Running FURTHER: Experiences of body image, pain, and self-regulation in women ultra-runners

Ultrarunning has gained popularity in recent decades, with greater participation and the development of several ultraraces across the world. An increase in participation by women athletes is suggested to be largely
responsible for this growth. However, there is limited understanding of the experiences of women ultra-runners. The purpose of this project is to examine how women ultra-athletes cope with and manage stressors, and
experience pain and their bodies during training and competition. Participants are ten women athletes and lululemon ambassadors taking part in Project Further in which athletes will run as far as they can in six days. We
will observe athletes during training and competition, and speak with them via interviews to learn about their experiences. The project will allow lululemon to engage with researchers in sport science to critically investigate
issues pertaining to gender in sport, and to work towards further supporting women ultra-endurance athletes to actualize their potential.

Faculty Supervisor:

Erica Bennett

Student:

Partner:

Lululemon

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Manufacturing; Retail trade

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: