Abstract
BackgroundA recent upsurge in nature-based exercise research demonstrates the potential added benefits of exercising in this context compared to more urban ones. Yet there is a lack of qualitative research investigating the lived experiences of those who participate in nature-based exercise events.ObjectiveTo explore the lived experience of individuals who were first-time participants in a nature-based running event.MethodSix participants who completed the Run Forrest trail run for the first time were individually interviewed. Semi-structured interviews were devised, and participants were invited to talk about their experiences of running in the event. Interviews were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.ResultsFollowing data analysis, two superordinate themes were constructed to resemble participant experiences. “Maintaining good health is vital” reflected participants’ personal theory of health and their perceived benefits of exercise. “Nature as a special place” reflected the atmospheric characteristics of the event, including the pre-event set-up and the actual running event itself.ConclusionAnalysis suggests that participants considered the event and natural environment to provide unique value adding opportunities that encouraged positive experiences. These results also reaffirm the positive benefits associated with nature-based exercise, including potential benefits to individual wellbeing. Further research in this context may strengthen our collective understanding regarding individual motivation towards such events.
Highlights
Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality (WHO, 2014)
Participants were unanimous in their view that health was something that only they could manage and possessed a strong desire to maintain, including undertaking novel events such as the Forrest trail run. Within this superordinate theme were two higher order themes: personal theory of health; benefits of exercise. The aim of this investigation was to explore the lived experiences of people who participated in a nature-based running event
Personal Theory of Health Exercising was a critical aspect of maintaining health, with all participants reflecting on the personal relevance
Summary
Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality (WHO, 2014). It follows that nature-based exercise (i.e., any purposeful and planned physical activity that takes place in nature), can lead to better physical and mental health outcomes (Fraser et al, 2019). At times, these benefits can be greater than those reported in other exercise environments, such as the gym or an urban setting (Coon et al, 2011; Yeh et al, 2017; Lahart et al, 2019). Investigating the various contexts associated with nature-based activities remains a prominent line of inquiry One such context that remains unexplored, is natured-based mass participation sporting events. There is a lack of qualitative research investigating the lived experiences of those who participate in nature-based exercise events
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