Strava Setup for Beginners
Strava for Beginners | Quick Start Guide
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I've been using Strava for just over 4 years now and I've been impressed with a lot of the recent updates made to increase the social interaction on the app. If you've never used Strava before, the app is designed as a social network specifically geared towards athletes. And getting Strava set up as a beginner is incredibly easy.
The app's name "Strava" is actually Swedish for "Strive" which is an apt name as one of the goals of the app is to help motivate athletes to continue to challenge themselves. I started using Strava in 2014 as a convenient way to track my activity and mileage but since then, they've added a TON of new features to better connect the Athletes on the platform.
If you've never used the app, I thought I'd go over a quick-start guide as well as highlight some of my favorite features. Make sure you follow me at https://www.strava.com/athletes/irunonbeer!
Set Up your Strava Account
First things first, you have to create your Strava account. Luckily the app can sync with either Google or Facebook so it's easy to create a Strava profile linked to one of those two services. Once you've got your account, make sure you update your profile with a picture and a quick bio introducing yourself. You can also customize your Strava URL to make it easier for others to find you.
Find Friends on Strava
As I mentioned, this is a social app so once you have your Strava setup, you'll want to start following your friends. Since the app syncs with other services like Facebook, it's easy to find your friends who are using the app.
I also really like how many professional athletes use Strava and will share their profiles for people to follow. I know I get a lot of motivation, especially from following a few of my favorite ultramarathoners like Chris Mocko and Training for Ultra.
Join a Virtual Strava Running Club
Strava also allows athletes to organize with like-minded people through the creation of running clubs. My personal favorite is the BibRave Run Club open to any fans of the BibRave brand! When you join a club, you'll be able to see weekly leaderboards showcasing the activities of other members of the club. Members can also interact with one another through the club's "posts" section
Record Your First Strava Activity
Now that you've got your Strava setup complete, it's time to record your first activity! In order to do so, you'll need the app on your phone so the GPS can track you on your run. Alternately, you can also connect most GPS watches or devices to the Strava app which will sync any activity automatically across platforms. I use a Garmin watch and within 5 minutes of finishing a run, it will automatically upload into the Strava app.
Track Your Running Stats
Finally, one of the best features of Strava is that it collects all of your stats and analytics. You can track running, biking, and swimming all in one convenient location. As you rack up the miles, you'll be able to see all of your activities saved in a log as well as your overall stats across activities.
Apart from athlete stats, another feature that is HUGE for runners is the ability to track mileage on your shoes. Through the website, you can add different pairs of running shoes to your gear list and the app will keep track of each pair's total mileage, you just have to indicate on each run which shoes you were wearing. I also appreciate that the app sends me an automatic alert once my shoes break a certain mileage threshold.
So if you don't use Strava yet, what are you waiting for?! Once you complete your Strava setup and profile, be sure to follow me and check out the BibRave Club to see what everyone is up to!