Strava: Uploading, Syncing, and Sharing Activities

How do I send Strava?

Sending Strava primarily refers to two key actions: either uploading your fitness activity data to the Strava platform from various devices and apps, or sharing your recorded activities from Strava with your community. Understanding both processes is essential for a comprehensive fitness tracking experience.

Understanding Activity Data Flow with Strava

Strava serves as a central repository for your athletic endeavors, enabling you to track, analyze, and share your runs, rides, swims, hikes, and more. The process of "sending" data to Strava involves capturing your activity, typically via GPS and other sensors, and then transferring that data to your personal Strava account. "Sending" from Strava involves leveraging its sharing features to disseminate your achievements.

Recording Activities Directly with the Strava App

The most straightforward way to get activity data onto Strava is by using the official Strava app on your smartphone.

• Using Your Smartphone as a GPS Device:

  • Open the Strava App: Ensure GPS is enabled on your device.
  • Navigate to Record: Tap the "Record" icon (often a plus sign or a record button) at the bottom or top of the screen.
  • Select Activity Type: Choose the appropriate sport (e.g., Run, Ride, Walk).
  • Start Recording: Tap the "Start" button. The app will use your phone's GPS to track your route, distance, pace/speed, and elevation.
  • Pause/Resume/Finish: During your activity, you can pause it if needed. Once complete, tap "Stop" and then "Finish" (or "Save").
  • Review and Save: You'll be prompted to name your activity, add photos, a description, and adjust privacy settings before saving. Once saved, it's "sent" to your Strava profile.

• Connecting Sensors to the Strava App:

  • For more detailed data, you can pair Bluetooth Smart sensors directly with the Strava app, such as heart rate monitors, speed sensors, cadence sensors, and power meters.
  • Navigate to Record > Settings (gear icon) > External Sensors to pair new devices. This enhances the data collected and sent to Strava.

Uploading Activities from GPS Devices and Smartwatches

Many athletes prefer dedicated GPS devices (e.g., Garmin, Wahoo, Polar, Coros, Suunto) or smartwatches (e.g., Apple Watch, Fitbit) for activity tracking due to battery life, accuracy, and robust features.

• Automatic Syncing (Recommended):

  • This is the most common and convenient method. Most major GPS device manufacturers and smartwatch platforms offer direct integration with Strava.
  • How to Set Up:
    1. Go to the Strava website (strava.com) and log in to your account.
    2. Navigate to Settings (gear icon) > My Apps.
    3. Find your device's platform (e.g., Garmin Connect, Wahoo Fitness, Apple Health, Fitbit, Zwift, Peloton) and authorize the connection.
    4. Once authorized, any new activities recorded on your device and synced to its native platform will automatically transfer to Strava.

• Manual Uploads (GPX/FIT Files):

  • If automatic syncing fails or is not supported, you can manually upload activity files.
  • How to Do It:
    1. Connect your GPS device to your computer.
    2. Locate the activity file (usually a .FIT or .GPX file) in the device's "Activities" or "History" folder.
    3. On the Strava website, click the plus sign icon (+) in the top right corner, then select "Upload activity."
    4. Choose "File" and then "Browse" to select your activity file from your computer.
    5. Review the activity details and click "Save & View."

Importing Activities from Other Platforms

Strava integrates with a wide array of third-party fitness applications and virtual training platforms.

• Third-Party Integrations:

  • Platforms like Zwift, Peloton, TrainerRoad, MyFitnessPal, Runkeeper, and Nike Run Club often have direct integration options within their own app settings.
  • Look for "Connect to Strava" or "Share to Strava" options within these applications to establish an automatic sync. Once connected, activities completed on these platforms will automatically "send" to your Strava feed.

• Bulk Uploads:

  • For historical data from other platforms that don't offer direct sync, some services provide an export function (often as a .GPX or .FIT file archive). You can then use the manual upload method described above, though large bulk uploads might require specific tools or be limited by Strava's interface.

Sharing Your Strava Activities with Others

Once an activity is on Strava, you can easily share it with friends, family, and your broader social network.

• Sharing via the Strava App:

  • From Your Feed or Profile: Tap on the activity you wish to share.
  • Tap the Share Icon: This is usually an arrow pointing upwards or a "share" symbol.
  • Choose Sharing Options:
    • Social Media: Directly share to Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter), etc. Strava often generates a visually appealing image of your activity map and key stats.
    • Messaging Apps: Send via WhatsApp, SMS, email, or other messaging services.
    • Copy Link: Get a direct link to your activity to paste anywhere.
    • Create Shareable Image: Strava allows you to customize the image with different map styles, stats, and photos before sharing.

• Privacy Settings:

  • Before sharing, always review your activity's privacy settings. You can set activities to "Everyone," "Followers," or "Only You."
  • Use Privacy Zones to hide your exact start and end locations (e.g., your home or workplace) for enhanced security. These settings are crucial for controlling who sees your "sent" Strava data.

Troubleshooting Common Strava Sending Issues

Occasionally, you might encounter issues when trying to get your data to or from Strava.

• Activity Not Syncing:

  • Check Connection: Ensure your device/app is properly connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data.
  • Re-authorize Integration: Sometimes, re-connecting or re-authorizing the link between Strava and your third-party app/device platform can resolve sync issues.
  • Manual Upload: If automatic sync fails persistently, resort to manual .FIT or .GPX file uploads via the Strava website.

• Missing Data/GPS Errors:

  • GPS Signal: Ensure a strong GPS signal before starting your activity.
  • Device Settings: Check your device's power-saving modes, which can sometimes interfere with GPS tracking.
  • Corrupted File: In rare cases, the activity file itself might be corrupted.

• Duplicate Activities:

  • If you have multiple sync integrations active (e.g., Garmin Connect and Apple Health both sending to Strava), you might get duplicates.
  • How to Delete: Go to the activity on Strava, tap the three dots (more options) and select "Delete." Ensure you only have one primary integration for each device.

Maximizing Your Strava Experience

Beyond merely "sending" data, Strava offers a rich ecosystem for athletes:

• Segments: Compete on specific sections of roads or trails.
• Kudos & Comments: Interact with your followers and friends.
• Clubs: Join communities based on interests, locations, or goals.
• Training Log: Track your fitness progression over time.
• Beacon: Share your real-time location with chosen safety contacts during an activity.

Conclusion

Whether you're recording directly with your phone, uploading from a sophisticated GPS watch, or integrating with other fitness apps, "sending Strava" is a seamless process designed to centralize your athletic data. By understanding the various methods of data input and leveraging Strava's sharing features, you can effectively manage your training log, connect with a global community of athletes, and celebrate your achievements with ease.