Why You Should Export Your Strava Data
Your training data represents years of hard work, dedication, and progress. Here's why smart athletes always maintain their own backup of Strava activity data:
Platform Risk
Companies can change policies, shut down, or lose data unexpectedly
Data Ownership
Your training history belongs to you, not the platform
Migration Freedom
Switch platforms without losing years of training data
Advanced Analysis
Use external tools for deeper insights and analytics
Real Example: When Google shut down Google Fit's API in 2019, thousands of athletes lost access to their historical data. Don't let years of training progress disappear with a single company decision.
Export Methods Comparison
There are several ways to export your Strava data for long-term storage. Here's a comprehensive comparison to help you choose the best approach:
| Method | Frequency | Effort | Format | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual Strava Export | One-time | High | ZIP/CSV | Historical backup |
| StrideSync Backup | Real-time | None | Google Sheets | Ongoing archive |
| Third-party API Tools | Scheduled | Medium | Various | Technical users |
| Manual Activity Export | Per activity | Very High | GPX/FIT | Individual activities |
Manual Strava Data Export: Step-by-Step Guide
Strava's bulk export feature allows you to download all your historical data at once. Here's exactly how to do it:
Complete Export Process:
Navigate to Account Settings
Log into Strava.com and go to Settings → My Account → Privacy Controls
Direct URL:
https://www.strava.com/settings/profile → Privacy ControlsRequest Data Export
Scroll to "Download or Delete Your Account" and click "Get Started" → "Request Your Archive"
Wait for Email Confirmation
Strava will email you within a few hours (usually 2-4 hours) with a download link. Check spam folder if needed.
Download and Extract Data
Download the ZIP file (can be several GB) and extract it. You'll find CSV files and GPX/FIT files for detailed activity data.
What's Included in Your Export:
- • activities.csv - Summary of all activities with key metrics
- • GPX/FIT files - Detailed GPS and sensor data for each activity
- • profile.json - Account information and settings
- • clubs.csv - Club memberships and data
- • gear.csv - Shoe and bike information
- • routes.csv - Saved routes and segments
Manual Export Limitations:
- • Only provides historical data up to export date
- • Must repeat process manually for new activities
- • Data format requires technical knowledge to analyze
- • No automatic updates or real-time backup
- • Large file downloads can be slow or fail
Automated Strava Data Backup with StrideSync
Recommended: Live Data Archive
StrideSync creates a live backup of all your Strava activities in Google Sheets, automatically updating as you complete new workouts. Never lose your training data again.
Why StrideSync for Data Backup?
Real-Time Backup
Every Strava activity is automatically copied to your Google Sheets within minutes of completion. No manual exports or missed data.
Organized & Searchable
Data is automatically organized in Google Sheets with proper columns, making it easy to search, filter, and analyze years of training history.
Cloud-Based Security
Your data lives in Google Drive, protected by Google's enterprise-grade security and backed up across multiple data centers worldwide.
Easy Migration
Your Google Sheets data can be easily exported to CSV or imported into any other platform. You maintain full control and portability.
Start Free BackupStrideSync vs Manual Export
✅ StrideSync Advantages:
- • Automatic updates forever
- • No file size limitations
- • Instant access and analysis
- • Built-in organization
❌ Manual Export Issues:
- • Must remember to re-export
- • Large files can fail to download
- • Complex data format
- • No ongoing protection
Data Storage and Organization Best Practices
Once you've exported your Strava data, proper organization and storage is crucial for long-term accessibility:
File Organization
- • Create dated backup folders (2025-01-strava-backup)
- • Keep original files separate from processed data
- • Document your export dates and methods
- • Use consistent naming conventions
Backup Strategy
- • Store in multiple locations (cloud + local)
- • Test your backups periodically
- • Keep at least 2 copies of critical data
- • Document your restore process
Data Processing
- • Convert CSV to Google Sheets for analysis
- • Create summary statistics and trends
- • Build charts for visual progress tracking
- • Set up automated calculations
Long-term Maintenance
- • Schedule regular backup reviews
- • Update storage systems as needed
- • Monitor for data corruption
- • Plan for platform migrations
Platform Migration Strategies
Having your data properly exported makes platform migration much easier. Here's how to prepare for potential moves:
Common Migration Scenarios
- • Strava → Garmin Connect: Use TCX/FIT files for detailed activity import
- • Strava → TrainingPeaks: CSV summary data for performance analysis
- • Strava → Golden Cheetah: Combined CSV and GPX files for complete history
- • Multi-platform backup: Maintain presence on multiple platforms simultaneously
Future-Proofing Your Data
Follow these principles to ensure your training data remains accessible regardless of platform changes:
- 1. Standard Formats: Prioritize CSV, GPX, and FIT files over proprietary formats
- 2. Regular Updates: Set up automated or regular export schedules
- 3. Multiple Locations: Don't rely on a single storage solution
- 4. Documentation: Keep notes about your data structure and export methods
Secure Your Training Data Today
Your years of training data are irreplaceable. Don't wait for a platform change or data loss to start backing up your activities. Choose the method that best fits your needs and get started today.
Ready for Automated Strava Backup?
Skip the manual exports and get real-time backup protection with StrideSync's automated archive system.
Start Free Backup Now