The term segments in athletic means a defined stretch of road that various athletes use to track their times and paces. Individual athletes such as runners use segments to compare themselves to other runners who don’t have to be there at the same time. You can join the trend easily on one of the fitness apps, but the concept first became popular on Strava thanks to their cycling community.
Since it’s currently impossible to organize group training and races, segment training is becoming more popular. There’s a competitive aspect that can be highly motivating as you become a part of a virtual community and get to compete with all the others who’ve been running or cycling on the same segment. Segment challenges are currently a trendy way to promote exercise and competition as we’re expected to stay responsible and exercise individually.
If you’re just starting with segment challenges, make sure to start slowly and get to know the segment well before trying to improve your numbers. Make sure there’s no traffic and if there is, stay on the safe side of the road. Don’t push yourself too hard until you’re ready and enjoy the freedom of competing with the others on an open road!
