Developing an Attraction to Running:

Clarification of the Process and Implications for Leaner Motivation

Abstract

　The purpose of this research was to (a) clarify the process of how amateur runners develop an attraction to endurance running, and (b) identify potential areas of focus for student learning and motivation within the sport. Data were collected using semi-structured-interviews with 8 amateur runners. The mean age of all participants was 52.0±10.3 (mean±s.d.). The participants were interviewed while running together with the researcher. The researcher audio record the interviews while running and later transcribe the interviews. The data were analyzed using a Modified-Grounded Theory Approach (M-GTA), which yielded 26 concepts. The concepts were classified into 6 categories and 5 sub-categories. Considering the relationship among these concepts, the attraction to running was found to be a process of the runners noticing their own development and “self-establishment” when running. This attraction usually expands when they are interacting with their family and other amateur runners. In particular, amateur runners recognize other runners as “media to know themselves” when they consider that the attraction to running is “interaction with the setting”. Learning experiences designed to motivate amateur runners for endurance running and find personal meaning in the sport should prioritize activities that involve group running and social interaction.