I used Strava to chart my running progress. I ended up meeting and falling in love with my husband on the app.
LiAnn Anderson began running in 2016 as a way to manage stress and navigate a divorce. She used the Strava app to track her routes, monitor her progress, and connect with other runners. Through the app, she met her future husband, Mike Anderson. Their shared interest in fitness and racing helped them form a bond.
Running became a crucial outlet for LiAnn, especially during her divorce while raising three children. She consistently found time for regular runs, which greatly supported her mental health. In 2016, she downloaded the Strava app to keep track of her runs and engage with the running community.
The app recommended Mike Anderson as a contact in January 2017. Their initial communication through Strava’s chat function evolved into discussions about running and cross-training. Mike was then an avid cyclist but began focusing on running as well. LiAnn offered advice on running gear and nutrition, which Mike appreciated.
Despite living 400 miles apart—Mike in the Bay Area and LiAnn in Southern California—their connection grew. In May 2017, LiAnn invited Mike to join her at the Orange County Half Marathon. To her delight, he accepted. They met at the race packet pickup, spent time together, and ran the half-marathon as a team. Mike’s support during the race was significant, and it marked the beginning of their relationship.
They continued to see each other regularly, driving long distances until Mike relocated to Southern California in 2019 for a new job. The couple moved in together, and LiAnn’s children quickly warmed to Mike. They married in August 2020 and welcomed their son, Declan, two months later. LiAnn reflects on how their relationship, and Declan’s existence, are intertwined with their Strava connection.
LiAnn’s single friends have since joined Strava, hoping to find a partner with similar fitness interests. Both LiAnn and Mike have accumulated numerous race completions—about 100 for LiAnn and 150 for Mike. Their passion for running continues as a family, and they even participated in a Thanksgiving turkey trot with their young son, Declan, who shows great promise in running.
