Health beliefs and practices of runners versus nonrunners

Returns of mailed questionnaires from 77 runner and 63 nonrunner respondents showed that runners placed a statistically higher value on health and performed greater numbers of health-related behaviors. Major differences were found in nutrition, exercise, and medical awareness and self-care. No major differences were found in addictive substance use, stress management, or safety practices. A number of concerns regarding runners' health practices were identified, including running while ill or in pain, incidence of injuries, negative feelings when unable to run, neglect of a conscious cool-down period, low weight levels, and a tendency to increase workouts following perceived dietary indiscretions.