Strava: Run, Bike, Hike 4+

I am A fairly active club runner and I subscribe to the app so I am reviewing it from that perspective.

From a training and fitness point of view, it ticks every box. It is really easy to use, syncs to my Garnin connect very easily, is accurate has reply good detailed maps that I can track my routes with, both new and regular ones.

Really enjoy being able to track my progress and compete against myself. The metrics are very detailed. I also enjoy the segments you can go for and this is a feature I really like.

Using the app as a tracker in my phone also works well when I haven’t had my Garmin watch available. GPS is accurate and quick to find your spot. Haven’t used the safety features yet but I think this is a really good and important part of the package.

From a social point of view I also really like the fact that you can scroll through your friends activities and give encouragement and receive it yourself. It’s a really good, positive and supportive community and I have met people through running the same route and races who have become friends.

The route builder feature is very good and has helped me break the mould a bit and discover some routes in new places.

The recent addition of the recover app is a nice touch and adds value to the subscription for me.

Overall, I would recommend Strava to anyone, paid or free.

I am a long term user and fan of the Strava app, but feel the recently implemented 'Weekly Snapshot' feature at the top of the feed is a design fault. It is really depressing to be confronted by downward pointing arrows if you have a slow start to the week. The only possible interpretation of a downward pointing arrow is negative. This does not inspire or empower me to run more; it simply makes me feel stressed and unhappy, as though I am now playing catch up. It is also appropriate to point out that it really is not a good a good idea to constantly strive for more activities, more time running and more km all the time. The Weekly Snapshot only rewards an upward pointing arrow for more, more, more ad infinitum. Sometimes an easy week or a few days rest is what the body needs. Or sometimes many of us just don't have the time to run. So I see the Weekly Snapshot as a negative, guilt inducing feature. A nagging, negative presence. It certainly makes my experience of the app far less enjoyable. Please at least let users disable the Weekly Snapshot. I really don't need the Strava app to start making me feel stressed and guilty every time I open it.