Strava Runner Motivations

STRAVA surveyed 25,000 of us to discover more about our running motivations. Whilst none of the findings are earth-shattering, at least they indicate how similar or different we are to all those crazy lycra- and cotton-clad people zooming around in bouncy shoes.

Getting Started

A third of us merely tolerate the first mile.

Me? I love it. I’ve left the family behind and either have my thoughts or chat with a like-minded running buddy.

Finishing the Run

Two thirds of us Love finishing.

Me? I love the satisfaction of finishing a targeted run, but when I’m training for a duathlon or triathlon, the end of a run is just the start of something else that involves lycra or gadgets.

Kudos

25% of Strava runners love getting Strava kudos from our followers

My ‘the5krunner’ account is private and only has one follower, the real me. I will leave it to your imagination as to whether or not I give myself kudos when I appear to have done the same 10-mile route five times in one day with five different devices. Seriously though, with my real account, getting a thumbs up and comment from a fellow club member or friend is nice. A good idea for clubs is to assign someone who gives kudos to every other club member’s efforts. Spread the happiness, even though it might be a bit fake.

Post-Run Drink or Food

39% of us love replenishing our fluids and solids

This is a double-edged sword for me. I realized that I didn’t hydrate properly or felt guilty that I’m probably about to stuff more calories down my throat than I’ve just burned, AND I’m trying to shed a kilo or two by this summer. After hard intervals, I will have some chocolate-flavoured whey protein and creatine monohydrate powder mixed with semi-skimmed milk. I like to drink that; however, I nearly always feel nauseous for an hour. I’d be grateful if any medical professionals out there could explain that one.

Weekend Running

Morning runs account for 67% of weekend runs or 38% of weekday runs.

Go figure, Sherlock! #work #kids

Routine Helps

66% of new Retirees say a running routine helped them adjust  their life

A surprising 61% also said running helped similarly after adding a child to the family. That must signal an opportunity for running buggy manufacturers! Either that, or there are a lot of negligent parents leaving their kids at home for a quick dash around the block.

Detailed Stats

100% of 45-54yo, Brazilian women say a running routine helped with a job change.

This is an interesting stat that suggests either my fixation with 45-54-year-old Brazilian women or that the details behind the Strava survey only work best in their major markets, including the USA and UK, rather than Brazil.

With that probable limitation in mind, it still is an interesting read, and you can explore MANY other angles of the survey here (link to WHYWERUN at strava.com)

Lots & LOTS more STRAVA-Related Content here: list of STRAVA posts.