The Problem with Being the Worst ⬆️
I'm a basement dweller in my first ever Strava Group
As you all know from two weeks ago, I love challenges. Nudges, whatever you want to call them. Some kinda way to hold myself accountable.
I’ve been in plenty of group challenges before. Some of them I liked, others were just ‘eh’.
I don’t know if I’m really late to the game, or maybe it’s just because I’m not a huge fan of Strava as a concept, but our Thursday Dadz group run started a Group on Strava.
Again, I’m not a big fan of the platform (too much comparison for me), but I can totally see why lots of runners and endurance athletes like it.
But this group that I’m in… these dads gotta be super dads. They run so many miles every. single. week.
I am getting CRUSHED on a weekly basis.
By Tuesday morning it’s lights out for me. I never stood a chance.
But because I’m getting the score run up on me every single week, maybe it’s pushing me out of my comfort zone (and hopefully not into injured zone) and allowing me to think bigger about my weekly mileage.
Why Friendly Competition Helps
A little competition can easily light the fire you’ve been looking for. That spark that gets you out the door. The kindling that gets your juices flowing.
Sometimes just having someone seeing you at the bottom of the weekly leader board is enough to allow yourself to go from 20 miles a week to 30 miles a week. Sure, you’re still in last, but at least you’re getting fitter quicker!
I know what you’re saying. No shit you’re losing. I hear you. These dads are all freaks or training for a marathon. Or both.
I might not feel great, physically, but knowing they're out there running twice what you are is enough for me.
How to Use Strava for Friendly Competition
I’m not a huge fan of Strava’s whole ethos, but I am digging seeing all the miles the Dadz run daily.
I couldn’t even tell you how to find or create a Strava group, so excuse me for that. But you totally know how to find Groups and you should. Find a group or two that matches your mileage goals and create a goal for yourself.
Use segments to help you compete during stretches in between races. These, I’m sure, can be great ways to get in faster work without actually having to pay for a race.
Benefits of Friendly Competition for All Levels
If you’re just getting into running, the encouragement you can get from Strava is probably pretty cool. Being in a group that is similar to your ability provides great camaraderie and friendships.
For more advanced runners, using Strava can help you push your personal goals while also learning more about the sport.
Knowing people in the group are doing more than you might motivate you to get out for that run when you aren’t really feeling it.
Avoiding Burnout and Keeping It Fun
Keep in mind, upping your mileage or doing anything a lot more than you are used to comes with consequences.
If you ramp up your mileage big time or you double down on your strength training, you also have to increase your amount of recovery time.
It might go without saying, but you can’t and you shouldn’t go bananas without having a decent base of fitness before you get started.
Keeping it fresh and balanced is very helpful. Sometimes Strava is great for motivating you, but other times maybe it’s too much. Knowing when to push and when to back off is important and takes discipline and practice.
Share your favorite Strava tips for me - I’m pretty basic when it comes to the platform.
Do you have a segment you’ve got the KOM on? Or maybe you’re the Local Legend?
Need more guidance? Ready for a training plan? Send me a message and we can get started.
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