Abstract
A survey of 156 women runners varying greatly in age, experience, and ability was conducted to find out why these women were participating in what was once stereotyped as a masculine activity and what they perceived the psychological and behavioral effects of running to be. Statistical analyses indicated that almost all subjects had positive views of running, received support for running from others, and would encourage other women to run. They reported that running made them feel significantly stronger, happier, more relaxed, better about themselves, more attractive, more feminine, less masculine, and more energetic and also that stopping running made them feel guilty, fatter, depressed, tense, and less energetic. Other common changes with running were small weight losses, decreased quantity and improved quality of food eaten, reduced smoking and drinking, and lighter menstrual periods with less severe cramps. It appears that women runners view running as a positive experience which enhances their femininity rather than increasing masculinity or androgyny.
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