Analysis of Strava posts reveal emotional component of motivation for running 

Researchers at Simon Fraser University have analysed thousands of Strava posts to examine how runners describe joy, frustration and motivation, with findings that could inform urban design and public health strategies

Researchers at Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada, have examined how runners describe their experiences in their own words, drawing on thousands of posts shared on the fitness platform Strava. The study analysed more than 3,200 posts written by runners in the Metro Vancouver area between 2010 and 2021, with the aim to understand what makes running feel enjoyable or discouraging and what factors influence whether people persist with the activity.

The research team examined 3,225 posts shared with permission by 137 runners and focused on entries that expressed particularly positive or negative sentiment. By applying text analysis methods to these ‘organic’ reflections, the researchers have sought to move beyond route data and performance metrics to capture how runners actually felt immediately after their runs. The findings suggested that emotional responses to running were shaped by a combination of psychological, social and environmental factors.

“For the first time, we’re seeing runners’ experiences in their own words, not just numbers and route tracking,” said Stella Harden, doctoral candidate and lead author of the study.

“These were completely organic posts that captured how people were feeling right after their runs, which gave us a really nuanced view of what makes running enjoyable and how cities can support that,” Harden added.

The analysis identified six broad influences on runner experience, including psychological aspects such as stress relief, social connections, weather conditions, surrounding environment, physical sensations and the condition of paths and pavements.

Many runners described running as a way to clear their mind or to manage stress, indicating that psychological benefits were a major motivation to continue. Social factors also emerged strongly, with encouragement from friends or running clubs often associated with more positive sentiment.

Gender-related differences appeared in how runners framed their experiences. Men were more likely to emphasise competition or performance, while women more frequently highlighted issues of safety, particularly when running at night.

Environmental features also played a significant role. Natural surroundings, well-maintained routes and favourable weather tended to align with positive emotions, whereas poor lighting, traffic, obstacles and degraded surfaces were common sources of frustration.

The study also suggested that unexpected route conditions could quickly undermine enjoyment. Runners who anticipated a particular type of run – such as an urban route – often expressed dissatisfaction when they encountered large puddles, roadworks or sudden pavement closures. Such disruptions appeared to transform a run from a positive experience into a negative one, even when other conditions were favourable.

Harden said the results could help cities to design safer and more inclusive spaces that support physical activity and mental wellbeing.

“Running is one of the most accessible forms of exercise, but enjoyment is key to sustaining it.

“If we know that well-marked trails, safe lighting and attractive green spaces make a difference, those features can be prioritised in urban design,” she said.

The researchers argued that understanding the emotional dimensions of running could help to reduce barriers to physical activity, particularly for groups who may feel less safe or less motivated. But they emphasised that there was no single ‘right’ way to run and that enjoyment could take many forms, from running alone to participating in group activities or informal challenges.

“Try running alone, try running with friends, or maybe gamification is your route for enjoying a run, like a mini scavenger hunt,” Harden said.

“You can even run for five minutes around your block and mentally log the things that you like or dislike. It is just another way to learn about yourself,” she concluded.

For further reading please visit: 10.1016/j.wss.2025.100326