I delayed the inevitable. I am on Strava. It’s been about a month. Technically I have always been there but I just visited. I didn’t upload my runs or pay too much attention to what others were doing.
But since I have some big race goals in 2018, I reckoned I better get with the social media network for athletes. Essentially it’s a problem that tracks your runs/activity by satellite. Connect your Garmin or other device to Strava and you are good to go. Like other networks, you can follow other athletes and check out their runs or rides. It’s been around since 2008.
I was reluctant to join because of all my hang ups about being a slow, cubby runner. (I know how judgey people can get.) Sometimes the stats do not tell the full story – you were sick that day; you were just happy to be there and you just wanted to take it easy. Yada Yada Yada
Anyway I am over caring what anyone thinks. In fact, I am hoping seeing what other runners are doing will inspire and motivate me to become a better runner. The competitor in me has been sleeping for months. I am finally “woke” so to speak. The geek in me loves looking at all the numbers, and all the pretty maps.
What have I been missing?
Rachel and I met in Bragg Creek on Sunday for a fun/get caught up run. I haven’t seen her in weeks and weeks. There was so much to talk about that running only came second to catching up on the gossip. Rachel has been on Strava for a while so she knows all the ins and outs. She started talking about ‘segments’ and I was like, “huh?”
Long story short, Rachel schooled me on the Strava leaderboards, tidbits and other features. (Who has time to read the “about” section?) I am even more excited about the new tool.
But my Garmin had other plans on Sunday. It kept starting and stopping by its own free will. I lost about one kilometre and about 10 minutes. I know you’re thinking … meh …. BUT if you’re doing a run streak and you want to hit 70 kms a month in the winter, every freaking metre counts.
Grrrr … you can’t seem to manipulate the data on Strava (which is probably a good thing when you are trying to break records etc.). Maybe it’s time I buy a new Garmin. Mine has been acting up a lot lately. I think I’ve had it for about three years so it may just be time. ….
I digress … I love Strava. I love all the competitions (Strides Running Streak, Run 2018 in 2018) and seeing what other athletes are doing. Besides it’s free and so cool!
*****
In case you missed it: Why I cut my cable
Fingers crossed Strava helps you out! I just joined recently as well but have yet to commit to any challenges.