Mark Mathieson – Sports Psychologist

At a glance – qualifications and experience

• Masters training in Sport and Performance Psychology
• Twenty-two years as a military psychologist including eight within Australian Special Forces
• Production psychologist for Survivor and SAS Australia
• Debrief lead for Australian Antarctic Program winter expeditioners
• Performance consultant to energy and mining teams in Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, Laos and Western Australia

A runner’s résumé that keeps growing

Mark’s own endurance story began with a decade in triathlon during the 1980s and 90s. Four years ago he shifted to the trail scene and has since logged:

• Ultra Trail Kosciuszko 50 km – twice
• Stampede Marathon
• Great Southern Endurance Run
• Tarawera Ultra Marathon 50 km
• Guzzler 100 km
• Upcoming OCC at UTMB 2025

Long hours on rough single track keep his practice grounded in the realities of fatigue, decision-making under stress and the deeper connection between nature and human performance.

Philosophy – nature as the ultimate high-performance lab

“Psychologists used to be seen as a band-aid; we were there to fix people when they broke. But we’re starting to understand that we have to do better.” – Mark Mathieson

Mark’s work is built on ecopsychology – treating humans as part of natural systems rather than separate from them. He teaches athletes to recognise seasonal rhythms, environmental stressors and the regenerative power of time outdoors. The goal is resilience, cognitive and moral strength and a sustainable love for sport.

What Mark offers endurance athletes

1. Performance psychology sessions
   • Mental skills for pacing, focus, confidence and race-day composure
   • Strategies to convert pre-race anxiety into useful energy
   • Tools to reduce DNFs and spark post-race motivation
2. Mental health support
   • Evidence-based therapy for stress, depression, trauma and burnout
   • Guidance on balancing training load with career and family pressures
3. Ecopsychology programs
   • Practical ways to integrate outdoor immersion into recovery and daily routine
   • Frameworks for harnessing natural environments as training partners

Session logistics

Mark is based in Australia and works with athletes nationwide via secure online calls. To discuss individual coaching or therapy, visit his site:

markmathieson.com

Why runners choose Mark

Years in special forces operations and remote expeditions taught Mark how people thrive or falter in extreme conditions. That insight, paired with his current trail calendar, creates a psychology service that speaks your language – split times, vert gain, ankle-deep mud and the stubborn voice that wonders if you belong on the start line.