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Bulk Import from Strava

Import your entire Strava history at once using a Strava data export ZIP file.

Overview

The bulk import feature allows you to import multiple workouts from a Strava data export. This is useful when: - Migrating from Strava to Tempo - Importing your complete workout history - Catching up after you skipped Strava during first-run onboarding

First-run Strava import is also offered during onboarding. After setup, use Settings → Migrate / restore. Day-to-day GPX/FIT files stay on the Import page.

Requesting Your Strava Data Export

  1. Log in to Strava
  2. Go to Settings → My Account → Download or Delete Your Account
  3. Click Request Archive
  4. Wait for Strava to prepare your export (this may take several hours or days)
  5. Download the ZIP file when it's ready

ZIP File Structure Requirements

Your Strava export ZIP file must have the following structure:

your-strava-export.zip
├── activities.csv          # Required: CSV file with activity metadata
└── activities/            # Folder containing workout files
    ├── 1234567890.gpx     # GPX files (supported)
    ├── 1234567891.fit.gz  # Gzipped FIT files (supported)
    └── ...

Requirements

  • activities.csv must be in the root of the ZIP file
  • Workout files (.gpx or .fit.gz) should be in the activities/ folder
  • The CSV Filename column should reference the file path (e.g., activities/1234567890.gpx)
  • Only "Run" activities are imported (other activity types are skipped)

Import Process

Step 1: Prepare Your ZIP File

If your Strava export doesn't match the required structure:

  1. Extract the ZIP file
  2. Verify the structure matches the requirements above
  3. Re-zip if needed to match the structure

Step 2: Access Bulk Import

During first-run onboarding, choose Strava import after essentials.

After setup:

  1. Log in to Tempo
  2. Navigate to Settings
  3. Under Data Management, expand Migrate / restore
  4. Find Import Strava archive

Step 3: Upload ZIP File

  1. Click "Choose File" or drag and drop your ZIP file
  2. Select your Strava export ZIP file
  3. Files up to 500MB are supported

Step 4: Wait for Processing

Bulk import processing may take several minutes depending on: - Number of workouts in the export - File sizes - Server performance

You'll see upload progress, then import progress (processed / total). You can cancel while the job is active; workouts already imported stay. Refreshing Settings resumes an in-progress Strava job under Migrate / restore.

Note: If you've set a default shoe in Settings, all imported workouts will automatically be assigned to that shoe. You can change or remove shoe assignments later from each Workout's overview.

One import at a time

Tempo runs at most one import job at a time across Strava bulk import and Tempo export restore. If a Tempo restore is already running, Migrate / restore shows a message and will not start a Strava import until that job finishes or is cancelled. Tempo backups use Settings export — not this Strava bulk flow.

Step 5: Review Import Summary

After processing completes, you'll see a summary showing: - Number of workouts imported - Number of workouts skipped (non-run activities or duplicates) - Any errors encountered

Duplicate Detection

Tempo matches workouts on: - Start time (StartedAt) - Distance (DistanceM) - Duration (DurationS)

If a match already exists: - Updated when the stored Workout is missing raw file bytes or its FIT/GPX JSON is incomplete. Tempo backfills bytes/JSON, rebuilds splits, and fills an empty route or time series. Distance, duration, and elevation on a Workout that already has complete raw data are not rewritten. - Skipped when raw bytes and JSON are already complete.

Strava name and media from the export can still attach after created, updated, or skipped.

Supported Activity Types

Only "Run" activities are imported. Other activity types (cycling, swimming, etc.) are automatically skipped.

File Size Limits

  • Maximum ZIP file size: 500MB
  • Individual workout files within the ZIP: No specific limit, but very large files may take longer to process

Troubleshooting

Import Fails

If bulk import fails: - Verify the ZIP file structure matches requirements - Check that activities.csv exists in the root - Ensure workout files are in the activities/ folder - Verify file size is under 500MB - Check API logs for specific error messages

Missing Workouts

If some workouts aren't imported: - Check the import summary for skipped workouts - Verify the CSV Filename column matches actual file paths - Ensure workout files exist in the ZIP - Non-run activities are automatically skipped

Processing Takes Too Long

If processing seems stuck: - Large exports can take 10+ minutes - Check API logs for progress - Verify server has sufficient resources - Consider splitting very large exports into smaller ZIP files

Cannot Start / Message About Tempo Restore

  • Finish or cancel the Tempo export restore in Settings → Migrate / restore first
  • Only one import job can run at a time (Strava bulk or Tempo restore)

Partial Import After Cancel

  • Already imported workouts remain
  • Re-upload the same ZIP; duplicates skip and incomplete workouts can update

Next Steps