Would You Run Eight Miles To Get A Job? This Man Did, But There’s A Logical Reason Why

When David Miller applied for a job with Strava, a company that produces a fitness-tracking app, he wanted to stand out from the crowd. He decided to submit his credentials along with some “Strava Art” that had a clear message about how he wanted the hiring process to end.

The app’s GPS tracking produces a city map with the route taken after a run or bike ride. Miller planned, and ran, a route that spelled out the words “Hire Me” on San Francisco streets.

The idea of “Strava Art” is not new. It has become something of a trend, with fitness enthusiasts going to great lengths to produce intricate pictures through their movements. Cycling Weekly featured some extraordinary examples that include a horse — hooves and all — that was the result of eight hours of cycling covering 231 km. There’s also a turkey, a bicycle and a marriage proposal in the shape of a heart.

The marriage proposal, by cyclist Murphy Mack in January 2014, was met with a “yes.”

Chris Phipps, who was making Strava art as far back as 2012, said he maps out his route first and looks for obstacles such as schools or parks. That’s unless he’s spelling out words, which he said in an I Love Bicycling post do not need prior planning. Phipps has also done a cat and the San Francisco Giants logo.

Miller explained to ABC News his motivations for taking the extra step, and they are bound to warm the hearts of any Strava boss looking to hire.

“I’m at a point in my career where I’m looking for an awesome company to work with. I’m so passionate about running already. It seemed like a good idea.”

Miller is apparently early in the hiring process, as his run was just completed on January 26. A Strava spokesperson told ABC that Miller’s application had been received, but gave no indication whether his extra efforts — or the publicity he’s received — have given him an edge over other candidates.

Miller ran 8.1 miles to create the Strava art, with a running time of 1 hour, 15 minutes and 42 seconds. According to a screen shot of the app, he burned 1,111 calories on the trip. Some New Age astrologers might have advised him to make a wish, as 1111 is thought to be an auspicious number. A little bit of extra luck can never hurt when it comes time to look for a new job.

[Image: Strava via ABC News.]