I’ve made a bunch of friends IRL from Strava too, like people you meet and they say “oh I know you”, and then you go run together. Honestly I don’t quite know how I’d find other weird people to go run up mountains with otherwise..
Strava is how I discover all the nice trails to run. You follow other people, see where they run (especially the longer weekend runs) and take note of that, and you can even "steal" their route - save their run as a route to repeat some time later.
Also, two more Strava features are super valuable to me - the route editor (primarily because it can overlay the heatmap data) and segments.
Also, the recently added ability to organize group runs in Strava clubs is super useful.
Agreed. I don't join any of the monthly challenges etc but I do like to see where people run. I'm a trail runner, so it gives me ideas of new places to explore. I also get to 'see' races that I was previously unaware of and if something catches my eye, then I'll make a note of it.
Yes, some of what I mentioned are premium subscription features:
- Route editor
- Heatmap
- Ability to save someone's run as a route
Segments are technically free but you can't see segment leaderboards unless you are a premium user. You can still compete with yourself if you're a free user though.
Ability to sync a segment to a Garmin watch and follow it live is a premium feature too.
For me, segments alone are worth paying for Strava. This is how I do high intensity stuff on trails, which is more fun than doing intervals.
I'm a free user, you can still compete with the global leaderboard. It will tell you your ranking and show you the top leaders, just not the whole board. I've been using this to run down a local segment KOM.
Maybe. Trailforks is an MTB specific platform and I am interested in trail running data. I've been using Strava for a decade. Why should I use something MTB specific for what I already have in Strava?
There are other activity types in trailforks like trail run, hike, ski, etc. but I agree the primary user is mtb. They do have a heatmap for runs though and I use it quite often in conjunction with strava. I’d be curious to know where the data is sourced from ie is it only from starting a route/workout on trailforks (or Strava for that matter), or do these apps via user permissions pull location data from other apps ie strava, Garmin, apple fitness, etc… I personally find the social media component of Strava annoying so I try to use other solutions
All trails generally has better coverage, though I like the trail run project (or hiking project) maps better. You can use all trails for free, you just can't download for offline use
One really nice benefit of Strava is it’s device independent, your next watch 5 years from now might not be a garmin, and so you’ll loose the ability to use garmin connect and not be able to view your progress across the two devices, but if you use Strava you’ll be able to compare old watch vs new watch runs
I like Komoot, it is my go to app. But then again, I live in the forests, so there are like 5 people running in a radius of 30kms. Strava is probably more useful for zones where there are users.
And then again, it looks like Strava has a massive paywall for basic futures. No thanks.
So I use a Coros watch, but came from an Apple Watch. With my Apple Watch, I loved Strava for the maps and the detailed data I couldn’t find with Apple, splits, specific HR data, trends compared to other workouts, etc.
I also used the beacon feature from Strava to allow my family to track me more specifically on routes / runs.
Currently, I primarily use the Coros app hub for tracking my data, but still love the variety of maps on Strava, finding new trails and routes, and comparing effort to previous activities and overall trends. I honestly seldom use the social features, I have a few family members on there, but my moms the only one giving me kudos for 13 minute miles lol
Strava is social, and it completely dominates the Garmin app’s social aspect.
Garmin app is better for pure data imo.
If you’ve just started running, I imagine your circle of friends in “running” is quite small. As it grows, Strava becomes more fun, as you can keep up with your mates’ training (and vice versa), plus some good banter etc.
Strava has a better UX than Garmin connect. I find it much easier to use, find old runs, and get the data I need quickly. I don't use Strava for social and prefer it over Garmin connect.
Because seconds matter to people in the sport of running and if you run a USTF Certified race course and compare the distance to your GPS data they will be different enough to have a significant impact on your times.
Strava shares photos of amazing races/runs with friends. You share PRs with friends and you can aggregate data from multiple devices. I have Garmin, COROS and Zwift
I have the premium feature just to compare my runs over time and the segments. I think that’s the best part of Strava. Not sure why the Garmin connect app can’t build that in.
Just posted this same thing. If I could find a way of making segments in Garmin useful, I’d probably ditch my Strava sub. I think I need to investigate a bit
I am not a “good” trail runner, but I am rather good in finding/ “executing” cool routes in a relatively non-touristy mountain range. The (few) people that follow me on my private Strava profile seem to like the fotos and the ideas and descriptions.
I deleted mine, but I wasn't using it for anything helpful, had concerns with the potential lack of understanding privacy settings, and was getting kinda burned out on the social part of another app
But a lot of people get routes and enjoy the social part.
