Tag Archives: runners

Please Clarify: Why Are Runners and Riders Concerned About the Strava and Garmin Feud?

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Josh, there’s been quite the buzz online among runners and cyclists regarding Strava’s lawsuit against Garmin. As a runner, I must admit that I hit the pavement to escape reality, not to get involved in more online debates. What is going on?


Miles, Strava is the essential app for runners and cyclists to log their workouts. Its social features enable users to compete against each other’s times in a friendly rivalry and discover popular exercise spots.

If you’re eager to showcase your workouts to everyone, this is the Instagram for fitness.

While workouts can be tracked via smartphones or Strava’s integrated GPS, many prefer wearing fitness watches for their perceived accuracy. This is where Garmin comes into play. Strava lets Garmin fitness tracking watches interface with its app through Garmin Connect.

The collaboration between both companies has worked well for several years, but now Strava is suing Garmin in US court, claiming that Garmin has infringed on two of Strava’s patents: segments and heatmaps.


Segments and heatmaps… I’m feeling lost.

Segments allow users to monitor their times on specific sections of a route and compare against others, while heatmaps help users identify popular locations for running worldwide.

Strava alleges that Garmin has copied these features, thus violating a 10-year-old agreement they had where Garmin promised not to reverse engineer certain functionalities of the Strava app.

But why do runners seem so obsessed with their sport (see what I did there)? Why does my Reddit feed overflow with enthusiastic runners?

Perhaps you’ve heard someone annoying say, “If it wasn’t on Strava, it didn’t happen.” Runners fixate on their metrics and strive for the quickest segment times. It almost resembles a cult. Some people are even sharing coffee mugs, t-shirts, and their unique creations, with wedding photos on Strava.

The surge of Strava coincides with the running boom, and like other cultural shifts, it’s manifesting both in real life and online. Strava simplifies data sharing, making it a hotspot for fitness influencers.

Despite some unrest since early November regarding Garmin compelling users to watermark Strava workouts with Garmin device details, much of the backlash centers on Strava’s lawsuit that may impede users from sharing their runs.

Some users worry that this conflict might hinder their workout plans, with reports like tracking no longer available. Others express that while they enjoy the Strava app, it feels too closely associated with their Garmin devices for comfort. Tracking training.

One user pointed out that much of the data forming Strava’s heat maps is sourced from Garmin users, meaning a lack of this data could spell trouble for Strava.

So what does Strava seek from Garmin? Or are they just looking to end the partnership?

Matt Salazar, Strava’s Chief Product Officer, addressed the situation on Reddit recently. He indicated the lawsuit was filed after Garmin mandated Strava to comply with new watermarking protocols, which threatened the continuation of Garmin data usage by November 1st. This lawsuit attempts to address that issue.

In its court filings, Strava is demanding Garmin halt the sale of devices that allegedly infringe on their patents.

Salazar’s Reddit post bore the title “Setting the record straight on Garmin.” However, comments under his post revealed users stating they would stop using Strava if it were discontinued, accusing Strava of hypocrisy regarding its claims to safeguard user data.

Currently, Garmin has yet to comment on the allegations or requests for statements. The company plans to hold a conference call for investors later this month, ahead of the Strava deadline on November 1st, so we can expect more information then.

What steps should runners take? Which side should they support in this clash?

If you head out for a run and it doesn’t appear on Strava or Garmin, remember, it truly took place. Log off, lace up, and reconnect with nature.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Early Findings Indicate Elevated Risk of Colon Cancer in Long-Distance Runners

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Researchers may have identified a potential connection between extreme endurance running and colorectal cancer, as nearly half of marathon and ultra-marathon participants have undergone screening.

Initial research assembled 100 long-distance runners aged 35-50 for colonoscopy, though these findings have not yet been peer-reviewed.

Close to 50% were found to have polyps (growths), with 15% diagnosed with advanced adenomas—growths that are likely to progress to cancer.

In contrast, recent studies indicate that only about 4.5 to 6 percent of adults in their late 40s from the general population have these advanced adenomas. However, it’s important to note that these studies included significantly larger sample sizes.

“I was quite concerned when I observed a group of ultra-marathon runners in their 30s diagnosed with stage 4, very advanced colorectal cancer,” said Dr. Timothy Cannon, who led the study at the Inova Schar Cancer Institute in Virginia. BBC Science Focus.

