Untitled Personal Health Awareness / Exercise Amongst College Students Kenneth Mascaro IDES 431 01 Jason Lempieri / Jonas Milder Fall 2013
I have always been a fairly active person. Whether it be on my skateboard or on the running trail, I always try to keep myself in shape and moving. I have found that through being physically active I can work harder, push myself, and strive to achieve greater things that I feel would not be possible if I were not as active as I am. I have found running to be a key ingredient in my physical activity and I feel as though it is one of the most basic forms of staying active. I wanted to understand what importance, if any at all, running was in regards to others.
Table of Content
Why is running important?
“Believe that you can run farther or faster. Believe that you’re young enough, old enough, strong enough, and so on to accomplish everything you want to do. Don’t let worn-out beliefs stop you from moving beyond yourself.” - John Bingham, running speaker and writer
Why did you decide to start? Most likely your answer includes feeling better ... ... physically, mentally, emotionally. Running is among the best aerobic exercises for physical conditioning of your heart and lungs. Studies have shown the health benefits to be enormous, reducing the likelihood of everything from the common cold to cancer. Your stamina will increase. You’ll lose weight; most beginners lose nearly a pound a week. Just as important, running--like many forms of exercise -- is a great cure for stress, emotional strain, even mild depression. You’ll likely find yourself with fewer headaches and more energy, patience, humor and creativity. Studies have found that healthy adults who exercise regularly are generally happier than those who don’t. And running, quite simply, is convenient. You don’t need any elaborate gear. No special playing field or apparatus. No need to juggle the schedules of others. Just a pair of shoes and the inclination to get out the door. active.com
I wanted to search for that motivation and that meaning behind people run. I wanted to know what some of the driving forces were and what the running culture was really all about. My initial search / key terms included: Running Motivation Inspiration Time management Products Running locations Running paths Exercise
Interviews
Interviews
Lauren Peters Student - nursing 21 years old Ran cross-country in high school
How far would you say you run on average? A: 6 - 7 miles. How often do you run? (ie. days in one week) A: 3 - 4 times a week. Where do you like to run? (ie. the route you may take, favorite destinations) A: Trails or wooded areas. Do you use any electronic devices / programs while you run? (ie. iPhone, music, apps, etc.) A: None. What inspires you to run? (it can literally be anything) A: To be honest, I’m not sure – I’ve just always loved it, makes me feel alive. This is the best way I can describe… “Why do i run? I run for health. I run for sanity. I run for my heart, my lungs, my head, my soul. I run for me. I run for life. I run because I can. But mostly I run so that when you slowly start to pass me in a race, or even just out on the local trail or wherever, I can speed up a little bit and not let you do it. That’s why I run.” How do you keep yourself motivated with exercise in general? A: I feel depressed if I don’t. Running/exercise in general is a big portion of my identity (at this stage in my life). Motivation can also be current races I enroll in. Do you run with other people or by yourself typically? A: Even distribution of each. Do you ever get bored with running? A: Never.
Are you involved with any other sports? A: No. Do you have a schedule you use for managing your time between exercise, school, work, etc.? A: Yess. Run on Tuesdays and Thursdays after clinical, as well as Saturday and Sundays (days off). Have you or anyone you’ve ever known struggled with a lack of motivation to run? ... whether it be because of schooling, or work, etc. A: Oh boy yes I have..all the time. Usually when it’s cold or when I’m extremely tired or when I am overwhelmed with school or when its dark.. happens rarely. but I also can be very highly motivated to run.. How did the transition from highschool to college affect your running habits or your ability to go running? A: Transition to running after college...welp, I was getting over a stress fracture in my ankle so I wasn’t actually running. when I got back into it I was so excited that I overdid it..it didn’t help that I was reading a biography about an ultramarathoner. Anyway I ended up with Achilles tendonitis and couldn’t run for months. That certainly taught me a lesson and now I make sure that I never over do it. And when I do to ease up (better to lose a few days than many weeks/months).
Interviews
Joey Kurcina Student - accounting 21 years old Ran track in high school
How far would you say you run on average? A: I usually run 5 to 6 miles a day. How often do you run? (ie. days in one week) A: I run about 5 days a week. Where do you like to run? (ie. the route you may take, favorite destinations) A: I usually like to run around the neighborhoods close to my campus. Do you use any electronic devices / programs while you run? (ie. iPhone, music, apps, etc.) A: Yes, I usually run with my iPod Classic. What inspires you to run? (it can literally be anything) A: The females (wink). How do you keep yourself motivated with exercise in general? A: I have a routine that I make sure I follow everyday. So if you do it everyday you get used to doing that. Do you run with other people or by yourself typically? A: I usually run by myself but I do run with people here and there. Do you ever get bored with running? A: Yes on occasion I do. But not normally. Are you involved with any other sports? A: I was involved in swimming in high school but after I graduated not really.
