A recent study from Vancouver, Canada, has examined how runners describe their experiences during and after runs, using narrative posts collected from the fitness tracking app Strava. The research was published in the journal Wellbeing, Space and Society.
Researchers analyzed posts from 137 runners—72 men and 65 women—in Metropolitan Vancouver. They used a mixed-methods approach that combined quantitative sentiment analysis with qualitative content analysis to identify factors influencing positive or negative running experiences.
The study is among the first to use large-scale qualitative analysis of runner-generated narratives from social media. The authors note that while running is growing in popularity worldwide due to its accessibility and health benefits, enjoyment varies widely depending on multiple personal and environmental factors.
The findings show that runners’ well-being is strongly linked to running in natural environments such as parks or near water bodies. These “blue” or “green” spaces are associated with improved mood and reduced stress. Previous studies have found similar preferences for routes with less traffic, comfortable surfaces, and fewer crosswalks—features often tied to the socioeconomic status of neighborhoods.
Researchers used sentiment analysis to classify thousands of Strava posts along an emotional spectrum ranging from highly negative to highly positive. This process was validated against manual coding and checked for accuracy through repeated reviews. Afterward, content analysis was conducted on posts at both extremes of sentiment.
Six main categories were identified as influencing runner experience: psychological aspects (such as enjoyment, motivation, and well-being), social dynamics (including support from communities or families), weather conditions, physical surroundings (like paths and nature), safety concerns, and physical sensations (including pain or injury). Each category contained several subcategories detailing specific influences.
Runners reported enjoying not only the act of running but also their environment and social interactions. Many found recognition through apps like Strava motivating—especially during the pandemic when traditional races were unavailable. Some participants expressed a desire for social recognition on Strava; this was more common among men in the sample.
The presence or absence of courtesy among other users of shared spaces affected interpersonal experiences during runs. Supportive communities helped boost well-being for many runners. While group running was frequently mentioned, possibly reflecting recruitment through running clubs on Strava, some still preferred solo runs.
Weather played a significant role: most preferred pleasant conditions but trail runners sometimes sought out more challenging environments for adventure or unique scenery. Encounters with wildlife produced mixed feelings; good lighting was especially valued when running in less populated areas.
Many runners disliked traffic but still used busy routes due to limited options based on time constraints or safety considerations. Public amenities were appreciated by those who mentioned them.
Physical sensations ranged from enjoyment of exertion to acceptance of manageable discomfort as part of building stamina—but injury-related pain often interrupted training routines.
Overall, most favored smooth paths with semi-soft surfaces and good traction rather than steep terrain unless seeking challenge or better views. A steady rhythm without interruptions contributed greatly to enjoyment.
The authors caution that data derived from Strava may overrepresent higher-income users who are more engaged with technology, limiting generalizability to all runners. They also acknowledge structural biases inherent in big data approaches like NLP-based sentiment modeling and attempted to address these through iterative content analysis by researchers.
“These patterns form the foundation of valid and replicable inferences,” state the authors regarding their inductive analytic method.
The results suggest urban planners and public health officials should consider these diverse influences when designing inclusive environments for recreational running but should be careful not to generalize findings beyond platform-specific populations until further validated by broader samples including non-Strava users.
