  Physical activity is known to help improve and maintain one's health. In
particular, recreational running has become increasingly popular in recent
years. Yet, lack of motivation often interferes with people's routines and thus
may prohibit regular uptake. This is where running tracking applications are
frequently used to overcome one's weaker self and offer support. While
technology artifacts, such as sport watches or running applications, usually
count as extrinsic drivers, they can also impact one's intrinsic motivation
levels. The aim of this study was thus to investigate upon the motivational
impact of distinct features found within applications specifically used for
running. Focusing on the 22 most famous running applications, a
semi-structured, problem-centered interview study with $n=15$ recreational
runners showed that intrinsic motivation is stimulated from diverting runners,
aiding them in their goal setting, decreasing their efforts, improving and
sharing their run performance, allowing them to receive acknowledgements, as
well as providing them with guidance, information, and an overall variety in
their training routines.
