I’m far from a gamer, but I was pretty excited when I found out there was a game that rewarded you for running new distances around the world. I noticed that a fellow journalist had some strange statistics under his data. strava So he introduced me to a great platform called Wandrer.
The object of the game is to cycle, run or walk as many different streets and routes as possible, receiving points in exchange for conquering new roads. Those who like a bit of friendly competition can opt in and see how they score on leaderboards throughout the game, as well as the progress and standings of other athletes on the Wandrer website.
During my time as a fitness writer, I’ve tried my fair share of the best running apps, and I have to give it to the team at Wanderr. This web-based app helped me overcome a bit of boredom I was feeling while running recently. Read on to learn more about why I think every runner should join Wandler.
How to use the wandler
I don’t like things that take too much time or effort to set up. That’s the biggest reason I get along so well with Wanderr, and why I want to share it with others. And since it’s free, it’s always a good deal.
All you need is a Strava account. When you visit the Wandrer website, you will be asked to sync your Strava data when creating your Wandrer account. When you set up your account, you’ll be asked to set your Strava permissions, including your notification settings and whether you want your name to appear on public leaderboards on the Wandrer platform.
The free version of the game allows you to import your most recent 50 Strava activities, but if you want to transfer all your Strava miles, you can do so by paying a $30 annual subscription to Wandrer. If you are a paid member, you can also download maps to: gps cycle computer or garmin running watch Here you can view the paths you have not yet conquered in your adventure. Additionally, it includes a Google Chrome extension to help you plan new routes.
Why I prefer Wandrer over Strava
Now, before I explain why I love Wandrer so much, I have to say that without Strava, people wouldn’t be able to enjoy Wandrer. I’m a fan of his Strava, he uses it every week of his life and has been using it for years. It makes running more social and makes you more responsible for your runs. But here’s why gamifying running on another platform has spiced up your training…
Allows you to explore more of your local area
It’s very easy to form habits as a runner. Especially if you’re training for a specific event and prefer the comfort of knowing the route so you can perform your training session without any obstacles. For example, if you’re planning on doing interval sessions, you might know of a quiet road in the middle of your sprint where you can do your session without cars or people getting in your way.
However, I am currently marathon training The more miles you plan, the more the same old parks and routes start to get a little mundane. Since signing up for Wanderr, my mindset has completely changed. As soon as my last 50 Strava activities were synced to Wandrer and I saw all the different places I’ve run or cycled, I was motivated to explore more during my training.
I also like that my miles aren’t marked for how exotic they are. As you conquer new roads, you earn points for every mile you conquer and see the percentage of a particular area you covered. Therefore, there is even great satisfaction in trying to conquer local towns and cities.
Most of the current Wandler maps show me repeating the same routes over and over again in south London, but this has made me no longer a creature of habit. For example, you decide to run 11.7 miles on a brand new route over the weekend, resulting in a new 11.7 points at Wandler, or encountering a gorgeous deer at Bushey Park, or discovering a new coffee and almond croissant place. Did.
Encourages exercise while traveling
Many of us end up leaving our best running shoes at home when we go on a trip or vacation. The reason for this is because you don’t know the location and you are probably too lazy to look up running routes in a foreign country. However, the Wandrer game gives you the motivation to get out and explore more on foot or by bike. The more you conquer, the more points you earn and, of course, the bragging rights for conquering exciting regions around the globe. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit how amazing it was to conquer 48 miles in the UAE last month. Read about my experience cycling through Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba Desert here. I’m going to brag about this experience even more.
It’s not about athletic performance
Don’t get me wrong. It feels good to upload your successful runs to Strava and wait for your friends to compliment you on the app. Nevertheless, speaking to fellow runners, we found that it can be difficult to avoid comparing your stats to other users on the app. Especially when you see a friend complete his 5K in less than 20 minutes with her caption, “Easy Mile.”
This is the great thing about Wandrer. You are ranked purely based on the number of unique miles earned. So even if you run the slowest 5k of your life or try an exciting new route, you’ll be rewarded.