/ Modified may 14, 2013 4:29 p.m.

Motivated Exercisers on the Move

Personal drive comes from many sources

A recent scientific study shows evidence to suggest that the motivation to exercise may be genetic.

In rats.

While more studies are needed to draw the same conclusion in humans, it’s quite common for a person’s inspiration to exercise to be very personal. This motivation often comes from one’s life experiences.

This is true for Lisa Carney, who exemplifies the changing demographics of marathon runners. More and more of the half-million runners who annually finish the grueling 26.2 miles are women.

Running USA reports that the proportion of marathon runners who are women has increased from 11 percent in 1980 to 42 percent in 2012.

Marathon runners are getting older, too. Since 1980, the percentage aged 40 and older has gone from 26 percent to 46 percent.

The gender and aging trends hold true in non-marathon distance races, too, and are reflected in Tucson area local races.

“These days we are seeing a lot more women. It’s definitely gotten a lot older,” says John Sabatine, a board member of the Southern Arizona Roadrunners. “I think the difference these days is that the emphasis is really just about finishing.”

By posting comments, you agree to our
AZPM encourages comments, but comments that contain profanity, unrelated information, threats, libel, defamatory statements, obscenities, pornography or that violate the law are not allowed. Comments that promote commercial products or services are not allowed. Comments in violation of this policy will be removed. Continued posting of comments that violate this policy will result in the commenter being banned from the site.

By submitting your comments, you hereby give AZPM the right to post your comments and potentially use them in any other form of media operated by this institution.
AZPM is a service of the University of Arizona and our broadcast stations are licensed to the Arizona Board of Regents who hold the trademarks for Arizona Public Media and AZPM. We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples.
The University of Arizona