Health and the running body: Notes from an ethnography. (February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shipway, Richard; Holloway, Immy
• Is Part Of: International review for the sociology of sport. Volume 51:Number 1(2016:Feb.)
• Page Start: 78
• Page End: 96
• Publication Date: 2016-02
• Subjects: body -- distance running -- emic perspective -- health -- healthism; Sports -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 306.48305
• DOI: 10.1177/1012690213509807
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1012-6902

Abstract

This article aims to develop one of the major themes from an ethnographic study of the culture of distance running – the desire for health and fitness. Research was undertaken over a 2-year period using a variety of flexible qualitative data sources, most notably observation and in-depth interviews. The body, especially the 'running body', is seen by participants in this study as a source of health and well-being and affirmation of their identity. The results highlight the various contradictions and tensions that emerged whilst exploring the behaviour of distance runners in their desire to achieve a healthy body and mind.