RunRival Tutorials

Add to Your Home Screen

• iPhone/iPad: Open RunRival in Safari, tap the Share button (box with arrow), then tap "Add to Home Screen"
• Android: Open RunRival in Chrome, tap the three-dot menu, then tap "Add to Home screen"
• Desktop: Click the install icon in your browser's address bar, or use the browser menu and select "Install app"
• RunRival will appear on your home screen just like a native app — no app store required

Connect Strava

• Tap "Connect Strava" on the welcome screen
• Log into your Strava account when prompted
• Allow RunRival to access your activity data
• Wait for your running history to sync (this may take a few minutes)

Complete Your Profile

• Add a profile photo and bio
• Set your running goals and preferences
• Choose your location visibility settings
• Review and adjust privacy settings

Understanding the Discover Page

• Navigate to the "Discover" tab in the bottom navigation
• Browse potential matches based on your running data
• View each runner's stats, pace, and recent activities
• Check compatibility scores to find the best matches

Swiping and Matching

• Swipe left to pass on a potential match
• Swipe right if you'd like to compete with them
• When both users swipe right, you get a match!
• Matched users can now challenge each other

Messaging Your Matches

• Go to the "Messages" tab to see your matches
• Start a conversation to get to know your running rival
• Discuss challenge preferences and motivation goals
• Keep it friendly - good sportsmanship is key!

Starting a Challenge

• From a match conversation, tap "Create Challenge"
• Choose the challenge type (monthly distance is most popular)
• Set the start date (usually beginning of the month)
• Both users must accept the challenge for it to begin

Challenge Types

• Monthly Distance: Who can run the most miles this month?
• Weekly Goals: Shorter competitions for quick motivation
• Pace Improvement: Focus on getting faster together
• Consistency: Who can run more days this month?

Tracking Progress

• Visit the "Challenges" tab to see all active competitions
• Your Strava runs automatically count toward challenges
• Check real-time leaderboards to see who's ahead
• Send encouraging messages to keep motivation high

How Prize Entries Work

• Win a challenge = 1 prize entry for that month
• The more challenges you win, the more entries you earn
• Monthly prize drawing includes all entries from that month
• Everyone has a fair chance regardless of fitness level

Strategic Tips

• Challenge multiple matches for more winning opportunities
• Choose challenges that match your strengths and schedule
• Stay consistent - small daily runs often beat sporadic long runs
• Encourage your rivals - good sportsmanship builds community

Checking Your Entries

• View your current month's entries in the "Profile" tab
• See entry history and past prize drawings
• Prize winners are announced via email and in-app notification
• Prizes are typically shipped within 2-3 weeks

Profile Optimization

• Upload a clear, friendly profile photo
• Write a motivating bio that shows your running personality
• Update your goals regularly as you improve
• Share your running achievements and PR celebrations

Smart Matching Tips

• Match with runners slightly faster to push yourself
• Also match with similar-pace runners for close competitions
• Consider time zones if you like real-time motivation
• Don't be afraid to match with runners of different experience levels

Community Building

• Join group challenges when available
• Share your achievements on social media
• Refer friends to build your local running network
• Participate in special events and seasonal challenges

Strava Sync Issues

• Make sure your Strava activities are public or visible to followers
• Check that RunRival has permission in your Strava privacy settings
• Try disconnecting and reconnecting your Strava account
• Contact support if activities still aren't syncing after 24 hours

Not Getting Matches?

• Make sure your profile is complete with photo and bio
• Check that you have enough Strava activity history (at least 3 months recommended)
• Expand your matching preferences if they're too narrow
• Be active - regularly use the app to improve matching algorithm accuracy

Challenge Problems

• If a challenge isn't tracking correctly, check Strava sync status
• Make sure both participants accepted the challenge
• Indoor runs and treadmill runs count if logged in Strava
• Contact support if you believe there's a scoring error