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
Small things I always use
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter: Charges your Garmin from any USB-C cable. Essential when travelling. I use one.
- Body Glide: The blue anti-chafe stick swimmers and runners carry. I use it.
- Speedo earplugs: Fewer ear infections and no cold-water dizziness. I use them.
- Dryrobe Advance: My winter changing robe for open-water swims. I use one. A cheaper option is the AONYIYI changing robe.
- Maurten: Race fuel that stays easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Garmin charging puck: The quickest way to top up before a session. I use one.
- Injinji: Toe socks that stop rubbing, so you run more. I use them.
- Ultimate toe protectors: Stop black toenails on long runs. They work. I use them.
- Compressport R2 v2 calf sleeves: My calf sleeves of choice. I use them.
- Cellucor C4: My pre-workout before hard sessions.
- TPU tubes: Schwalbe Aerothan, Tubolito and Pirelli SmarTube. Light, tiny spares. I use all three.
- G8 insoles: Adjustable insoles that are good. I use them.
- Cycplus Cube: A 97g electric pump that gets a road tyre rideable in two minutes. I carry one. 5% off with code THE5KRUNNER.
Watches and sensors
- Polar H10: My daily driver for waking HRV.
- Polar Verity Sense: My backup arm-worn HR sensor.
- Nomad bedside charger: Charges my iPhone and Apple Watch overnight. I use it, and many of their bands.
- Train.Red: The best muscle oxygen sensor I’ve used.
- Tymewear: Accurate heart rate and reliable ventilatory zones. I use it to pace endurance rides over an hour.
- Garmin Forerunner 970: A pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: My daily smartwatch. No phone needed on rides.
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro: I’ve just bought one.
On the bike
- Continental GP5000 for everyday riding, and Aero 111 on the front for special occasions.
- Helmets: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 for road riding, and Rudy Project Wing for TT-style races. I use both.
- Ravemen FR300: A front light that mounts under your Garmin or Wahoo. I use one.
- Wahoo TRACKR Radar: I use it on one bike and Varia on the other. They perform the same.
- Garmin Varia RTL515: Radar that warns you of cars from behind. I use this model.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3: The bike computer that’s easy to use. I use mine on most rides.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2: Accurate power pedals that swap easily between bikes. I use this model.
Home and indoor training
- NPE Runn: Makes my basic treadmill smart, sending more accurate speed and distance to my watch and Zwift. I use it.
- Google Wifi: Keeps Zwift connected in my pain cave. I use it.
- Apple TV 4K: Zwift on the big screen. I use two.
- Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen): My video doorbell, running in both Google Home and Apple Home. I use it.
Health, recovery and sleep
- FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Shows how my blood sugar responds to diet.
- hDrop: Measures my sweat loss in summer and indoors.
- Fourth Frontier Zone: Checks my heart under load in hard sessions.
- Oura Ring 5: My partner’s recovery tracker of choice.
- Kineon MOVE+: Red light therapy for niggles. It works.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
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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