“They reported experiencing bleeding and convulsions post-race. At least one or two mentioned that they were told this was normal following their runs.”

Such symptoms can result from ischemic colitis, where blood flow is diverted from the colon to supply oxygen to the legs and other muscles during intense activity. This can lead to swelling and bleeding but typically resolves spontaneously.

Dr. Cannon speculated whether repeated cycles of damage and healing could create conditions conducive to cancer development.

Blood flow to the legs deprives the intestines of oxygen.

“There is currently no evidence that ischemic colitis directly causes cancer,” he stated. “However, it’s not difficult to imagine the potential outcomes. When numerous cells die and regenerate chaotically, there are ample chances for DNA replication errors.”

Alternative explanations exist as well. Endurance athletes are known to possess distinct gut microbiota compared to non-runners, and they often consume considerable amounts of ultra-processed foods, such as bottled energy drinks.

Dr. Cannon’s team is preparing to compare the gut bacteria of runners with and without adenomas to that of non-runners.

The findings were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting, yet researchers cautioned that these are merely preliminary results, necessitating further investigation. They also highlighted that the screening study lacked a control group of non-runners.

“This leans more toward hypothesis than definitive answers,” Cannon remarked.

“I definitely don’t want people to walk away thinking exercise is harmful because it is beneficial overall. The inquiry is whether high levels of exercise could elevate the risk of colon cancer—and I believe they might.”

Read more:

  • Running slowly may be essential for a healthier, longer lifespan. Here’s why
  • What are the limits of human endurance?
  • The astonishing truth about how running can alter one’s perception of time

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The Truth About Endorphins and Runner’s High: How to Increase Your Natural High

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For those who are not runners and don’t find the appeal of a two-hour run at 6am, it’s known that running (and other forms of aerobic exercise) can create powerful chemical sensations that are comparable to real drugs.

The body naturally produces two pleasurable substances associated with the runner’s high. Endorphins are well-known neurotransmitters that can be likened to morphine for their pain-relieving properties.

One theory suggests that our ancestors evolved to produce endorphins to help them chase prey or escape predators by numbing foot pain and blisters.

Research indicates that for runners, a long-term, moderately intense run is the ideal scenario for endorphin production. If you’re aiming to experience the runner’s high, try a “tempo” run.

After a good warm-up, aim to run for at least 20 minutes at a pace of about 6 or7 out of 10 (with 10 being an all-out sprint).

Running can produce powerful chemical hits that justify comparisons with real drugs – Illustration Credit: James Clapham

While endorphins have traditionally been credited with causing the euphoria of the runner’s high, recent research suggests that another substance may be the actual source of the uplift felt towards the end of a run.

Endocannabinoids are molecules similar to those in marijuana that enhance the mood, but are naturally produced by the body.

Research shows that when cannabinoid receptors are blocked in mice, they exhibit reduced activity. In a study in 2021, researchers at the University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf found that even when the opioid receptor that binds to endorphins is blocked, runners still experience the high.

This suggests that cannabinoids may be more responsible for the runner’s high than previously thought.

In the study, participants ran at a moderate pace for 45 minutes. To achieve a similar high, aim for a consistently challenging pace where holding a conversation becomes difficult.

This article addresses the question (posed by Emily Marine of Colchester) “When does the runner’s high kick in?”

Please email us with your questions at Question @sciencefocus.com or message us on Facebook, Twitter, or on our Instagram page (don’t forget to include your name and location).

Check out our ultimate Fun Fact for more amazing science content.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Experts explain why Olympic marathon runners are highly susceptible to getting diarrhea

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From watching to cheering, or even dreaming of competing in the Olympics, every competition is thrilling. However, the excitement can quickly fade when considering the potential illnesses one may contract from participating. Experts have cautioned that athletes involved in the marathon swimming event in the River Seine in Paris are at risk of falling ill, most likely experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea.

“I would not have chosen the Seine,” stated Professor Davy Jones, an expert in Environmental Science and Public Health at Bangor University. He highlighted the high urbanization of the area, exposing the river to various chemicals and biological agents, increasing the risk of illness for athletes.

Concerns were raised after several training sessions in the Seine were canceled due to elevated levels of fecal matter in the water. Athletes, like Austrian swimmer Felix Aubeck, expressed apprehension about the water quality and its potential impact on their health.