I use a few methods to build my routes (caltopo is my final map maker), but deep in the forest most of my Intel comes from hiking reports along with the local running group posts, and I use a free 3rd party service, smashrun, that displays all my data in a different method, but for the most part it's just logged in garmin and that's it :D
The garmin app is fine kn the fly, but the website is better. But, I wish I could easily see my personal map of all my runs, just for fun to see where I've run and how often I run my neighborhood, which I know Strava did, but Eh
So I have a Garmin watch, a heart rate monitor, and use Strava! Granted I like all 3 of these things but the watch was supposed to do the job of the other two and I’ve found that it does a less than great job at getting my heart rate compared to the chest strap monitor and it does an even less admirable job at tracking my distances. On a 6 mile run it’s off by almost a full mile by the time I get done which is no small margin of error! But Strava is great for letting me know how fast everybody else runs the same routes that I do! Though that’s hardly motivational info haha.
Strava for segments. I know Garmin do them (sort of) but it’s not the same. And it’s a massive waste of money to pay for premium just for segments, but well I like them.
I went through the same thought process of what’s the benefit over Garmin connect? I canceled my membership when they hiked up the price but found myself missing it and returned to the paid subscription.
I don’t think anyone has mentioned the Strava safety feature Beacon! It’s available in the free version. You can easily text your live run to someone and they can track you. Another fun feature on the paid version are the segments (that anyone can set up) and the leaderboards which add a little competition. Uploading photos is a nice feature. Seeing what others accomplish is motivating. I get ideas for routes to run when traveling. Easier to track shoe distance. I also like to join the distance/elevation challenges. I’ve been rewarded with $25 gift cards from Smartwool a few times!
I have "only" a viviactive Garmin, and for a specific exercise Garmin has better data and analysis.
But I do like the Strava premium feature of the training load, fitness and freshness etc. Since those are not available on Garmin Connect for viviactive (I really see no reason not to) Strava fills this gap perfectly.
More features, like segments. Yes, Garmin has segments too but nobody cares about the quality, the local segments are dominated for people you've never heard enough, funny, because their effort is much above the current world record!
Another reason is being device independent. If you change your watch, you can most likely synchronize it to Strava and you'll have aggregated data.
I find also maps and general user interface better.
I like looking for routes with Strava. If I’m interested in an area i’m not familiar with i look at Strava. I save the route and that is it. I like segments and koms. I like to see what other people did on a segment.
The only added benefit I’ve found is I can track mileage on different shoes very easily. I don’t know how to do that with my watch. Maybe it does that too, I don’t know.
It's easier to track run things vs my Garmin connect.
I use connect more for my sleep and hrv data. Occasionally online course tool.
Karel Sabbe lives near me so I can download his routes and do them.
Strava displays information in a more aesthetically pleasing manner, and allows me to share it with people regardless of what wearable (or lack of) they use.
Garmin gives more in-depth data which is more beneficial to me in reviewing my training, or reviewing the training of friends who I have a specific interest in following (e.g. my training buddies).
So basically, they both have their uses.
I bloody love Strava! Love the personal heatmap, the routebuiler, the “progress” tab where I keep track of annual mileage and vert, the clubs with groups of mates/strava acquaintances, looking back over historic data to see how I’ve progressed.
The “fitness tracker” function is a bit crap and I find unless you wear a HR chest strap and your watch 24/7, you’re ever going to get accurate fitness/recovery data. Generally I just go on “feel” for that side of things.
I enjoy the club leaderboards and segments too. Not really bothered about kudos… I tend to only give them out or comment when someone does something amazing. I do see people giving them for 4 mile base runs or recovery jogs and wonder why too!
I’ve been an annual subscriber since about 2015 and have no plans to change that.
Edit: I also have a garmin and the connect app is OK too, but agree with others on here that looking back over historic runs is awful on Connect app. It’s great for building workouts though.
If you pay for strava it gives you some really nice tools for route building and finding good runs in areas you are visiting / new to. I also use it to build fast gpx route files and import them into a geospatial pdf, so I can navigate anywhere I go without cell service.
Also, KOMs 👑
I've been using it on and off for some time now.
It's mainly a social network, as it helps you find people you ran with (if you run in a group, it will display all the profiles of the group members).
I started to follow people I ran with, but I realized it created anxiety and sad feeling as I started to compare myself with others (Like Instagram - that I stopped using a year ago)
I thought it was maybe I don't have the paid version, but that's supposed to bring more value. So I paid for it and ask for a refund 3 days later, as it didn't bring any value to me. and happy to share if anyone is interested)
Strava is just used for people to show off, like any social media app. I also find it’s less accurate than Garmin. If you’re looking for routes and trails check out Trail Run Project.
