Runners’ Mailbag: Strava Concerns, Shoe Addicts, Worst Mistake, & More

Send your questions on all-things running to [email protected] and I’ll answer them right here in the Runners’ Mailbag.

This week we cover the positive and negative impact of Strava, running groups, running shoe addictions, biggest training mistakes, and more.

Why do runners obsess over gear when the sport is theoretically simple?

Even with today’s batshit shoe prices, there’s a relatively low barrier to entry to get started with running: You buy a decent pair of running shoes, a couple pairs of shorts and tops, and a 3-pack of socks, and you’re good to go. If only that were true.

Once you’ve hopped over the short obstruction granting you admittance, you’ll encounter much taller, considerably more substantial obstacles—like trying to afford your fifth pair of shoes. Because there’s no quicker way to quit the sport than running in just one pair of shoes. Or two. Or three. Or four.

Yes, research shows that paying for experiences is more likely to lead to happiness than buying material goods. But when you consider the opportunities presented by a good pair of running shoes, you realize buying running shoes is a material purchase that leads to the best experiences life can offer.

Because, running is much more than going from point A to B. It involves changes in pace, mileage, elevation, and terrain. And training involves many different running experiences—each with its own intensity and purpose. Speed work, long runs, daily miles, recovery runs, and race day. That’s at least five pairs right there.

So, then, running shoes aren’t just material goods, they’re, as Doctors of Running’s Dr. Matthew Klein calls them, “tools.” Tools to help conquer our goals, on and off the roads. Whether that’s achieving a PR or putting one foot in front of the other each day as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Of course, as your miles stack up, so will the $100 bills—only, you won’t be the one stacking them. You’ll shell them out to every brand and their parent company to try and gain an edge in your training and on race day. Or just to feel something.

runners' mailbag. Strava — *_{Decisions, decisions}*

Running is, objectively, the most basic sport—there’s no debating that. So, to overcompensate for such a dull activity we spend hours upon hours on, we must spend bills upon bills on constantly changing our gear.

Just like in the sheets, the key in the streets is to spice things up and experiment! You certainly don’t NEED a baker’s dozen pairs of running shoes draining valuable funds from your account while taking up valuable real estate in your home, but it’s 13 times more fun!

For everything, there is a season, and for every season there is a new wardrobe complete with a couple new pairs and outfits, at the minimum.

And would you just look at the time of year: the temperatures are lower than low. What a bright time, it’s the right time…to purchase a new running jacket, tights, gloves, hat, and a couple pairs of shoes! What else will get you through the winter?

Is Strava worth using?

Founded back in 2009, Strava has experienced steady growth over the past several years among weightlifters, hikers, walkers, runners—the coolest athletes—and bicyclists—the least coolest people who are not athletes. Some desperate guys even use Strava as a dating app.

Instead of a feed filled with racist, misogynistic, and ignorant musings by booger eaters who live in their parents’ basement, Strava displays workouts completed by those you follow. By that logic, I suppose Strava is the best social media app, but that’s not really saying much. That’s like saying Mussolini was the “least evil” dictator. Dude was still a dictator. He also certainly wasn’t the “least evil” dictator. (Is there even such a thing?)

When it comes to social media, it’s an extremely low bar—an ever shorter one than that aforementioned barrier to enter running.

But Strava is the one social media app that represents any actual semblance of real life. There’s no bullshitting on Strava—what you see is what you get. There’s no deception. Unless, of course, you constantly stop and pause your watch while running. Liar! Or find another way to manipulate your workout before uploading to Strava. Cheater!

Still, there’s no denying Strava helps promote a healthy lifestyle: instead of sitting on your ass playing video games or lying down to play with yourself, you’re engaging in physical activity.

But Strava’s not all good. Remember, this is still social media we’re talking about. Exhibit A: Meet Comparison, aka, the world’s greatest thief of joy. Comparison will never be caught because it’s an inanimate concept, despite being alive and well on Strava. There’s nothing worse for your health than comparing yourself to others. Except cigs. Probably.

