Many RUNALYZE users connect their accounts through Strava because it is a convenient hub for activities from many devices. While this works well, it is not always the best option if you want the most accurate and complete data in RUNALYZE.
Whenever possible, we recommend connecting RUNALYZE directly to the platform that recorded your activity (for example Garmin Connect, Polar Flow, COROS, Zwift, Rouvy, Wahoo, Hammerhead, Concept2, or Suunto … ).
The difference: raw data vs processed data
When RUNALYZE imports activities directly from a manufacturer platform, we usually receive the original FIT file recorded by the device.
A FIT file contains the full dataset captured during your activity, including:
- detailed sensor recordings
- device-specific metrics
- developer fields
- advanced running or cycling metrics
- precise pause information
- complete metadata from the device
This allows RUNALYZE to analyze your activity with the highest possible level of detail.
What happens when importing from Strava
Strava works differently.
The Strava API does not provide the original FIT file. Instead, it returns a processed representation of the activity that includes simplified activity streams (time, location, elevation, etc.).
While this is sufficient for many use cases, some information from the original recording is missing.
For example:
- device-specific data fields are often unavailable
- developer fields stored in FIT files are not exposed
- pauses are not always provided explicitly
- some metadata is simplified during Strava’s processing
In some cases, RUNALYZE must reconstruct certain information (such as pauses) based on the available track data.
Why this matters for analysis
RUNALYZE focuses on detailed training analysis. The more data we receive from your device, the more accurate our calculations and visualizations can be.
Using the original FIT file ensures that:
- all recorded metrics are available
- device-specific data can be interpreted correctly
- advanced metrics are preserved
- pauses and timing remain accurate
Our recommendation
Strava is works perfectly fine as a fallback sync option.
However, if your device platform is supported, we strongly recommend connecting RUNALYZE directly to the original source of your activities.
This ensures that RUNALYZE receives the complete activity data and can provide the most accurate analysis possible.
