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I run most every week day. I am proud to have worked myself up to a regular 5K and my running app always asks me if Inwant to share this, tell my friends etc.

I run most every week day. I am proud to have worked myself up to a regular 5K and my running app always asks me if Inwant to share this, tell my friends etc. I cannot find a single reason I would want to share my run times, or that I have run. Any sharing just seems like a very unhumble brag or worse some attempt to shame or cajole others. The problem with social fitness is (I at least) cannot see it being very sociable - its competitive. Edit: actually - I am wrong. Find me people at my level, and help us connect for tips and support, then I get it.

HaloZero 6y ago
You can compete and still be sociable? You can challenge your friends and etc. It works for some people certainly but not for me.
sethhochberg 6y ago
I'll give you a counter-anecdote specifically about the competitive part: I'm currently about a year into the most consistent running habit I've maintained since I was running high school track years ago, and it all started and is occasionally sustained with Nike+ Run Club friend challenges. I'm not running with any of the friends I compete against, we all live in different parts of the country. But on the days when it would be really easy to just skip the workout for some reason, not falling behind in that month's challenge is incentive to go do it anyways. Could I have that kind of self control on my own? Sure. But I'm realistic enough to know that sometimes, a little social pressure goes a long way. Wanting to be the first person to hit N miles for the month (or just not be embarrassingly far behind the pack) is a very real motivating factor. (But FWIW I only feel this way about running because it isn't my favorite athletic activity. When I spend a day throwing down 80+ miles on my bike, I don't use Strava or anything like that, the ride is the reward. But I can't do an 80+ mile ride on a weeknight after work for some quick cardio)
- Wohlf 6y ago
  A little positive peer pressure can be a good thing, a gentle reminder from my girlfriend that I wanted to eat better before I eat some junk food can really help with willpower.
outside1234 6y ago
It probably depends on your personality. I find it motivating to see other people running - just in the sense that they are getting out there - but also in what they did. I sometimes go and do the same route they did and doing that really motivates me because it is new ground and gives you that "exploration" kick. For me its not about bragging or competitiveness - just solidarity and new ideas.

HaloZero 6y ago

You can compete and still be sociable? You can challenge your friends and etc. It works for some people certainly but not for me.

sethhochberg 6y ago

I'll give you a counter-anecdote specifically about the competitive part: I'm currently about a year into the most consistent running habit I've maintained since I was running high school track years ago, and it all started and is occasionally sustained with Nike+ Run Club friend challenges. I'm not running with any of the friends I compete against, we all live in different parts of the country. But on the days when it would be really easy to just skip the workout for some reason, not falling behind in that month's challenge is incentive to go do it anyways. Could I have that kind of self control on my own? Sure. But I'm realistic enough to know that sometimes, a little social pressure goes a long way. Wanting to be the first person to hit N miles for the month (or just not be embarrassingly far behind the pack) is a very real motivating factor. (But FWIW I only feel this way about running because it isn't my favorite athletic activity. When I spend a day throwing down 80+ miles on my bike, I don't use Strava or anything like that, the ride is the reward. But I can't do an 80+ mile ride on a weeknight after work for some quick cardio)

Wohlf 6y ago
A little positive peer pressure can be a good thing, a gentle reminder from my girlfriend that I wanted to eat better before I eat some junk food can really help with willpower.

outside1234 6y ago

It probably depends on your personality. I find it motivating to see other people running - just in the sense that they are getting out there - but also in what they did. I sometimes go and do the same route they did and doing that really motivates me because it is new ground and gives you that "exploration" kick. For me its not about bragging or competitiveness - just solidarity and new ideas.