Take it from best-selling author and renowned coach Steve Magness:

“Comparisons create unrealistic standards, almost always pointing us towards an upward comparison and ultimately dissatisfaction. We’re left with the impression that we aren’t pretty enough, smart enough, or athletic enough to take on the world.”

Guess what: you’re not pretty enough, smart enough, or athletic enough to take on the world…and that’s ok! No one can take on the entire world by themselves. Except dictators. And you’re certainly no Mussolini!

But the biggest reason not to compare yourself to others on Strava? You’ll run faster than you should to try and “juice” your running stats and then get injured. Don’t do it. Unless you’re looking for a break from running.

Why am I not getting faster?

At least you’re not getting slower?

I’m thinking about joining a running group. Any advice?

Be very cautious. Running groups and cults have more similarities than you might realize. They’re both led by a charismatic leader who try to isolate you from your former life and financially exploit you under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In the case of running clubs, it’s carried out through post-run happy hours.

What’s so bad about running alone, anyway? Solo runs are the best. It’s my one chance a day to escape everyone and everything and clear my mind. Running with someone can often feel like an obligation—to keep a pace, conversation, or even a friendship going. “Sure is a hot one out today, isn’t it, partner?”

I’ve been running alone just fine for more than two decades and look at me! I’m not lonely, resentful, or bitter about anything! Nothing, I tell ya!

The truth is I’m far too much of an introvert to join a running group. I’m much more comfortable hiding behind a computer screen and yelling at clouds via keyboard. But I do recognize they offer many benefits. They’re a great way to make friends, gain motivation, and keep you accountable to stick with training. Plus, they fuel your alcoholism.

Look for a group that is welcoming, pace-inclusive, and non-douchey—unless you’re unwelcoming, pace-exclusive, and douchey. Because there’s nothing worse than an elitist running group who thinks their shoes don’t stink. Check out how they communicate and represent themselves. Their social media accounts, website, or Strava group are often a good place to start.

But the only way you’ll know for sure is if you try it out. As the expression goes, “80% of success is about showing up.” Oh, no. Google just informed me that quote originated with Woody Allen. Nevermind. Don’t listen to that creep. Never show up…to anything.

But if you do show up and the group’s not right for you, find another one. Just make sure it’s not a cult.

What’s the biggest training mistake runners make?

Besides running in a shit pair of shoes? Overtraining. After several months (or years) and countless on-again, off-again periods, when you actually start to develop just the slightest sliver of enjoyment from the act of running, you think you’re invincible. You want to run every day. And not just run, but “gun it.” Alas, as The Shining’s Jack Torrance taught us, “all work and no play” is a recipe for utter disaster.

Even experienced runners have to take rest days and build easy runs into the schedule. Respect your body and its limitations. Contrary to popular belief, running is an actual sport that requires recovery. This isn’t bicycling or pickleball we’re talking about!

No one can run everyday, everywhere, all at once. Nor should anyone rely only on running for their exercise. As much as they suck, strength training and cross training are crucial for runners to improve and avoid injury. Relax, you don’t have to do it every day. Just pick a couple days a week to do something other than running. Hell, even walking is better than nothing. Not bicycling, though. Don’t do bicycling.

There are a bunch of broad guidelines out there to help keep your running addiction in check. Although, they’re not exactly backed by any evidence. Like not increasing total week-to-week mileage by more than 10%. Or ensuring an 80% easy/20% hard split of miles. Or, you know, not running when you’re in notable pain, like I recently did. Safe to say that one is just common sense. Perhaps the most important think to keep in mind is preventing the “Terrible Toos: Too much, Too soon, Too hard.”

Guidelines can be useful, but running is very dependent on one’s experience level. What works for one runner can be wildly detrimental for another. Be smart and learn what works best for you.

NEWS