Some Thoughts on the Strava API Controversy

I've been using Strava for a long time, literally since the very first days after they added running in addition to cycling way back when. I first paid for Strava Premium (or whatever they called it back then) in 2013 and I've had a Premium account off and on since then.

I first heard about the API changes from an email they sent me since I have played around with a Developer Account over the years to mostly to pull data using Python scripts for doing things like syncing between services.

To be clear, these changes that Strava is making will have basically no impact on me or my usage of Strava. There is only one service I had connected to my Strava account that pulled data and used it in a way that would be in violation of the new terms.

In total, I have two services connected to Strava. Actually, it's zero because I disconnected both today. They were:

• Citystrides - this service grabs data from runs and then builds a life map and keeps track of all the streets run in a specific city or area. I had it set to pull data from Strava, but it can also just get it straight from Garmin which is where I actually upload my runs so no big deal there. Nothing changes.
• Runna - this service also grabs data from Strava and also can send data to Strava when I do certain workouts in their app. I don't know if Runna is violating the new terms, but again, it doesn't matter to me since it's also pulling data straight from Garmin. Nothing changes, except I may have to manually create my strength and yoga exercises in Strava (or do them in Garmin Connect and they will copy over).

For some athletes, these API changes might be a big deal. But I don't think it's as big a deal as many are making it out to be.

Strava is an aggregator of data. They take data from Garmin, Coros, Zwift, etc. That's nice because it means that runners in my club who use a Garmin watch can also see the activities of club runners with a Coros, Polar or Apple Watch. It's the reason Strava became popular; they bring users of all different hardware and services together in one place

It's My Data

What I really think Strava needs to be called out for here is that they keep talking about "Strava Data" as if they own it. Let's be clear here, Strava. A .fit file is MY data and I send it over to you.

If some other service I use gets that .fit file from you, it doesn't magically make it "Strava Data". If you actually did something to the data and then provided it to these other services, then sure...you could restrict what they could do with it.

But if literally all that is happening is that you are acting as a go-between for a .fit file, then with all due respect, stay in your lane. That's my data, not yours. If you don't want to be the go between, then don't do it. But don't go claiming that you can restrict what other services do with MY data.