Psychological aspects of long-distance running among Chinese male runners in Hong Kong.

Abstract

Forty-four Chinese male long-distance runners were surveyed regarding their running history, running habits, and injuries, as well as their experience of the "runner's high" phenomenon. The typical runner could be described as single, in his late 20s, well-educated, and running 60 km a week. He was also likely to be controlled and disciplined, not risk-taking, and not oriented intellectually or esthetically. While he was motivated to run to improve his physical health, he derived benefits for his emotional well-being from his running. Implications for the use of running as a therapeutic adjunct are discussed.