Do you have a schedule you use for managing your time between exercise, school, work, etc.? A: Yes I do. You almost have to or you won’t get everything you wanted to do in a day done. Have you or anyone you’ve ever known struggled with a lack of motivation to run? ... whether it be because of schooling, or work, etc. A: Yes the main reason why I would have lack of motivation is the weather. Especially if it’s cold or raining outside. How did the transition from highschool to college affect your running habits or your ability to go running? A: I would say the transition forced me to run more miles because the races in college are further distance than high school races.
Interviews
Jon Grey Professional runner Team USA MN 25 years old Has a twin brother - runs as well
How far would you say you run on average? A: On average I run about 80-90 miles a week, running nearly every day of the week (I only rarely take days off, but they happen). The average run is around between 8-12 miles. How often do you run? (ie. days in one week) A: (Look at number 1) Where do you like to run? (ie. the route you may take, favorite destinations) A: My favorite place to run is in the woods on trails, or on the bike paths near my house right by the lakes (I live in the land of 10,000 lakes so they are not hard to run into!). I hate treadmills, but going back to where I live... WINTER SUCKS so sometimes it is the safest/best place to run. Do you use any electronic devices / programs while you run? (ie. iPhone, music, apps, etc.) A: Nope, I am extremely low tech, I have all the cool devices (I have a garmin gps with a heart rate monitor and a solid Timex 50 lap watch but I barely use them) Most of my runs at this point I kind of know by heart and all that matters for me is getting in the correct effort. I don’t listen to music, and usually my “all tech’d out” is my watch and shades and off I go. Things I occasionally use... Mapmyrun.com, when I do need to know this is the shit. What inspires you to run? (it can literally be anything) A: Ooh, the million dollar question. Luckily this is easy, I run because I love it, it is something that I get to do on my terms and testing my body’s limits is incredible. I been able to do A LOT of amazing things because of running, and they were mostly only possible because of running. It is my escape, my outlet, my challenge, my measuring stick. I determine exactly what I get out of each and every day. This question could obviously be expanded upon but I want to make sure that I know the context and/or questions to guide me because this could go on for days!
How do you keep yourself motivated with exercise in general? A: This is something I truly love to do. I have had THREE hip surgeries (repairing torn cartilage in my hip) and I still love getting out and running. It is also my outlet and stress reliever for the day, so it just makes me have a better day. (I want to re-word this, as it sounds silly and more intense then I want but for now close enough). Do you run with other people or by yourself typically? A: I live with my twin brother Matt who also runs, and I do have my teammates on Team USA MN that I train with so that at least gives me some people, but on average about 50% or more of my runs have been solo (hip surgeries didnt help). I prefer running in smaller groups or alone though. Do you ever get bored with running? A: Nope, just tired and sore. I can definitely feel “burned out” but that is usually just from high level racing and I never hate an easy run. Are you involved with any other sports? A: Nope, just running. I played all kinds of sports growing up (soccer, baseball, swimming) but with the goals I have, those are just extra chances to get hurt. Do you have a schedule you use for managing your time between exercise, school, work, etc.? A: KIND OF, I just recently got a dry erase board calendar, and that has been awesome. It is only one month at a time, but it works for me, and I already have most of my training/other job schedule set so it makes things easier. Even my running (especially off days where I run by myself) just kind of happens... I love running at night so that also makes sure my schedule stays “normal” Have you or anyone you’ve ever known struggled with a lack of motivation to run? ... whether it be because of schooling, or work, etc. A: All runners deal with it at some point... To be as good as I am I have had to give up a lot of my social life and many other things. Luckily for me I have managed to turn that into US Teams, travel abroad, and many other races where many of my teammates/friends haven’t been so lucky. This is a TOUGH sport with very little societal upside so it is tough to stay 100% invested. I have had 3 hip surgeries, so I have definitely dealt with it. I am far from the only one and we (runners) all find different ways to calm that demon down. How did the transition from high school to college affect your running habits or your ability to go running? A: Well college for me was “running with part time school” so at the end of the day I was going running and just happened to get a degree. So my habits got a lot more structured in college and I had to learn to be able to remove distractions from my “training schedule”. I worked my ass off as a runner in college, and I am NOT the norm in any way... There is a reason I was a 3 time all American in basically 2.5 seasons of being healthy and my team all knows me for my absurd work ethic.
