PSYCHING TEAM DIRECTOR
Dr. Peter Papadogiannis, PhD.
Back by popular demand! Quick tips on how to be mentally prepared to run your best race. Consider these typical scenarios:
- The runner who expects to complete the race in 3:25–or feel utterly defeated;
- The first-time marathoner, wondering what he’ll do when he hits “the wall”;
- The runner who knows that she is too keyed up but can’t calm down;
- The runner who can’t stop thinking about a current crisis in his family life;
- The runner coming back from injury and insecure about how much she can handle.
Each of these runners can benefit from a few minutes’ conversation with a member of the Psyching Team. Based on the successful New York City Marathon Psych Team, Dr. Peter Papadogiannis and 30 volunteer psychologists and sport psychologists offer you mental strategies before, during, and after the GoodLife Fitness Toronto Marathon. Commonly-used peak performance strategies include goal setting, relaxation training, imagery, positive self-talk, and affirmations. Psyching Team members trained in these methods will tailor the technique to the particular person. It’s fun and it’s helpful. What more could you ask?
Inaugurated in 1999 by Dr. Kate Hays (founder and director from 1999-2008) and supported by the Ontario Psychological Association, each year members of the Psyching Team work with over 1,000 individuals, small groups of runners, and participants in workshops. Runners are especially interested in learning methods of tension reduction and appropriate goal setting, as well as experiencing positive imagery for the race. Most find it helpful to wear the piece of finishing line ribbon that we will give you. This fluorescentorange ribbon helps runners to remember and use the “psyching” tips they have learned.
Each year, we build on successful services, based on your interest and involvement. Many of you find out about the Psyching Team right here on the web, and increasingly, you seek us out. Keep it up!
For 2014, here’s where you will find us:
BEFORE THE RACE:
EXPO: We’re available throughout the day for consultation and mental strategizing on Saturday only. You will find us at the Psyching Team booth, or “meeting and greeting” throughout the Expo, in our signature red Psyching Team vests and caps.
Race Start: For those last minute mental strategies (and a friendly face), we’ll be at the “start line” located on North York Blvd. near Beecroft from 6:30 am. until race start.
DURING THE RACE:
“Psychs on Bikes” is going strong. Bicycling in strategic locations, our Psychs on Bikes provide encouragement, support and advice to runners during the course of their race. Feel free to flag down one of our bikers, with their distinctive red caps and red vests. We’ll talk you through the rough spots.
We also offer “Psychs on Foot” during the race. Psyching Team members will be positioned in various parts of the race route and will provide support to runners by running with them. This is particularly helpful for “post-Wall” challenges that occur during the last few km’s of the race.
AFTER THE RACE:
How did the race go? We’ll be available at the Medical Tent after the race, to help you put your best “spin” on the race just after you’ve finished or, if necessary, help you cope with a crisis.
For further information
People seeking further information about The Psyching Team or sport psychology, or interested in volunteering to be members of The Psyching Team, may contact Dr. Peter Papadogiannis at (416) 220-8603 or via peterpapa30@msn.com
Click Here for mental skills tips for marathoners and half-marathoners.
