(+ Running Enthusiasts From All Walks of Life)
As featured on Hellasound.com
No one understands the trials and tribulations of a runner more than another runner. I like to call my friends my “runner from another mother” (just kidding, but I think I’ll start doing that now). Depending on the type of runner you are there is a social networking site just for you! After researching and evaluating the myriad runner social networking sites, I trimmed it down to the following sites. I took the liberty of using high school stereotypes… since we can all pretty much relate to high school.
You: The Freshman
When you say you are a runner the statement always sounds like it ended with a question mark. You are green, you are excited, and just need to connect with anyone out there in the same boat!
Your site: nikerunning.nike.com
If you are new to running then I highly doubt (and would not recommend) you dropping 300 bucks on a Garmin or similarly pricey device. The Nike+ system is cheap way to track your run and connect to a site with other Nike+ users. The interface leaves a lot to be desired but one thing they have going for them is a LOT of users. On the Nike site you can “friend” people, join challenges and share your progress with others.
You: The Trendy Hipster Socialite
You own an iPhone, actively Facebook, Tweet and have ousted every Mayor on Foursquare that is anywhere near any of your running routes.
Your Site: DailyMile.com
This is a great place to congregate and catch up with other runners who you may already know (from various blogs, twitter, etc.). Their interface is very easy to use (it’s intuitively just like Facebook or Yelp) and they have a pretty sweet training log with some cool analytics features. Depending on how social networking savvy you are, you can meet a ton of awesome people… if social networks are not your forte, you may not end up connecting as well.
You: The Varsity Player
You PR at every race without trying, always place in your age group and like to think of half marathons as training runs or “fun runs.”
Your Site: Runnersworld.com Forums
This is the online forum for avid and not-so-avid readers of the beloved “must-have” magazine for runners, Runner’s World. Their online boards and forums are very active with highly knowledgeable runners. The runnersworld.com forums are very friendly but can be intimidating (to say the least) for the newbie or even the not-so-newbie.
You: The Mathlete
Garmin? Check. HRM? Check. Play list by BPM for tempo run designed for aimed goal of a 10% improvement on finishing time for the next race? Double check.
Your Site: Athlinks.com
Athlinks is perfect for the data geek runner. They have all of your race information and finisher results on hand before you sign up. The sense of community on the site is lacking, the interface is not as intuitive as it could be… but boy do they have some serious information. Love it!
You: The Foreign Exchange Student
When it comes to running, you think in kilometers. You’re an international runner of mystery and take your kicks wherever you go.
Your Site: Runnerplus.com
Runnerplus integrates with the Nikeplus system. This site has a high number of users and has a strong representation from several countries world wide. This is a great place to meet runners from all over the world to connect and learn about the sport in their countries.
Honorable Mentions:
Racevine.com – is not a social networking site per se, but is a great place to find and review your race. Get all the information you ever wanted to know about a race from real runners.
Rundates.com – if you are a registered user of rundates.com I would like to hear from you! (Comment below on post with link to recent headshot.)
proud to say that I serve as a Board Member for Girls on the Run Los Angeles, an organization that supports the empowerment of young girls through running. This past Sunday, we participated in the Say No to Drugs 5K as our end of season celebration run.