Acquisition of Runa by Strava: Implications for Each Running App
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nosie thang, dawgs! The geezers behind Runna recently spilled the beans that ol' Strava snatched up their company. Runna, ya know, it's that slick running app that dishes out structured training plans, beats I found real handy when I gave it a whirl. Strava, on the other hand, they're all about tracking and hanging out with fellow runners and bikers, offering both a free and premium tier.
Runna's faithful ain't too thrilled with the news, but the founders say the app and its crew will keep on keeping on, and they're all jazzed 'bout the future.
So, what's gonna change quick-like?
According to the founders, no immediate adjustments are on the menu, just some tasteful integrations (like signing in with Strava). No existing goodies are getting axed. Fresh features, though, they're supposedly on the horizon, but no dirty details yet.
As it turns out, Strava's occasionally dabbled in training plans before - stuff I didn't even know 'bout till now, despite bing a freebie forever and ever, and a premium subscriber in my past. The plans, they not so shabby in scope but lack some punch.
Looks like Strava's diggin' the idea of peddlin' better training plans or ownin' a company that despises, even if it's a separate product. Strava's press release highlights the coaching, like "The world's biggest team has got a brand-new trainer." On the other hand, the Runna founders got excited about havin' access to Strava's vast customer base. They've hinted in a Reddit thread they might take a gander at Strava's algorithms, like graded pace adjustments, and toss 'em into the Runna app.
Will the apps (or fees) merge?
It don't seem likely. Strava offers both a free and premium tier, so the Runna boys told their peeps that they're all invited to grab Strava for free and pay for the premium stuff if they feel like it. They ain't gonna score a Strava membership discount, though.
Runna charges $19.99/month or $119.99/year. Strava's freebie lets ya post ya runs, socialize with others, and keep tabs on some basic performance stats. The premium tier, which'll set ya back $11.99/month or $79.99/year, adds extra tracking and mapping tools.
"Our goal is to keep the apps separate for the time being," Strava's CEO said in the press release. Similarly, no plan's in motion for Strava users to nab a Runna membership discount just yet.
Will this be good news or bad news for Runna?
Not all products fare well after their businesses get gobbled up by bigger fish. Strava's got a sore spot on its rep there: A while back, they bought themselves a terrain mapping product called Fatmap, a favorite among skiers and thrill-seekers. In 2023, they hyped it up to Strava members, "You now got access to Fatmap!" But in 2024, ol' Fatmap saw the dust, 'cuz Strava axed it after they only half-integrated some of its features into the main app. Skiers still mad about that.
I hope Runna's founders are on to somethin', and they'll get to keep crankin' out their product and makin' it better and better, like how they just birthed an option to train for a "B" priority race alongside your main goal. If everything unfolds like both companies say, it sounds like some tasty stuff's on the horizon. I'm keepin' my fingers crossed for 'em.
Traits of the Future:
- Superior Training Plans: Strava's lacked dynamic training plans, which Runna aces. The combo could result in more advanced, tailored running training plans for Strava users.
- Unified Experience: Strava may incorporate Runna's features into its own platform, offering a more complete running training experience without the need for two separate subscriptions.
- Data Integration: The acquisition will allow for easy data exchange between the two platforms, boosting user insights and feedback.
Impact on Subscription Fees:
- Potential Price Tweakings: As Strava incorporates Runna's features, there might be changes in subscription models to account for the improved offerings. Presently, users shell out $119.99/year for Runna and $79.99/year for Strava.
- Combined Subscription Options: Strava might introduce bundled subscription packages that include Runna's personalized training, potentially shaking up the pricing strategy.
User Experience Boost:
- Improved Training Guidance: Users'll reap the benefits of structured, personalized training plans for enhanced race prep and overall running progress.
- Heightened Engagement: The blended social features of Strava and Runna's training insights could keep users more engaged, spiffin' up the platform for serious runners.
- Enlarged Community: The fusion will lure more determined runners to Strava, possibly developing a more lively environment for running aficionados.
- In 2023, it was announced that Strava had purchased Runna, a running app known for its structured training plans.
- The founders of Runna have stated that immediate changes to the app will be minimal, with integrations such as signing in with Strava being the primary focus.
- Strava has previously dabbled in training plans, but they have lacked the dynamic and personalized approach found in Runna's offerings.
- The founders of Runna have expressed excitement about the potential to incorporate Strava's algorithms, such as graded pace adjustments, into the Runna app.
- It is unlikely that the two apps or their subscription fees will merge in the near future, but changes to the subscription models could occur as Strava incorporates Runna's features.
