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CAPSTONE

Psychological Factors in Running and Their Effect

Proposal and Timeline

Ginny Thingvold

Career Life Connections Post-Secondary 11/12

Mr. Koshman

September 15, 2017

CAPSTONE PROPOSAL AND TIMELINE 2

Contents
Formal Capstone Project Proposal.................................................................................................. 2

Bibliography ................................................................................................................................... 5

Timeline .......................................................................................................................................... 6
CAPSTONE PROPOSAL AND TIMELINE 3

Formal Capstone Project Proposal

Im fascinated by psychology and would like to pursue studies in it post-secondary. The idea

of even beginning to understand how the human mind works is thrilling to me, so Id like to

complete in-depth research on an aspect of it. That aspect is sports psychology. I decided to

focus on this topic because I also enjoy running but havent gotten around to in months. It

became drowned out by other priorities. I would like to start up regular running again and work

hard to greatly improve at it. My Capstone project will combine both of these passions and give

me incentive to start running again.

Im going to train for and complete a half marathon, which is 21.1 km, and look into the

psychology of long distance running. The specific run Im signing up for is the Vancouver

Historic Half. The route is a double loop around the sea wall in Vancouver on November 26th,

2017. I will train both outdoors in my neighborhood and on my treadmill. To keep myself

accountable for practicing, I will create a training plan for myself that suits my schedule and

currently beginner level. Im using the 8-week plan found on the Half-Marathon Girl website,

but will change certain days to strength training. Strength training is important in combination

with the cardio because it reduces the risk of injury, improves muscle force, and has several other

health and fitness benefits (which I will expand on in the research portion of my Capstone).

The academic portion will be done by documenting my personal experiences in a daily

journal, and by researching existing information about sports psychology/running. A family

friend is becoming a sports psychologist and I will contact her with any questions I develop

related to her expertise. I also know of a running coach who can give me advice on training. Im

going to read books about this topic, and at least one that specifically gives advice on breaking
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through the difficult mental side of running. Using the Runners World website and other

resources throughout my project will also aid me in breaking past mental obstacles. A Prezi on

my Weebly site will include all of the information I learn.

As far as prior knowledge, I know that the brain is claimed to be the true decider of how far

one can push their body in running. With the proper mentality- along with physical readiness, of

course- I am capable of training for and completing the half marathon in 8 weeks. There are

numerous examples on the internet of beginner runners doing exactly that. The Go Girl Run

website encourages women of any fitness level to sign up for a half marathon despite initial fear,

because almost anyone can complete one if theyre given eight weeks or more time to train.

Finishing is the most important part, and its a myth that everyone runs the entire race.

My final presentation will include a video and photo compilation of training and doing the

half marathon. The purpose of that is to provide an interesting visual and capture peoples

attention. I will have a journal that contains all of my writing entries for reading. The most

important parts of my psychological research will be on a poster board behind me. My

presentation will be a memorized talk addressing the significant parts of my research and

personal training journey. I will wear running gear to reflect my Capstone topic.

Completing this Capstone will be a rewarding experience. First, Ill have gained some

knowledge in the area of psychology. That will help me decide whether I still am interested in

studying psychology after high school. Secondly, Ill have satisfied my desire to become a better

runner. Ill also have overcome mental challenges associated with long distance running.
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Bibliography

RunGuides. (n.d.). Retrieved September 13, 2017, from

http://www.runguides.com/vancouver/event/vancouver-historic-half

8 Week Beginner Half Marathon Training: Is This Even Possible? (2016, July 05). Retrieved
September 13, 2017, from http://ultramaxsports.com/races/gogirlrun/2016/07/05/8-
weekbeginner-half-marathon-training/

Mind Over Matter. (2017, July 24). Retrieved September 13, 2017, from
https://www.runnersworld.com/rt-web-exclusive/mind-over-matter

Posted by Psychology Educator on July 17, 2013 in Sports. (2013, August 14). Psychology of
Long Distance Running. Retrieved September 13, 2017, from
https://psychologyeducator.wordpress.com/2013/07/17/psychology-of-long-
distancerunning/

8 week beginner half marathon training. (n.d.). Retrieved September 13, 2017, from
http://halfmarathongirl.com/8-week-beginner-half-marathon-training

Why strength training is important for all athletes. (n.d.). Retrieved September 13, 2017, from
https://coachad.com/articles/powerline-why-strength-training-is-important-for-allathletes/
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Timeline

Expected Completion Date Project or Assignment Date Completed

Sep. 15/17 Capstone Formal Proposal on Weebly
Sep. 17/17 Put Run Training Plan on Weebly
Sep. 18/17 Start 8-Week Training Plan for Half
Marathon, Start Daily Journals
Sep. 19/17 Start Researching Sports Psychology and
Reading Sports Psychology Books

Upload Full Psychology Research Prezi to

Oct. 15/17 Weebly Site with Bibliography
Oct. 16/17 Contact Sports Psychologist with any
Questions
Oct. 20/17 Upload Questions and Answers to Weebly
Nov. 26/17 Do Half Marathon
Complete Running Video/Photo
Dec. 1/17 Compilation
Start Poster Board that Summarizes
Dec.2/17 Research
Dec.22/17 Poster Board is Completed
Jan. 1 /18 Create Cue Cards for Presentation
Jan.10/18 Have Majority of Cue Cards Memorized
Jan. 17/18 Capstone Presentation