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Strava?

Stoshew71
Stoshew71 Posts: 6,553 Member
in Social Groups
So what is the benefit of a Strava account?

I just got a Garmin FR10 on Father's day and opened a Garmin Connect Account to synch by FR10 with. I see many of my friends also have a strava account and have been transferring their GC data onto Strava. Does Strava offer any more benefits that GC doesn't?

Just curious.

Thanks.

Replies

  • saskie78
    saskie78 Posts: 237 Member
    Wondering the same...
  • TheBrolympus
    TheBrolympus Posts: 586 Member
    For the most part it's the same as most of the other Activity sites like Runkeeper, mapmyrun, etc.

    I like it because it has user created segments for cycling and running that allows you to compare yourselves against.

    Like when I ran a MTB race this weekend, there was a segment created for the race loop and when other racers loaded their data I could see how my fastest race loop measured against other riders. It also shows other racers that did the same event.

    The challenges are also nice but can get repetitive.

    My brothers are on Strava and we setup a Club so we can compete against each other in specific segments.
  • DavidMartinez2
    DavidMartinez2 Posts: 840 Member
    I have a free account on Strava, biggest benefit is being able to compare segments (parts of your run) to each other and how you perform against others.
  • runner475
    runner475 Posts: 1,236 Member
    I have a free account on Strava, biggest benefit is being able to compare segments (parts of your run) to each other and how you perform against others.

    ^^^ This

    However it can be unfair as in any virtual world racing where I in CO start comparing to someone in let's say in ID - totally different terrain. It ain't apples to apples comparison anymore.
  • ZenInTexas
    ZenInTexas Posts: 781 Member
    Strava is fun. And if you're a faster-ish runner you can try and get King of the Mountain (or in my case Queen) of all the segments on your running routes. :smile:
  • timeasterday
    timeasterday Posts: 1,368 Member
    I have a free account on Strava, biggest benefit is being able to compare segments (parts of your run) to each other and how you perform against others.

    Yep, me too. And I'm in a couple of groups and it's fun to see how we compare each week. They have rankings for distance, time running, and climbing (elevation gain).
  • TheBrolympus
    TheBrolympus Posts: 586 Member
    I have a free account on Strava, biggest benefit is being able to compare segments (parts of your run) to each other and how you perform against others.

    ^^^ This

    However it can be unfair as in any virtual world racing where I in CO start comparing to someone in let's say in ID - totally different terrain. It ain't apples to apples comparison anymore.
    Segments are in one location so you have to cover the actual segment to be included in the segment rankings, so it is comparing apples to apples.
  • _Josee_
    _Josee_ Posts: 625 Member
    I have a free account on Strava, biggest benefit is being able to compare segments (parts of your run) to each other and how you perform against others.

    ^^^ This

    However it can be unfair as in any virtual world racing where I in CO start comparing to someone in let's say in ID - totally different terrain. It ain't apples to apples comparison anymore.

    You are missing the point of the segment.
    You have to actually physically run that part of our planet for it to register.... SO yeah, it's apple to apple.
  • KeithAngilly
    KeithAngilly Posts: 575 Member
    It's all about the segments, challenges and competition. There are also a number of pro cyclists that you can follow, which is pretty cool. I notice that garmin connect is doing something similar now. :happy:
  • TheBrolympus
    TheBrolympus Posts: 586 Member
    It's all about the segments, challenges and competition. There are also a number of pro cyclists that you can follow, which is pretty cool. I notice that garmin connect is doing something similar now. :happy:

    It's really cool to follow some of the pro cyclists through the Tour de France.

    There are also a lot of big time ultra-marathoners out there and it's crazy to see their work outs. Doing "Easy Run" with 12,000ft of elevation change. CRAZY!
  • KateRunsColorado
    KateRunsColorado Posts: 407 Member
    So just curious - is there anyone that either does, or has, used both Strava and DailyMile?

    I'm just wondering how they compare.

    I use DailyMile, but I don't think you can compare routes and segments (although not positive), so I'm not sure. But I like it for seeing my weekly, monthly, and yearly progress. I'm sure I could probably see that on Garmin Connect too, but I don't always use my Garmin.
  • amandamurdaugh
    amandamurdaugh Posts: 138 Member
    My main reason for having a strava account is to follow "elite" trail runners. I like to know what sort of mileage they are doing, what elevation, incline, etc. I think it's amazing they let us into their training. I have endomondo which I've had for a couple years to compare my own stats and friends stats with. I also upload to map my run because I have a couple friends on there too.
  • runner475
    runner475 Posts: 1,236 Member
    I have a free account on Strava, biggest benefit is being able to compare segments (parts of your run) to each other and how you perform against others.

