By Coach Adolfo Salgueiro
I was recently having a conversation with a group of friends regarding the reasons we lace up our shoes three, four, or five times a week. It became obvious that even though most of us may have the same basic reasons, if we dig deeper and list the top five things that motivate us to engage in this sport, the lists will be as unique as the uniqueness of each runner.
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When it comes to running, we all have a main reason why we do it. The answers can fit into a wide spectrum ranging from “because I like it” through “I just can’t stop”, with infinite shades in between.
As I was recently re-reading “The Science of Running” (a book by Steve Magness, which I highly recommend to anyone wanting to delve very deep into the subject of the title), I was surprised to see a section with an array of scientific studies that classify runners according to their motivations.
Three of them caught my attention, and thus, I share them with you here, so you can find where you fit based on each one of them.
According to a paper titled “Motives for Participation in Recreational Running”, published in The Journal of Leisure Research by Peter Clough, John Shepherd and Ronald Maughan, back in 1989, runners’ motivations could be divided into six groups:
a. Well-Being
b. Social
c. Challenge
d. Status
e. Fitness/Health
f. Addiction
According to this study, while most leisure activities include one or many aspects of the first four aforementioned reasons, the last two separate running from other activities. Interesting to me is the last one. I am sure we all know someone we consider “addicted to running”, but to realize there are scholarly studies that actually classify addiction as a real motivation for the sport, puts such compulsion in a new light. At least for me.
In his latest book, “A Runner’s High”, Dean Karnazes states: “If running is a drug that threatens my life, let me have it”.
Magness also cites a study titled “Motivations for running and eating attitudes in obligatory versus nonobligatory runners” by Heather Slay, Jumi Hayaki, Melissa A. Napolitano and Kelly D. Brownell, published in 1998 in the International Journal of Eating Disorders.
As the title suggests, runners were separated in two groups based on the reasons they participate in our sport. This study separated those who run because they want from the ones who run because they must. The “Obligator” group is motivated by negative or external factors. These are the runners that if they take a week off will start thinking they are letting themselves down or the pounds will start creeping in by tomorrow. On the opposite side are the ones who just run because they want to. That is where I fit in, and I just prefer it this way.
The third study that caught my attention is a paper titled “A typology of marathon runners based on cluster analysis of motivations”, published in 2003 in the Journal of Sports Behavior by B.M. Ogles and K.S. Masters. In this one, marathoners are separated into five categories based on their motivation:
a. Running Enthusiasts
b. Lifestyle Managers
c. Personal Goal Achievers
d. Personal Accomplishers
e. Competitive Achievers
Runners train in Ngong, Kenya, in 2012. The country has produced the world’s best distance runners for decades, and most belong to the Kalenjin people.
Of course, there are many more motivations for running. According to a study by Professor Vincent Onywera in 2006, the main motivator for Kenyan Elite Runners is financial gain. Lower in their list are talent and national tradition.
If you read the recently published book “Out of Thin Air”, by anthropologist Michael Crawley, you will realize that Ethiopian runners have the same financial motivation, even those who are still far of the “elite” label but working towards it.
Financial is not a motivation for 99.9% of the readers of this blogpost. If anyone fits into the 0.1% remaining, please identify yourself.
This blogpost ended up a bit denser on science than I what I originally intended, but I found this subject fascinating. Somehow, I am sure we can all find ourselves in each one of these studies and understand a bit more why we do this. Because if you are a runner, it doesn’t matter what motivates you, as long as it keeps you moving forward.
Any thoughts? Leave me a comment, below.
For me the social part of running is as motivating as the sport. Every time I start a run I ask myself why do I do this, but by the end I have the answer
The social aspect is one of our greatest motivations, and it also brings you all the benefits that running can and will provide.
,❤️
Great post Coach! After reading this I have determined where my running motivations fall. Just like the Kenyan & Ethiopian elite runners, I fit into that 0.1% financially motivated. My hopes are to spend all my money enjoying marathons, running shoes, hanging out and buying my run-buddies brewskis. To die poor, out of exhaustion and old age… but happy. (0.1% ;-P)
Thank you for your comment. Whatever makes you keep going. Brewskis with your buddies is a perfectly valid motivation.
Pretty much all except ‘Status’ are applicable to me!!! Lol
a. Well-Being
b. Social
c. Challenge
d. Status
e. Fitness/Health
f. Addiction
Thank you for your comment. I appreciate you reading and taking the time to do so.
I second that sis Rhonda. Although people call me famous, I don’t look for it. To God be the glory.
I thought I was the only one running for money…
I have never made a penny racing, but I hope I can in the near future. As I get older, the more chance I have to win an age group where there are monetary prices. Even if it is $50, I’ll take it so I can get rid of my amateur status.
Thank you Coach Adolfo.
Personally I found it very interesting. Did not think statues would be on the list, but I understand now.
I run to cleat my thoughts, plans and cardio. Running is in my second position after swimming. Thanks again for the wonderful research!
Trough the years my motivations as runner has varied. Right now is well-being, no doubt.
I just re-read this post because I’m digging around my subconscious, searching for fresh motivation for this training cycle. When I think back to 2017 I remember the two things that got me out the door every morning were well-being and social. Running has saved me in so many ways, however, the people it has brought into my life are equally astounding. IMy well-being is always in need of a boost, hoping the "social" will become a big part of my life again soon! <3
Thank you for sharing your point of view on this post and how it affects you. It makes me very happy that you went back an re-read it. Thank you for your constant support to this blog.