Virus threat

Testing has shown unsafe levels of bacteria, including E. coli, in the water, prompting the need for further assessments and precautions to ensure the safety of athletes. Illnesses such as norovirus and ear infections have been observed as common post-swimming ailments.

The presence of these harmful substances in the water poses a significant health risk, with sewage overflow contributing to the contamination. Despite treatment efforts, the discharge of sewage into rivers remains a concern, particularly during heavy rains.

Experts emphasize the challenges of cleaning the Seine effectively to eliminate the risk of pathogens. While protective gear provides some defense, swimmers remain susceptible to exposure, especially during outdoor events in contaminated water.

Although the situation raises concerns, experts consider it an opportunity for a scientific study to understand the impact of water quality on athletes’ health. Ultimately, the decision to swim in the Seine remains a personal choice, with experts urging caution and thorough risk assessment.

About our experts

Professor Davy Jones: Professor of Environmental Science and Public Health at Bangor University, with expertise in advising governments and conducting research on various environmental issues.

David Warner: Professor of Environmental Systems Modeling at Newcastle University, known for his research on water quality and environmental pollution.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Research finds that consumption of cranberries enhances performance markers in well-trained runners

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Cranberries have the highest polyphenol and antioxidant capacity of any fruit or vegetable, which may help prevent the production of free radicals during exercise, which in turn may improve performance. In a new study, scientists investigated the effects of polyphenol-rich cranberry extract on time trial performance and post-exercise lactic acid response.

Consuming cranberries for 28 days seemed to improve running speed as well as aerobic performance in trained runners. Image credit: Michael Reichelt.

Polyphenols, such as proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, flavonols, and flavonols, are secondary plant compounds found in fruits and vegetables.

Cranberries have the highest total polyphenol content of the most consumed fruits in the American diet and the highest antioxidant capacity of any fruit and vegetable.

In addition, its polyphenol content is notable due to its high concentration of rare A-type proanthocyanidins, which are believed to be the main contributors to its beneficial effects.

The use of nutritional supplements is increasing among athletes, and many are turning to natural health products to improve athletic performance.

Intense exercise significantly increases the production of reactive oxygen species due to high oxidative metabolic demands.

As a result, polyphenols may provide a natural antioxidant defense against exercise-induced free radical production.

“For elite athletes, any advantage can make the difference between finishing fifth or reaching the podium,” said study lead author Dr. Andreas Bergdahl, a researcher at Concordia University.

For this study, Dr. Bergdahl and his colleagues recruited 14 high-level runners who did at least five hours of endurance training per week.

The athletes ran two time trials during their three visits, one running 1,500 meters and one running 400 meters.

The first visit was used as the baseline. The second time, they administered a single large dose of cranberry extract two hours before the run.

The athletes were then instructed to consume a small amount of cranberry extract every day for 28 days before repeating their third run.

“We chose these distances to test the effects of cranberry extract on different energy systems,” said Dr. Francis Parenteau, lead author of the study. candidate at Concordia University.

“The 400m is short and intense and requires an anaerobic system. The 1,500m uses an aerobic system, but is shorter than what athletes typically run.”

“They weren’t training to run that distance, so we were able to isolate the effect of training as a variable.”

In addition to running time, the researchers also measured post-exercise blood lactate levels, a marker of potential muscle fatigue and oxygen deprivation.

They also fitted the runners with a portable near-infrared spectroscopy device to measure muscle oxygenation levels before, during and after a run.

After analyzing the data, the scientists found that consuming cranberry extract for 28 days showed a trend towards increased speed in the 1,500 meter time trial, but not in the 400 meter.

However, compared to baseline, they found that lactic acid accumulation decreased after 400 meters, but not after 1,500 meters.

Data also showed that cranberry extract promoted better oxygen extraction by muscles, improved lactate clearance, and slowed muscle deoxygenation.

“The benefit of this is that it’s all natural,” Dr. Bergdahl said.

“It’s an ergogenic aid, meaning it enhances performance, but it’s not an anabolic steroid.”

“Athletes can significantly improve their performance simply by consuming more cranberries.”

of study It was published in the magazine physical activity and nutrition.

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Francis Parenteau other. 2023. Cranberry supplements improve physiological markers of performance in trained runners. physical activity and nutrition 27 (4): 8-14; doi: 10.20463/pan.2023.0032

Source: www.sci.news