    ^^^ This

    However it can be unfair as in any virtual world racing where I in CO start comparing to someone in let's say in ID - totally different terrain. It ain't apples to apples comparison anymore.
    Segments are in one location so you have to cover the actual segment to be included in the segment rankings, so it is comparing apples to apples.


    Gotcha.
  • runner475
    runner475 Posts: 1,236 Member
    I have a free account on Strava, biggest benefit is being able to compare segments (parts of your run) to each other and how you perform against others.

    ^^^ This

    However it can be unfair as in any virtual world racing where I in CO start comparing to someone in let's say in ID - totally different terrain. It ain't apples to apples comparison anymore.

    You are missing the point of the segment.
    You have to actually physically run that part of our planet for it to register.... SO yeah, it's apple to apple.

    Ohh!!!OK!!! That makes sense and Yes Apples to apples comparison :wink:
  • DavidMartinez2
    DavidMartinez2 Posts: 840 Member
    I'm just wondering how they compare.

    Daily Mile is good for socializing and getting supportive feedback. Strava is more focused on performance.
  • KateRunsColorado
    KateRunsColorado Posts: 407 Member
    I'm just wondering how they compare.

    Daily Mile is good for socializing and getting supportive feedback. Strava is more focused on performance.

    Thanks! Good to know!
  • Lard_Vader
    Lard_Vader Posts: 138 Member
    Think of it as a Facebook for athletes. And I find it much more helpful than FB hypocrisy. I'd add along with the others who previous stated--challenges and seeing how you stack up on segments WILL make you a better rider. I wasn't sure how I would stack up on Strava in comparison with others (not that I care so much, but it's nice to see a well deserved KOM or CR). I've met plenty of of great people across the globe with similar riding/running/diet interests.

    IMO if you aren't on Strava, you're missing out. I use the premium member option and find the post-run/ride statistics very helpful with my long mileage training.
  • KeithAngilly
    KeithAngilly Posts: 575 Member
    there is an mfp group there, as well (thanks Ken!): http://www.strava.com/clubs/myfitnessplanclub
  • DonPendergraft
    DonPendergraft Posts: 520 Member
    I like the international flavor of Strava. You can connect with people literally all over the world and see what kind of runs they are doing and where. It's still very cycling-centric, but it has value to runners too I think. You also get a lot of fake internet kudos for your doing your runs for example. :o)
  • DavidMartinez2
    DavidMartinez2 Posts: 840 Member
    there is an mfp group there, as well (thanks Ken!): http://www.strava.com/clubs/myfitnessplanclub

    Is is MFP like "everyone who is on Myfitpal" or MFP like "the cool kids in the Long Distance Runner group"?
  • DonPendergraft
    DonPendergraft Posts: 520 Member
    there is an mfp group there, as well (thanks Ken!): http://www.strava.com/clubs/myfitnessplanclub

    Is is MFP like "everyone who is on Myfitpal" or MFP like "the cool kids in the Long Distance Runner group"?

    David,
    It's new and a very small group. It's technically open to all MFP'ers it seems. However, having to first be on Strava keeps out the filthy casuals from the general MFP population. ;)
  • ZenInTexas
    ZenInTexas Posts: 781 Member
    there is an mfp group there, as well (thanks Ken!): http://www.strava.com/clubs/myfitnessplanclub

    Is is MFP like "everyone who is on Myfitpal" or MFP like "the cool kids in the Long Distance Runner group"?
    I'm in it so what more do you need to know. :laugh:
  • TheBrolympus
    TheBrolympus Posts: 586 Member
    there is an mfp group there, as well (thanks Ken!): http://www.strava.com/clubs/myfitnessplanclub

    Is is MFP like "everyone who is on Myfitpal" or MFP like "the cool kids in the Long Distance Runner group"?
    I created a group and invited my MFP friends to it. It's pretty much just people from this forum.

    If anyone wants in, send me a PM on MFP to let me know. I am getting requests to join the group. Since Strava uses your real name I have no clue if they are from this forum or just random MFP user.
  • jchite84
    jchite84 Posts: 467 Member
    I use Strava, like everybody said it's nice to see local runners and cyclists and how their times compare with yours on popular routes. You can also create custom routes and track your own progress. I also like participating in the monthly challenges. You usually "win" something for completing a challenge, though it's generally a discount on some overpriced shirt, but it's fun to have something to strive for in between races.

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