敘說中年女性馬拉松跑者的生命故事──存在本就美好

Narrating the Life Story of Middle-Aged Female Marathon Runner

國內外馬拉松賽事有愈來愈多女性馬拉松跑者參與，研究者中年才投身馬拉松運動，在此歷程中結識許多同屬中年之女性跑者，了解到中年女性跑者因跑步帶來之生活經驗深刻且豐富，且具有多重面向與意義。本研究目的為探究中年女性馬拉松跑者參與馬拉松歷程，並分析馬拉松經驗對其生命之意涵，採用敘說探究為方法學，選取四位持續參與路跑活動五年之中年女性跑者，透過訪談以及以「類別－內容」進行資料分析，針對研究參與者的跑步故事文本與分析詮釋，研究結論為：一、以健康為初衷的跑步，在中年轉換期看見自己更多的可能。二、跑友的陪伴讓這群中年女性跑者能在完賽與棄賽間持續參與馬拉松賽事。三、在跑步中透過自我對話與沉澱生活思緒，延伸出對於生命的重新看待；馬拉松讓她們傾聽自己的身心，並接納生命的多元樣貌，體悟存在本身就是美好。研究建議與反思：中年女性跑者經由跑步再度找到自己。這群中年女性跑者透過馬拉松實踐，淬煉出自信，進而更能喜歡自己，馬拉松精神融入了她們生活中，讓他們邁向更健康強韌的肉體與精神、以更正面樂觀的態度，克服實際生活中的困難與苦難，讓她們內心平靜，生活邁向美好。

An increasing amount of female marathon runners have been participating in both international and domestic marathons of as late. Researchers with previous little experience in marathons, upon entering them, encountered a group of female runners of the similar age group; according to these runners, after they started to run, their life experiences have become more enriched and profound. This study aims to explore the participation of middle-aged female marathon runners, and to analyze the impact of the marathon experience on their lives. Using narrative inquiry as a methodology, four middle-aged female marathon runners who have participated in running activities within the last 5 years were selected. Through interviews and ''category-content'' data analysis, as well as text of the participants' personal narratives and analytical interpretation, the research conclusions are as follows: 1. Running for health was the original intention, with the participants seeing more possibilities for themselves as they underwent a midlife transition. 2. The companionship established between these runners encouraged them to finish races and to continue to participate in marathons. 3. The inner dialogue and thoughts established mid-run gave runners a new view on life. Marathons allowed them to be in-tune with their own bodies and minds, in addition to accepting the diversity of life and gaining an understanding of the beauty of existence. This group of middle-aged female marathon runners experienced multiple 42.195 kilometer long marathon races, forging their own self-confidence through running. A marathon is not just a medal for them, but a lifestyle and a serious leisure. By participating in marathons, they aim to move towards healthier and stronger bodies and spirits, all while overcoming difficulties in real life with a more positive and optimistic outlook. Through marathons, their hearts are calmed, and through their stories, researchers saw this group of middle-aged women find themselves by running.