Running Naked: A Thematic Analysis of the Lived Experience Running with and Without Technology

Abstract

Some use the term “running naked” with a tone of warmth and freedom, others with a lostness, a despondency. This study explored why. What is the lived experience of running with and without devices? The current study is the first to integrate the fields of exercise and mental health, wearable technology for sport, digital wellness, and mindfulness, flow, and transpersonal experiences in sport. Online surveys and in-depth interviews of runners aged 23-80 yielded data describing experiences running with and without technology. Thematic analysis with a phenomenological orientation was applied. Runners experienced devices both positively and negatively depending on their seasons of life and states of health at the time of the run. Positive experiences included enjoyment and helpfulness of data, safety and support of navigation, and a sense of motivation and accountability. Negative experiences included data overwhelm, negative social comparison and shame, self-imposed stress and pressure, and overriding the body’s needs. Descriptions of device-free running were largely positive referencing freedom, creativity, and connection to one’s body, thoughts, and the running environment. Flow and transpersonal experiences were reported only while running without devices, with the notable exception of music. Negative experiences of device-free running involved difficulty monitoring pace and heart rate, and an existential concern the run did not count if it was not recorded. The intention of the current study was to better understand how the presence or absence of devices impacts a runner’s experience. Data encouraged the utilization of mindfulness in runners to support greater awareness of moment to moment needs and intentions for running in order to support empowered choices whether and when to use technology while running.