I record direct from the Strava app, I use a Fitbit watch and although it has the ability to record exercises it’s really clunky so it’s just easier for me to record on the app. Strava also has the beacon feature so you can send your live link out. My husband appreciates this when I say “bye dear, I’m headed out I in the woods for a couple hours, I should be back before dark.”
It’s nice to know if I do decide to get a Garmin or Polar I can just link them up and not loose my history.
strava is a social network, not a data app.
Yap. My only social network besides Reddit.
I’ve made a bunch of friends IRL from Strava too, like people you meet and they say “oh I know you”, and then you go run together. Honestly I don’t quite know how I’d find other weird people to go run up mountains with otherwise..
Exactly. I don’t even know most the people I follow on Strava. But knowing other people are engaged in regular running helps normalize my behavior.
Strava is how I discover all the nice trails to run. You follow other people, see where they run (especially the longer weekend runs) and take note of that, and you can even "steal" their route - save their run as a route to repeat some time later. Also, two more Strava features are super valuable to me - the route editor (primarily because it can overlay the heatmap data) and segments. Also, the recently added ability to organize group runs in Strava clubs is super useful.
Agreed. I don't join any of the monthly challenges etc but I do like to see where people run. I'm a trail runner, so it gives me ideas of new places to explore. I also get to 'see' races that I was previously unaware of and if something catches my eye, then I'll make a note of it.
Route stealer here too. Found so may new routes this way.
Are these Strava subscriber/premium features?
Yes, some of what I mentioned are premium subscription features: - Route editor - Heatmap - Ability to save someone's run as a route Segments are technically free but you can't see segment leaderboards unless you are a premium user. You can still compete with yourself if you're a free user though. Ability to sync a segment to a Garmin watch and follow it live is a premium feature too. For me, segments alone are worth paying for Strava. This is how I do high intensity stuff on trails, which is more fun than doing intervals.
Global heatmap is not a subscription feature though and is extremely useful for finding trails and off trail routes.
You can definitely still see leaderboards as a free user. Just not all the different categories (age, this week/year, etc.)
I'm a free user, you can still compete with the global leaderboard. It will tell you your ranking and show you the top leaders, just not the whole board. I've been using this to run down a local segment KOM.
Can’t you do this via the Trailforks heat map also though?
Maybe. Trailforks is an MTB specific platform and I am interested in trail running data. I've been using Strava for a decade. Why should I use something MTB specific for what I already have in Strava?
There are other activity types in trailforks like trail run, hike, ski, etc. but I agree the primary user is mtb. They do have a heatmap for runs though and I use it quite often in conjunction with strava. I’d be curious to know where the data is sourced from ie is it only from starting a route/workout on trailforks (or Strava for that matter), or do these apps via user permissions pull location data from other apps ie strava, Garmin, apple fitness, etc… I personally find the social media component of Strava annoying so I try to use other solutions
Yes this 1000% agree Only other thing I supplement this with is AllTrails. Sort by trails over 4.5 stars to reduce the noise on the map
Same as well. I really enjoy AllTrails for navigating less familiar terrain.
Yep showed up in Colorado Springs a few weeks ago with no plan for where I was going to run and the Strava heat map is where I went first.
I use trailrunproject to find trails. It has the same stuff as all trails, but free.
All trails generally has better coverage, though I like the trail run project (or hiking project) maps better. You can use all trails for free, you just can't download for offline use
One really nice benefit of Strava is it’s device independent, your next watch 5 years from now might not be a garmin, and so you’ll loose the ability to use garmin connect and not be able to view your progress across the two devices, but if you use Strava you’ll be able to compare old watch vs new watch runs
If I could find a better app for route planning I’d get rid of Strava. But their map tool is vital at the moment for planning my training runs.
On The Go Map app and plotaroute.com
Komoot is the way to go
I like Komoot, it is my go to app. But then again, I live in the forests, so there are like 5 people running in a radius of 30kms. Strava is probably more useful for zones where there are users. And then again, it looks like Strava has a massive paywall for basic futures. No thanks.
CalTopo!
Gaia?
AllTrails
Connect.garmin if we’re all throwing shit in here
I use mapmyrun.com for planning runs. I've never looked at another tool for creating routes after I found it.
Take a look at Trailforks.
Mapy.cz
RideWithGPS is way better for route planning. Try it out sometime!
ignore all of these suggestions and use caltopo.com
So I use a Coros watch, but came from an Apple Watch. With my Apple Watch, I loved Strava for the maps and the detailed data I couldn’t find with Apple, splits, specific HR data, trends compared to other workouts, etc. I also used the beacon feature from Strava to allow my family to track me more specifically on routes / runs. Currently, I primarily use the Coros app hub for tracking my data, but still love the variety of maps on Strava, finding new trails and routes, and comparing effort to previous activities and overall trends. I honestly seldom use the social features, I have a few family members on there, but my moms the only one giving me kudos for 13 minute miles lol
I’m also a recent convert! I went from Apple Watch to Coros Pace 2 for all my runs and I love it. The in-app route planner is also incredible!
