“The Physicality of Theorizing and the (Running) Body Multiple”

In this paper I respond to the recent calls within the sociology of sport and physical cultural studies for a “post-qualitative inquiry” (PQI). I reflect on one potential contribution that PQI can make towards these fields of study: the use of “sensory data” and the emplaced, sensual, and physical nature of research. More specifically, I look to St. Pierre’s concept of the “physicality of theorizing” to apprehend the aspects of research that necessarily occur off of the page and that escape any attempt at capture through audit trails. To explore this concept further, I apply it to a recent research project where I examined female runners’ uses of self-tracking devices. Drawing on Mol’s concept of the body multiple and ontological multiplicity, I describe the enactment of the tracked running body, and what happens when those realities are poorly coordinated. I conclude by considering the implications of multiple realities and how the utility of physicality of theorizing.