Interviews
Bridget Irelan Residence life coordinator - on campus (UArts) Runs as well
Notes from my interview with Bridget: Her running route consists of starting on Spruce and venturing down to the Schuylkill River Trail... then she goes down Kelly Drive and back to MLK drive... appx. an 8 mile loop Interesting thoughts on cobblestone vs. concrete textures? She gets angry at intersections because of the street lights She is currently training for the Disney Marathon (Gave me a schedule of when to run - provided by the people organizing the marathon) “It’s nice coming to work and knowing I’ve done my workout for the day.” -- in regards to doing her workout in the morning as opposed to when I usually run, which is in the evening after classes Hates the arm band for the iPhone --- finds it to be irritating Listens to podcasts on her iPhone Takes her I.D., keys, and phone for short runs Uses a Camelback for longer runs, doesn’t think they slow her down at all Hates the hydration belt -- look up Wears Nike Pegasus 30 Leopard print Waterproof Hates spending money on running shoes ... but says, “there’s nothing like a real running shoe” Uses “I Smooth Run application?” Application does walk-run ratios -- tell you when to run and when to walk -- Bridget has bad knees She runs by herself Doesn’t want to “girl chat” “Me” time “Get out there when I want”
Runs races with her brother -- Brother runs track and seems to be a fairly serious runner (have his contact information) She also does Combat workout 2 - 3 times a week She’s also trying to get back into yoga --- Has that printed schedule she uses and modifies with her runs (Disney Marathon)
--- Seems to be successful
After she runs a race, she won’t want to run for a month She enjoys the training though it seems Visual display Brother’s name is “Patrick Irelan” Have you or anyone you’ve ever known struggled with a lack of motivation to run? ... whether it be because of schooling, or work, etc. A: Definitely! Training for this marathon is really the only time I’ve stuck to a training plan and been super motivated. Work has been an issue in the past, especially with the on call schedule, but I’ve just gotten over it and ran through it. How did the transition from highschool to college affect your running habits or your ability to go running? A: I actually didn’t start running regularly until after college. I played field hockey in high school and ran a lot for that, but when I got to college, it was much easier to eat Easy Mac, party too much and sleep in. I have also begun to discuss with Bridget the idea of partnering with reslife to get some backing as far as funding and spreading of the word goes with a potential project in the future. Bridget said she could certainly talk to the ladies in the office about working together
Runner Classification / Understanding
Attempt to classify runners based on answers given during interviews. The range of runners consisted of three main categories: Experienced runner Average runner Novice runner
These were the consistencies that were discovered between each of the interviews and the further breakdown of the interviews afterwards. Receiving this sort of feedback helped gain understanding as to why non-runners don’t run and what allows these runners to keep up with their running routinely.
Analysis How far would you say you run on average?
What inspires you to run?
Lauren Peters Student - nursing 21 years old Ran cross-country in high school
6-7 miles.
... mostly I run so that when you slowly start to pass me in a race, or even just out on the local trail or wherever, I can speed up a little bit and not let you do it. That’s why I run.
Joey Kurcina Student - accounting 21 years old Ran track in high school
I usually run 5 to 6 miles a day.
The females (wink).
Jon Grey Professional runner Team USA MN 25 years old Has a twin brother - runs as well
On average I run about 80-90 miles a week. The average run is around between 8-12 miles.
It is my escape, my outlet, my challenge, my measuring stick. I determine exactly what I get out of each and every day.
Bridget Irelan Residence life coordinator - on campus (UArts) Runs as well
Surveys
Survey on physical activity Surveys were posted on all of the University of the Arts Facebook pages for the varying class years. The survey consisted of 10 questions that asked the students about their level of physical activity. The questions are as follow:
1. Do you do any form of exercise? What is it? 2. Are you a member of a gym here in Philadelphia? 3. Do you find that school work gets in the way of your time to be physically active? 4. Do you think you are more physically active during the warmer months or during the colder months? 5. What motivates you to stay physically active or why do you think being physically active is important? 6. Have you ever attended any of the clubs here on campus that involve a good amount of PHYSICAL ACTIVITY such as Salsa Club, Slacklining Club, etc.? 7. What is the biggest motivational killer for YOURSELF with staying physically active? 8. Do you ever reward yourself for exercising? With what? 9. Do you ever go running? 10. What is your favorite childhood game? (ie. tag, hide and seek, capture the flag, etc.) ... and what video games did you play as a child?
