Forms of care of the self in the practice of running: a correspondence analysis of the reasons for participating in a marathon
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v73.117924Keywords:
caring of the self, correspondence analysis, motivation, open descriptors, runningAbstract
Introduction: this study examined running as a contemporary practice of self-care, exploring from a psychosocial perspective the meanings that runners attribute to their activity.
Objective: to characterize the dimension of care present in running by identifying and organizing the motives expressed by marathon participants.
Methodology: A survey was administered to runners in the Aguascalientes Marathon, who reported three reasons for which they run. The resulting descriptors were grouped into emergent content categories and analyzed using correspondence analysis.
Results: the predominant motives were related to health and well-being, followed by enjoyment. Secondary motives involved family-relations, competition, and personal improvement. No significant differences were found by gender or age. The analysis revealed two continuums: health–well-being vs. enjoyment, and personal improvement vs. competitiveness, with relational motives occupying an intermediate position.
Discussion: the findings align with previous research emphasizing the centrality of health, pleasure, and relational aspects, as well as the coexistence of instrumental and expressive orientations within running practices.
Conclusions: the meaning and organization of the practice should align with runners’ predominant orientation, whether toward personal care, enjoyment, or goal achievement.
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