The 6th Congress of Exercise and Sport Sciences

Exploring the Emotional Aspects of Long Distance Runners

Rona Zamir Sima Zach
The Academic College at Wingate, Netanya, Israel

Recreational long-distance running is increasing in popularity worldwide, also giving rise to an increase in running devotees engaging in running training far beyond the health recommendations of the International Health organizations (WHO, 2010). In accordance with Stebbins’ study, these amateur athletes correspond to the characteristics of Serious Leisure enthusiasts (Stebbins, 1992). The current study sought to gain insight into the personal, subjective motivations that spur these athletes to both pursue, and remain committed to, high levels of training despite the toll it may take on their lives. The study was conducted with 12 participants, Serious Leisure long-distance runners. Ages of the participants range between 35 and 67, and they were involved in various professional pursuits. Participants were recruited from within the local Israeli running arena. Inclusion criteria included running experience of at least four consecutive years, a running schedule of at least fifty kilometers per week, and having completed at least one marathon. One-on-one interviews were conducted, with the purpose of shedding light on the participants’ internal emotional experiences. The interviews consisted of twenty-four open-ended questions, and lasted about an hour. Questions centered on the topic of emotional aspects of the pursuit of running training, including: emotions during and after running training, the effect of running training on other areas and relationships, body and self-image, and personal significance of running engagement. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed. The analysis revealed thirteen themes and sub-themes, which were grouped into eight main themes. These themes were then cross-referenced by gender, age, and seniority.

According to our findings, although physical health motivation was the primary motivation for initial running engagement, running training also enhanced emotional health and well-being factors, such as mood, emotional calm, a sense of mental cleansing, and enhancement of self-image and self-confidence. The study further demonstrated that being a runner became part of the participant’s self-identity.

Rona Zamir
Rona Zamir
Wingate college








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