Too many virtual races? getting bored with plodding round your neighbourhood? Time to try some GPS Art!
Sometimes we need to shake things up a little by focusing on something besides pace, mileage, heart-rate and cadence, so here's one way to rediscover the fun in running. Sure, you probably won't be crushing Strava segment PRs or recording a blistering 5k PR, but are those really more impressive than this Merlion head by Afiq Syazani?
or this city-sized angler fish?
Come over to the dark side. It's more fun and you know it!
Whether you've (re)discovered your love for running during the Circuit Breaker period, or live for competition, staying motivated has been tough in recent times. No races to train for and running the same loops around your neighbourhood is driving some of us a little crazy.
Which is why we're recommending Strava art. Some bake, some sketch, but as a runner, we don't think there's a better way to express yourself creatively than on a run 😎
How to get started
1. Download Strava (https://www.strava.com)
We recommend Strava because of its clean and intuitive interface. If you've got the paid version, use the Route Planner and create a route, on your computer or Strava's browser platform.
Next, sync your GPS watch to the app. If you've got a COROS watch, follow the steps below to sync the COROS app to Strava on your phone. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3. Really.
2. Pick your location
The next step after downloading and syncing your apps is to choose your canvas, or in this case, pick an area to run and paint with your legs. Singapore's urban environment makes it ideal for creating Strava art. Use the grid system of long roads and small streets to guide your art and add details. Areas with nothing but long straight roads aren't ideal for this medium of art, so for once, we can celebrate this urban jungle we call home.
3. Size matters
Pick an area that's big enough or it'll end up looking like this.
What was meant to be the letter 'H' turned out to be a mushy collection of lines. So don't limit yourself to carparks and fields. They don't make the best places to paint with your legs.
But if you've got a huge field to run around, the possibilities are seemingly endless if this incredible piece of Batman is anything to go by.
4. Plan your masterpiece
Get your creative juices flowing. Let the roads, streets, avenues, lorongs, jalans and trails inspire you. Remember imagining clouds as objects and animals as a kid? It's the same thing with a lot more sweat!
You may imagine you're running from a dinosaur to keep long runs interesting but why not run a scene straight out of Jurassic Park while you're at it?
Start small and simple if you're a beginner so that you don't end up frustrated.
Take this simple but sleek looking spider we found on strav.art
Try these beginner-friendly ideas👇
- Alphabets (More points if you try 'RDRC'!)
- Happy face
- Stick-man/woman
It can be as simple as sending a message with your art, like this festive themed Strava artwork we found on Canadian Running Magazine.
Got it? Plan, run and share your creations with us on FB and IG, and don't forget to tag #RDRCSG and #RunYourFun2020. Now, off you go!