Thijs de Buck, a physicist and proud hamster owner, recently shared his experience of realizing that his pet hamster, Mollie, is a more accomplished and popular runner than he is. Mollie has garnered attention in the running community thanks to de Buck’s innovative setup that tracks the hamster’s activities on the Strava app.
Despite de Buck’s dedicated marathon training efforts, Mollie receives significantly more recognition on Strava, accumulating about a thousand ‘kudos’ for each nightly run compared to de Buck’s mere 40. Mollie’s charm, with his jet-black fur and tiny features, adds to his appeal as a top-notch runner.
Mollie’s nightly running routine on his hamster wheel averages 10 kilometers, with an impressive personal best of 11.15 kilometers, surpassing many human runners. De Buck humorously admits that Mollie outperforms him, covering almost 70 kilometers weekly, a feat that would impress even seasoned marathon trainers.
De Buck, residing in Utrecht, the Netherlands, designed a speed and distance tracking system using a magnet to monitor Mollie’s wheel rotations, measuring around 65 centimeters per cycle. By recording this data and sharing it on Strava, Mollie has gained a following, blending de Buck’s passions for running and his beloved pet.
The project not only satisfies de Buck’s curiosity about Mollie’s activities but also highlights the hamster’s nightly exercise regimen, typical for hamsters who are active during the night. Mollie’s running stats update daily on Strava, showcasing his consistent performance.
De Buck never anticipated the widespread interest in Mollie when he initiated the tracking system. The hamster’s rapid movements have even captured the attention of media outlets like Runner’s World, surprising de Buck, who attributes Mollie’s popularity to the combination of running, pets, and innovative technology.
Overall, Mollie’s nightly runs, documented with precision and humor by de Buck, have resonated with audiences, emphasizing the joy of tracking and celebrating unique achievements in the world of pet companionship and exercise.