7. What is the biggest motivational killer for YOURSELF with staying physically active? Some Answers: “Well if I’m feeling depressed or fatigue I find it hard to motivate myself to be physical.” “Gyms here are expensive, there is not one on campus.” “Lack of time. School is the killer.” “Not enough time for it because of homework.” “My schedule and being tired.” “Committing to a specific time and place to work out.” “Not having a good place to work out, like gym equipment or trails to run on.” “The gym is too far away, we need one on campus that is free.” “Too much work/not enough time.” “Loss of motivation, looking at other people’s physical attributes and being disappointed in your own.” “Working out is boring.” “No gym.”
From these surveys I was able to gather some evidence that overlapped with some of the answers I recieved with my initial running interviews. Potential opportunities presented here: Lack of a space to exercise or be active Being active is boring for some people Conflicts with schedules and being able to commit to a workout or routine is evident as well
Surveys
Literature Review
Reasoning
... young adults (18 - 24) in the United States attend college.
In a study assessing
cardiovascular health among college students,
nearly
60% of participants reported
high or very high stress. Research has shown a substantial decrease in physical activity (PA) during the transition from adolescence into adulthood. This behavioral change is of particular importance because lack of PA is one of the top three modifiable risk factors of chronic disease and premature death.
Reasoning
Jeffrey Park Graduate - industrial design Early 20s Does other activities on top of running such as snowboarding
When I entered high school, I experienced laziness. In the winter, I would go for months without exercise and the repercussion was drastic; Low energy, procrastination, terrible diet, bad skin, deflated mood. I’m not saying these are the direct effects of being lazy, but for me, it made a huge difference. Once I started exercising (running) again, all of my negative habits straightened out.
From my discussions with the college students and the other running enthusiasts I had interviewed, I recognized that ...
“Born to Run is a non-fictional book written by Christopher McDougall. Christopher writes about his journeys to discover the secrets of the Tarahumara Indians, who are a group of people capable of supposedly running hundreds of miles without injuries or rest. In the process, he takes the reader to varying places where running is prominent throughout culture and science.
Precedents
Group activities are encouraged ...
Being physically active with others helps with flaws in motivation and provides camaraderie. Groups bring in an alternative to activities like running in that many of the people I talked with who ran prefered running by themselves.
November Project Co-founded by Brogan Graham and Bojan Mandaric in Boston, Massachusetts. Wanted to keep exercising during the winter months, so they made a promise to one another to meet three times a week all year, no matter the weather. “What we actually lacked was the motivation to wake up and workout before the workforce started storming the streets. We also realized that it was really hard to get motivated on our own.�
City Sports Run Club Meet every Thursday at 6 p.m. at City Sports on Walnut Street.
Help! Zombies!
“The Zombie Run� takes place in numerous areas and is a very interesting way that runners have added themes to running. The run is typically 3.1 miles long and consists of obstacles such as mud pits, barriers, and of course, ZOMBIES. Outrun them and stay alive!
The obstacles that runners have to overcome during this race present a new challenge and experience for runners, which is what makes it so interesting. Community building is also very prominent here as well.
CREDIT PHOTOS
Other Experiences
National Museum of Play
The National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York has just about every game you could imagine in it. Visiting this museum helped gain some understanding of where gaming and play have come from. The museum had everything from life-size Sorry to a game that will make your eyes well up with tears (shown to the right). This variation and differentiation between games gave me a great deal of understanding as to how games can have so many different purposes and meanings.
These were some of the quotes I took photos of at the museum because of how much they struck me. These quotes give me understanding of how “play� is evident in many things and it made me think of how I how play is really prominent in gamification as well.
Gamification Course - University of Pennsylvania Kevin Werbach (photo on right) This is a course that is being taught online for free at the University of Pennsylvania in the spring that I have signed up to take. I am looking forward to getting a lot out of this course as well as being in contact with Kevin Werbach who teaches the course.
Concept Development
Jon Grey Professional runner Team USA MN 25 years old Has a twin brother - runs as well
On average I run about 80-90 miles a week. The average run is around between 8-12 miles.
Action Research
Solmssen Court Hamilton Hall - The University of the Arts
I wanted to begin working with this concept by seeing what spaces were available. (Why?) Key Aspects:
Indoors - protection from the elements Communal space Large space Obstacles readily accessible
Iteration #1 Gamification of running
Capture the flag - ice breaker Candy cane race - independent or in teams