Robin Thurston's Journey - From MapMyFitness to Outside
In our recent podcast interview, we learned about Robin Thurston's journey in the health and fitness industry, which began with a personal passion for sports and a love for the outdoors. This passion eventually inspired him to create MapMyFitness, a platform that revolutionized how people track and share their fitness activities. Today, as the CEO of Outside, Robin continues to shape the future of outdoor and health-focused experiences.
The Beginning: Passion for Sports and Fitness
Robin's love for sports and fitness was evident from a young age. As a cyclist and an avid outdoor enthusiast, Robin realized that there was a need for a platform to help people track and share their fitness activities. This realization was the genesis of MapMyFitness.
MapMyFitness: Revolutionizing Fitness Tracking
In 2007, Robin co-founded MapMyFitness, a platform that enabled users to log and share their workouts and fitness activities using GPS technology. The platform quickly gained popularity as people found value in tracking their progress and connecting with like-minded fitness enthusiasts.
Robin's dedication and perseverance played a significant role in the success of MapMyFitness. The platform grew exponentially, ultimately attracting the attention of athletic apparel giant Under Armour, which acquired MapMyFitness in 2013 for $150 million.
Under Armour: The Chief Digital Officer
After the acquisition, Robin took on the role of Chief Digital Officer at Under Armour. He was responsible for overseeing the company's digital strategy, with a focus on expanding the reach and capabilities of their Connected Fitness platforms. Under his leadership, Under Armour's digital presence thrived, providing users with more tools and resources to help them achieve their fitness goals.
Outside: A New Chapter
In 2021, Robin stepped into the role of CEO at Outside, a company dedicated to inspiring and enabling people to enjoy the outdoors. Outside is an umbrella organization encompassing multiple brands, including Outside Magazine, Outside TV, Gaia GPS, and athleteReg.
As the CEO, Robin brings his passion for the outdoors, experience in the digital fitness space, and entrepreneurial spirit to lead Outside in its mission to create a unified platform that serves the needs of outdoor enthusiasts, fitness lovers, and adventure seekers.
Lessons and Insights from Robin's Journey
Robin's journey offers valuable insights for health, fitness, and healthcare entrepreneurs:
Pursue your passions: Robin's love for sports and the outdoors was the driving force behind his entrepreneurial journey. Pursuing your passions can lead to innovative ideas and solutions in your industry.
Embrace technology and innovation: The success of MapMyFitness was built on leveraging GPS technology and providing users with a unique, data-driven experience. Embrace technology and innovation to stay ahead in a fast-paced industry.
Build a strong community: The growth of MapMyFitness and Outside can be attributed to the strong communities they have built around their products and services. A loyal, engaged community can drive organic growth and long-term success.
Perseverance and resilience: Robin's journey was not without challenges, but his persistence and ability to bounce back from setbacks were key to his success.
Robin Thurston's journey from MapMyFitness to Outside is an inspiring story that showcases the power of passion, innovation, and resilience in the world of health, fitness, and the great outdoors.