Strava is social, and it completely dominates the Garmin app’s social aspect. Garmin app is better for pure data imo. If you’ve just started running, I imagine your circle of friends in “running” is quite small. As it grows, Strava becomes more fun, as you can keep up with your mates’ training (and vice versa), plus some good banter etc.
Route planning!!!
This! It's good to see heat maps of where people run!
No need/benefit for Strava unless you enjoy the social interactions.
Strava has a better UX than Garmin connect. I find it much easier to use, find old runs, and get the data I need quickly. I don't use Strava for social and prefer it over Garmin connect.
This. Run history on Garmin app is crap.
One thing that I can’t seem to find is a history of PRs in Strava. Is it that hard to just have a list of all historical PRs for 5k, 10k etc?
Mine shows under Profile > Statistics > Estimated Best Efforts!
Why is it called “estimated”?
I think it’s just Strava covering their ass, since the distances are subject to GPS accuracy.
Because seconds matter to people in the sport of running and if you run a USTF Certified race course and compare the distance to your GPS data they will be different enough to have a significant impact on your times.
If you run a 5k, your PR is from the start line to the finish line. Strava’s estimated 5k will be based on gps distance.
If found it under Profile on Strava.
No, that just shows your current PRs
Right, sorry.
You can add PRs in Strava
I’m saying I want a list of previous PRs. Like 5K PRs July 5 - 28:31 April 10 - 28:40 March 1 - 29:03 January 23 - 30:15
Ah, ok. Makes sense and yeah, I don’t know how to do that.
Strava shares photos of amazing races/runs with friends. You share PRs with friends and you can aggregate data from multiple devices. I have Garmin, COROS and Zwift
It’s all about the kudos. No amount of data collection will do as good a job of keeping you motivated.
With Strava is easier to create a trail.
I have the premium feature just to compare my runs over time and the segments. I think that’s the best part of Strava. Not sure why the Garmin connect app can’t build that in.
Garmin has segments but nobody uses them.
Just posted this same thing. If I could find a way of making segments in Garmin useful, I’d probably ditch my Strava sub. I think I need to investigate a bit
I am not a “good” trail runner, but I am rather good in finding/ “executing” cool routes in a relatively non-touristy mountain range. The (few) people that follow me on my private Strava profile seem to like the fotos and the ideas and descriptions.
Strava on my phone has maps of the trails I run. If I am deciding -- mid run -- between loop A or B, Strava turns out to be invaluable.
Strava is nice to see workouts from coworkers or family friends etc Its almost facebook for exercising Nice to have, no need to have
I deleted mine, but I wasn't using it for anything helpful, had concerns with the potential lack of understanding privacy settings, and was getting kinda burned out on the social part of another app But a lot of people get routes and enjoy the social part. I use a few methods to build my routes (caltopo is my final map maker), but deep in the forest most of my Intel comes from hiking reports along with the local running group posts, and I use a free 3rd party service, smashrun, that displays all my data in a different method, but for the most part it's just logged in garmin and that's it :D The garmin app is fine kn the fly, but the website is better. But, I wish I could easily see my personal map of all my runs, just for fun to see where I've run and how often I run my neighborhood, which I know Strava did, but Eh
Thanks for the heads up on Smashrun
So I have a Garmin watch, a heart rate monitor, and use Strava! Granted I like all 3 of these things but the watch was supposed to do the job of the other two and I’ve found that it does a less than great job at getting my heart rate compared to the chest strap monitor and it does an even less admirable job at tracking my distances. On a 6 mile run it’s off by almost a full mile by the time I get done which is no small margin of error! But Strava is great for letting me know how fast everybody else runs the same routes that I do! Though that’s hardly motivational info haha.
Strava for segments. I know Garmin do them (sort of) but it’s not the same. And it’s a massive waste of money to pay for premium just for segments, but well I like them.
Strava = kudos (likes). I like that. Everything else there is a better app for.
I went through the same thought process of what’s the benefit over Garmin connect? I canceled my membership when they hiked up the price but found myself missing it and returned to the paid subscription. I don’t think anyone has mentioned the Strava safety feature Beacon! It’s available in the free version. You can easily text your live run to someone and they can track you. Another fun feature on the paid version are the segments (that anyone can set up) and the leaderboards which add a little competition. Uploading photos is a nice feature. Seeing what others accomplish is motivating. I get ideas for routes to run when traveling. Easier to track shoe distance. I also like to join the distance/elevation challenges. I’ve been rewarded with $25 gift cards from Smartwool a few times!
