Strava: Removing Elapsed Time and Understanding Activity Metrics

How Do I Remove Elapsed Time on Strava?

Removing elapsed time on Strava typically involves editing the activity after it's been uploaded, primarily to correct for pauses or non-moving periods that inflate the overall duration. This process is most effectively managed through Strava's web interface using the "Crop" tool.

Understanding Elapsed vs. Moving Time on Strava

To effectively manage your activity data on Strava, it's crucial to differentiate between "Elapsed Time" and "Moving Time."

• Elapsed Time: This represents the total duration from the moment you start recording your activity until you stop it. It includes all pauses, stops, and non-moving periods. Think of it as the clock on a stopwatch from start to finish.
• Moving Time: This is the duration for which your GPS device or Strava application detects actual movement. It automatically excludes periods of inactivity, such as stopping at a traffic light, taking a break, or waiting for companions.

While both metrics have their place, "Moving Time" is generally considered a more accurate reflection of your actual effort and activity duration for performance analysis, especially for activities like running, cycling, or hiking where intermittent stops are common. An inflated elapsed time can skew perceived pace, average speed, and overall training load calculations.

When to Consider Editing Elapsed Time

Editing an activity to adjust its elapsed time is not always necessary but becomes valuable in specific scenarios:

• Extended Breaks: If you take a long coffee break, stop for mechanical repairs, or have a significant unplanned pause during your activity.
• Forgotten to Stop Recording: You finished your activity but forgot to hit "stop" on your device or app, leading to several minutes or even hours of stationary recording.
• Inaccurate Auto-Pause: Your device's auto-pause feature may not have functioned correctly, leading to significant periods of non-movement being counted as active time.
• Data Accuracy for Analysis: For coaches, athletes, or serious enthusiasts who rely on precise metrics for training load assessment (e.g., Training Stress Score (TSS), Suffer Score), accurate moving time is paramount.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Elapsed Time (Editing Activity)

The most effective method for adjusting elapsed time is by using the "Crop" tool on the Strava website. While the mobile app offers some editing, the web version provides more granular control.

Accessing the Activity for Editing

1. Log In to Strava: Go to strava.com and log in to your account.
2. Navigate to Your Activity: From your dashboard, click on the specific activity you wish to edit.
3. Open the Edit Menu: On the activity page, locate the wrench icon (or three dots for more options) and click on "Crop Activity."

Using the Crop Tool to Trim Ends

The Crop tool allows you to trim off sections from the beginning or end of your activity.

1. Identify Unwanted Sections: The activity timeline will show your route. Look for flat lines or areas where your speed drops to zero at the start or end, indicating stationary time.
2. Adjust Start and End Sliders: Drag the green slider (start point) to the right to remove unwanted time from the beginning. Drag the red slider (end point) to the left to remove unwanted time from the end. As you adjust, the map will update to show the new start/end points.
3. Review Changes: Observe the updated metrics (distance, moving time, elapsed time) as you make adjustments.
4. Save Changes: Once satisfied, click the "Crop" button (or "Save" depending on the interface).

Trimming Unwanted Segments (Splitting and Cropping)

For removing sections in the middle of an activity (e.g., a long lunch break), you'll need to use a slightly different approach involving splitting the activity.

1. Identify the Segment to Remove: Note the approximate start and end times or locations of the segment you want to cut out.
2. Split the Activity: Strava does not have a direct "cut out middle" tool. The workaround is to split the activity into two or more parts at the points where you want to cut. This feature is typically found under the "Edit Activity" options (sometimes labeled "Split Activity" or "Correct Distance").
3. Delete or Crop Unwanted Parts: Once split, you can either delete the unwanted segment entirely (if it's a separate activity now) or use the "Crop" tool on the individual segments to refine them further. This method requires careful execution to avoid losing valuable data.

Saving Changes

After making any adjustments, always ensure you click the "Save" or "Crop" button to apply your changes. Strava will then recalculate all activity metrics based on the new, adjusted duration.

Limitations and Considerations

While editing elapsed time can enhance data accuracy, be aware of the following:

• Impact on Leaderboards: Cropping an activity can affect your segment times and overall ranking on leaderboards. Be mindful that significant edits might alter your performance metrics in competitive contexts.
• Data Integrity: Excessive or arbitrary editing can compromise the integrity of your original activity data. It's generally best to edit only when there's a clear, quantifiable error in the recording.
• Auto-Pause Settings on Devices: To minimize the need for post-activity editing, consider reviewing and optimizing the auto-pause settings on your GPS device or Strava app. Setting a lower auto-pause threshold (e.g., pausing when speed drops below 1-2 mph) can help capture more accurate moving time during the activity itself.

The Biomechanical and Training Implications of Accurate Time Data

From an exercise science perspective, the distinction between elapsed and moving time is more than just a technical detail; it has significant implications for training analysis and progression.

• Pacing and Intensity: Your average pace or speed is calculated using moving time. If your moving time is artificially inflated by long pauses, your calculated pace will be slower than your actual effort. This can lead to misjudging your intensity zones or underestimating your true performance capabilities.
• Training Load Assessment: Metrics like Training Stress Score (TSS), Suffer Score, or other proprietary load calculations often factor in duration and intensity. An accurate moving time ensures that your training load reflects the actual physiological stress incurred, allowing for better periodization and recovery planning.
• Progress Tracking: Consistent and accurate data is foundational for tracking long-term progress. If your time metrics are inconsistent due to unedited pauses, comparing performances over time becomes unreliable, making it harder to identify improvements or plateaus.

Conclusion and Best Practices

Removing elapsed time on Strava is a valuable tool for ensuring the accuracy of your activity data, which in turn supports more precise training analysis and performance tracking. While the "Crop" tool is the primary method for this, especially via the Strava website, judicious application is key. Prioritize accurate recording at the source (your device or app) by optimizing auto-pause settings, and use post-activity editing primarily to correct significant errors rather than to artificially inflate metrics. By maintaining clean and accurate data, you empower yourself with a clearer understanding of your training efforts and progress.