The Instagram for Runners

Web 2.0 has given us some unique content sharing platforms since its initiation in the early 2000's. In 2009, two San Francisco biking junkies founded a platform exclusively for runners and bikers called Strava. This tool is a social fitness network that is primarily used to track cycling and running using GPS data although alternative types are available. It has picked up some major popularity among runners in recent years.

I have mentioned the app in previous posts, but I would like to go into more detail about how the platform is used. copied, and even misused.

The Story Behind Strava

Strava is not a household app so I want to dive into its background and how its use was intended before we discuss its features. The is dependent on GPS functionality, the most popular uses coming from smart phones or GPS watches. Once a user uploads their activity, the can see a map of where they ran/rode and the statistics such as time, miles, and calories burned. Like other social media platforms, Strava allows users to follow one another and like/comment on all activities posted. The application is free and can be used on all mobile smart phones or any computer. According to their website they have millions of users and 8 million uploads daily.

Controversies

There have been a couple misuses of the platform over the years. Most recently, opposing countries have tried to track US military on the platform to find their location. Since this incident, the US has banned all fitness tracking apps with GPS technology. Another misuse was Strava posted heat maps of where their technology was being used. This lead to other hacks where opposing countries used the technology in an attend to spy on the US. The company issued an apology and has since taken major steps towards working with the US military to ensure their privacy.

Creativity

Strava users have gone viral on various social media platforms for their crazy postings. As you can see from the image above, some users have gone as far as planning out a run/bike to form some type of image. If you google "Strava Art", you will find hundreds of unique pictures made from the GPS technology. I am sure this takes hours upon hours to map out and execute, but to me they're worth seeing every time. I will add some of my favorites to the bottom.

Storytelling

Strava can be used to tell the journey of a runner from the start of their training to a big race day. Although watching the progressions an athletes makes through training is more of a journey then story, each is unique to the athlete. The only real way to tell a story through the platform is to use another application called story teller. The app allows you to take your Strava activity posts and combine them with text to create a narrative. Runners and bikers can share their triumphs and struggles of training or racing. I have always found sharing experiences to be helpful to encourage others and receive feedback.

Strava continues to grow as they now offer premium model for elite athletes. As the platform continues to evolve, storytelling using the application will as well. I am looking forward to see where runners and bikers will take the platform next!