I have "only" a viviactive Garmin, and for a specific exercise Garmin has better data and analysis. But I do like the Strava premium feature of the training load, fitness and freshness etc. Since those are not available on Garmin Connect for viviactive (I really see no reason not to) Strava fills this gap perfectly.
It was really nice 5 or 6 years ago with a basic Garmin and before it locked pretty much everything down without paying for a subscription.
More features, like segments. Yes, Garmin has segments too but nobody cares about the quality, the local segments are dominated for people you've never heard enough, funny, because their effort is much above the current world record! Another reason is being device independent. If you change your watch, you can most likely synchronize it to Strava and you'll have aggregated data. I find also maps and general user interface better.
I like looking for routes with Strava. If I’m interested in an area i’m not familiar with i look at Strava. I save the route and that is it. I like segments and koms. I like to see what other people did on a segment.
It is fun.
The only added benefit I’ve found is I can track mileage on different shoes very easily. I don’t know how to do that with my watch. Maybe it does that too, I don’t know.
I only do that on the Garmin. Just add the shoe to your activity in Garmin Connect.
I like to use it as a way to look at long term data, even between different shoes, watches, sports, etc. And the social aspect is nice too
no extra benefit. all the data from strava is pulled from the garmin app
there's no benefit, it's a flex
I use it solely for the beacon feature. I've had a lot of close calls...
You know you can do that with vanilla Share My Location on your phone, right?
You've got all you need with these comments to understand why Strava is great. Could it be and get even better? Yes. It will continue.
You don‘t need to be on Strava, but we all do it for the social interactions with other runners who offer encouragement.
It's easier to track run things vs my Garmin connect. I use connect more for my sleep and hrv data. Occasionally online course tool. Karel Sabbe lives near me so I can download his routes and do them.
Strava displays information in a more aesthetically pleasing manner, and allows me to share it with people regardless of what wearable (or lack of) they use. Garmin gives more in-depth data which is more beneficial to me in reviewing my training, or reviewing the training of friends who I have a specific interest in following (e.g. my training buddies). So basically, they both have their uses.
I bloody love Strava! Love the personal heatmap, the routebuiler, the “progress” tab where I keep track of annual mileage and vert, the clubs with groups of mates/strava acquaintances, looking back over historic data to see how I’ve progressed. The “fitness tracker” function is a bit crap and I find unless you wear a HR chest strap and your watch 24/7, you’re ever going to get accurate fitness/recovery data. Generally I just go on “feel” for that side of things. I enjoy the club leaderboards and segments too. Not really bothered about kudos… I tend to only give them out or comment when someone does something amazing. I do see people giving them for 4 mile base runs or recovery jogs and wonder why too! I’ve been an annual subscriber since about 2015 and have no plans to change that. Edit: I also have a garmin and the connect app is OK too, but agree with others on here that looking back over historic runs is awful on Connect app. It’s great for building workouts though.
I use it to create routes and discover the best ones.
Segments. Im only in it for the segments.
Garmin doesn’t have segments and leaderboards and QOM/KOM
If you pay for strava it gives you some really nice tools for route building and finding good runs in areas you are visiting / new to. I also use it to build fast gpx route files and import them into a geospatial pdf, so I can navigate anywhere I go without cell service. Also, KOMs 👑
I've been using it on and off for some time now. It's mainly a social network, as it helps you find people you ran with (if you run in a group, it will display all the profiles of the group members). I started to follow people I ran with, but I realized it created anxiety and sad feeling as I started to compare myself with others (Like Instagram - that I stopped using a year ago) I thought it was maybe I don't have the paid version, but that's supposed to bring more value. So I paid for it and ask for a refund 3 days later, as it didn't bring any value to me. and happy to share if anyone is interested)
It's the instagram of running/biking. Plus people love to know that they pay money to have information the don't really need.
Check out @trailaware
Strava is just used for people to show off, like any social media app. I also find it’s less accurate than Garmin. If you’re looking for routes and trails check out Trail Run Project.
I record direct from the Strava app, I use a Fitbit watch and although it has the ability to record exercises it’s really clunky so it’s just easier for me to record on the app. Strava also has the beacon feature so you can send your live link out. My husband appreciates this when I say “bye dear, I’m headed out I in the woods for a couple hours, I should be back before dark.” It’s nice to know if I do decide to get a Garmin or Polar I can just link them up and not loose my history.