Sad Girl Track Club: Creating a Safe Space for Runners

Founded in May 2022 by Izzy Seidel, Sad Girl Track Club transcends typical running clubs, welcoming members of all genders across the globe into its online community. With a penchant for satirical raccoon memes and a refreshing embrace of the less glamorous aspects of running, this group of nearly 7,000 Strava members celebrates both the highs and lows of the sport. It offers “content that takes a less intense and more carefree approach to running than most other outlets,” explains Izzy. Their motto, "Normalize being a lil emotionally unwell," sets the tone for a space that values authenticity over curated perfection.

As an online-first community, Sad Girl Track Club relies on digital platforms like Strava to keep its global members connected. Unlike many other running communities that focus solely on achievements and personal records, the club offers a safe haven where runners can share their struggles openly. Whether nursing an injury or tackling their first race, members find support and camaraderie within the club's virtual walls.

How Sad Girl Track Club Leverages Strava

Strava serves as a vital tool for connecting Sad Girl Track Club members across various continents. The platform's location feature allows runners to see where their fellow clubmates are based, facilitating real-world meetups and group outings. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, members use the club's Strava profile to coordinate runs with others in their destination city.

Active engagement on the Strava Club's timeline further strengthens the sense of community within the club. Members share everything from lighthearted mishaps to more serious challenges, receiving encouragement and empathy in return.

“Members are really active on our Strava Club posts section, they post all the time,” says Izzy. “Someone even started a trend where they’ll write ‘Sad because…’ and then they’ll say something like ‘because I locked my keys inside my car on my run.’ Then they’ll post a picture on the timeline and everyone’s giving it Kudos. It’s a place where people feel comfortable sharing vulnerabilities online.” This open exchange of vulnerabilities fosters a deep sense of connection among members, regardless of geographical distance.

For Izzy and the Sad Girl Track Club community, Strava has become more than just a tracking app – it's a window into the vastness of their global network. “Strava makes it more apparent to me how global the community is because members can share their run maps or what city they’ve been in. Strava really helped me grasp how big this community is,” says Izzy.

By providing a platform for genuine interactions and mutual support, Strava plays a pivotal role in nurturing the growth and cohesion of Sad Girl Track Club. Through shared experiences and a shared love for running, this community continues to thrive in the digital age.