Abstract

This paper examines the connection between endurance athletes, their bodies, the world, and the present through the lens of trail running, a competitive race in which athletes cover distances longer than a marathon. The study draws on Platonic texts, Rosa’s theory of resonance, and Hadot’s concept of oceanic feeling to understand how running helps athletes connect with the landscape, their bodies, and the present. According to Platonic writings, running immerses athletes in a state of active presence, while Hadot argues that running provokes feelings of wonder and apprehension that he calls “oceanic feelings,” which connect athletes to their bodies and the world. Rosa’s theory of resonance posits that consonance between the athlete and the surrounding landscape helps establish a connection between the athlete, their body, and the world.