Before putting on his sneakers and going for a run on one of his favorite routes, Samuel Berdah never forgets to launch Strava. The app bills itself as “the largest online sports community,” and is used by 120 million people around the world. But it's not the only option for runners.
The ING Night Marathon breaks its registration record
From Kiprun, owned by Decathlon, to Runtastic (Adidas), Nike Run Club and Runkeeper (Asics), athletes have the choice when it comes to running applications. “Ten or 15 years ago, there were hardly any apps. From now on, there are many solutions for documenting your training, monitoring your progress, having a history of your sporting practice,” explains David Steffes, sports coach partner of the ING Night Marathon.
These tools make training and coaching more accessible, even remotely.
Frasier Carson
associate professor in coaching and sports psychology at LUNEX
This “tracking” aspect is what particularly interests Samuel Berdah. Messin, who will start his very first marathon on May 11, uses Strava to evaluate his progress. “The application also allows you to track the mileage of the shoes, and possibly get route ideas. When you run a lot, you want to change places from time to time,” underlines the runner, who covered up to 125km per week during his preparation.
A source of motivation
Some of these applications even offer you to follow training plans, whether classic or personalized. “These tools make training and coaching more accessible, even remotely. A coach can prepare a specific plan for you, and monitor your progress using the application,” says Fraser Carson, associate professor in coaching and sports psychology at LUNEX, a higher education establishment in Differdange specializing in health, sport and management.
I like to follow my friends' performance and progress. It's truly an inspiration.
Sebastian Serwin
runner
Beyond providing a multitude of data on the sporting performance of runners, from their speed to the length of their stride, these tools truly unite the community of runners. “I've been using Strava since the app existed, and you could say it started as a kind of Facebook for athletes. I like to follow my friends' performance and progress. It’s truly a source of inspiration,” says Sebastian Serwin, who will also be lining up for the start of the ING Night Marathon.
A half marathon will take place in Metz at the end of May
As part of preparation for running 42km, the use of these digital logbooks can be particularly motivating. “The applications allow the athlete to see that the distance of their outings is getting longer each weekend, and allow them to reassure themselves about the progress of their preparation, to have confidence in themselves that they will be ready on D-Day,” continues Fraser Carson.
Better choose your routes
In addition to comparing themselves to their past performances, the Sunday runner can also follow those of professional athletes, like Mehdi Frère, who finished second in the last half-marathon in Paris. “With Strava, a user can follow runners from all over the world, including elite runners, and see what training plans they follow, which can encourage them in their training,” adds the professor.
When I think of my father, who notably ran the Marathon des Sables, he had to write down by hand each training session he did, whereas now we can collect all our data in one click.
David Steffes
sports coach
In Sebastian Serwin's eyes, the most practical feature of Strava remains the one that allows you to assess the popularity of a route. “No matter where I go, I can plan a great running outing. Thanks to the community of runners, I can see photos and choose to go to cool places,” underlines the Luxembourg resident, who has already started several marathons.
But how did he do it before Strava and its ilk? “I've been running since I was 14, and at the time, I manually documented my training in a journal,” says the now 48-year-old. This is where the real advantage of running apps lies, according to sports coach David Steffes. “When I think of my father, who notably ran the Marathon des Sables, he had to write down by hand every training session he did, whereas now we can collect all our data in one click.”
Not indispensable
If the sports coach does not necessarily recommend training with an application at all costs, he emphasizes the importance of documenting your practice. “Whether you train with a watch or with an app, it is important to follow your progress and have a structure,” underlines the sports coach, who supervised a group of around twenty people during their preparation for the ING Night Marathon.
D-100 before Paris 2024: these qualified Luxembourgers, and those who can still dream
As his preparation comes to an end, Samuel Berdah admits that he “could have done without Strava”. On the other hand, it would have been more difficult for him to part with his watch. “The app associated with my watch helps me plan outings. Afterwards, it is also possible to do without it, but it makes life a lot easier.”
I really do running for personal improvement. On May 11, I will arrive at the line with personal goals. There will be people in front, and others behind.
Samuel Berdah
runner
Like Samuel, Sebastian says he doesn't rely on Strava for his running trips. He even warns against certain abuses that could arise from too intensive use. “It’s important for people who use these apps to benchmark their own performance, not constantly compare themselves to others. It happens that some people are demotivated because they see that other runners are progressing faster than them. But it’s like Instagram, you see a small picture, not the whole story.”
Beware of addiction
Another aspect to consider is that of bigorexia, addiction to sport. “By using these applications, we can feel the need to do the same as other athletes, to always go further, rather than training in a structured way,” warns Fraser Carson, who will also be at the start of the 42km on May 11. “Like many things in life, sport can become an addiction. It is important to listen to yourself, to take breaks, to rest,” says David Steffes.
The Metz marathon will not take place
A Strava user for several years, Samuel Berdah says he has never felt negativity, or even the need to compare himself to other athletes. “I really do running for personal improvement. On May 11, I will arrive at the line with personal goals. There will be people in front, and others behind.”
A final danger lies in data confidentiality. “A lot of information can be shared publicly, like your itinerary. People can know where you are running, and that can affect your safety,” warns Fraser Carson. Runners, you have been warned.
