I Treat Strava Like a Scrapbook, Not a Scoreboard. Here’s How It Keeps My Running Identity Alive.
Runner's World
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Treat Strava as a scrapbook rather than just a scoreboard. In an era where fitness trackers often focus on metrics like mileage and speed, one runner has found a unique way to use Strava to preserve her running identity and celebrate all forms of movement. By logging not only traditional runs but also walks, cross-training sessions, and even random adventures like snow angels or late-night sprints to the train station, she turns the platform into an ongoing memory book that reflects her active life.
The author shares how she began this unconventional approach after noticing repetitive, uninspired posts on her Strava feed. Inspired by a friend’s creative use of captions and titles, she started adding personal touches to her runs—describing feelings during the workout, noting interesting sights, or even tracking favorite pizza spots. This shift transformed her fitness journey into a series of experiences rather than just completed tasks.
Logging non-running activities has become a way to capture special moments and celebrate joy in movement. Whether it’s exploring new cities, attending marathons as a spectator, or simply enjoying time outdoors, she ensures every activity leaves a lasting memory. This approach also helps her stay connected to the running community and honor her identity as a runner, even during periods when she isn’t following a strict training plan.
For fitness enthusiasts, this perspective highlights the importance of finding joy in movement beyond traditional metrics. By embracing diverse forms of exercise and celebrating small moments, individuals can maintain motivation and build lasting connections with their active lives. Strava’s potential to serve as both a tracker and a creative outlet offers inspiration for anyone looking to make their fitness journey more meaningful.
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Originally published on Runner's World on 2/19/2026