed more than 2 half marathons in the past
- Are currently injured or unable to complete the race unassisted
- Are unable to complete online questionnaires independently
- Do not have access to a device capable of receiving digital content via app or email
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Interventions
The mindset intervention includes 4 brief digital modules over 9 weeks (once every 3 weeks) via app or email, prior to the half-marathon race. The content introduces meta-mindsets (beliefs about how mindsets shape experiences and outcomes) and reframes non-severe physical symptoms (e.g., muscle soreness, fatigue) as signs of physiological adaptation. Modules cover: (1) what mindsets are and how they affect performance; (2) how to interpret normal training symptoms as positive signals; (3) how to maintain adaptive mindsets during peak training; and (4) race-day mindset preparation. Each module includes brief text, visuals, and reflection questions and takes approximately five minutes to complete.
The marathon performance training intervention includes 4 brief digital modules over 9 weeks (once every 3 weeks) via app or email, prior to the half-marathon race. Content is based on publicly available half-marathon training guidance and excludes any mindset-related material. Modules cover: (1) setting race goals and structuring training plans; (2) training tips and best practices (e.g., pacing, injury prevention); (3) navigating peak training periods (e.g., distance increases, rest and recovery); and (4) practical race-day preparation strategies (e.g., pacing, fueling, warm-up routines). Each module includes concise text, visuals, and actionable tips designed to take approximately five minutes to complete.
Locations(1)
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NCT06972121