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. 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 realise that I didn’t hydrate properly or feel guilty that I’m probably about to stuff more calories down my throat than I’ve just burned.
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!
Detailed Stats
100% of 45-54 year old, 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. You can explore MANY other angles of the survey at strava.com.
Last Updated on 28 May 2026 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
- Maurten — the race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mix engineered to be easy on the stomach.
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — the small adapter that keeps your charging cable tidy at the stem. Essential for race day.
- Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session.
- Ravemen FR300 — front light that mounts directly under your Garmin or Wahoo head unit. Keeps your bars clean and your beam pointed where it matters.
- Garmin Varia RTL515 — radar rear light that alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. Pairs with your Edge or Garmin watch.
- Stryd — the footpod that brings running power to your Garmin. The single most useful running upgrade I have made.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2 — the power meter pedals most serious cyclists end up choosing. Accurate, easy to move between bikes.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
Me: I deleted my Strava account and setup a Smashrun account. Much more motivating.
#tempting