Running for their lives: A Qualitative Analysis of the Exercise Experience of Female Recreational Runners

This study explores the relationship between self-cognitions and running
behavior in a group of female recreational runners. Consistent with
theories of self-esteem and exerciser self-schemata, it aims to identify how
running can impact on the self, and how self-cognitions can influence
motivation and adherence to running. In-depth interviews were conducted
with 16 women of varying age, ability, and running experience who had
entered a major women’s 10K race. Inductive data analysis revealed that
there was a bi-directional relationship between running involvement and
self-cognitions. Running provided experiences which led to enhanced self-esteem, notably through perceived improvements to the physical self, but
also through increases in mastery/achievement and physical competence.
These changes contributed to the value of running for the women,
strengthened their exercise self-schema, and increased the likelihood of
adherence to running. However, family responsibilities constrained the
women in their ability to run, impacting on the exercise-self relationship
outlined.