Backup Sports Data to NAS/PC: The Ultimate FIT & GPX Local Backup Guide

Why Local Backup Matters

Most athletes spread data across 3-5 platforms — Garmin for runs, Strava for social, Zwift for cycling, Intervals.icu for analysis. Two risks come with that:

• Platform API changes: Strava's November 2024 API lockdown disabled many third-party tools overnight. Your data is still there, but access paths are severed.
• Platform shutdowns or paywalls: Sports apps don't last forever. Nike Run Club killed its API. Peloton was acquired and data exports became difficult. Ten years of training data shouldn't rest on one platform's shoulders.

GarSync's NAS Backup: 3-Step Setup

Step 1: Create a Shared Folder on Your PC or NAS

Windows: Right-click folder → Properties → Sharing → Add Everyone with read/write. Synology NAS: File Station → Create Shared Folder → enable SMB in permissions. Note the NAS IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100), username, and password.

Step 2: Bind the SAMBA Account in GarSync

In GarSync's Account Management, tap +, select SMB/Samba under Storage. Enter your NAS IP, port (default 445), username, and password. Once verified, the storage appears in your account list.

Step 3: Create the Backup Sync Task

Create a task: Source = your sports platform (Garmin/Strava/COROS/etc.), Target = the SAMBA account you just added. Enable auto-sync, and new activities one-tap backup to your NAS as raw FIT files.

GarSync auto-organizes by year/month: /sports/2026/07/activity_20260715_063934.fit.

Two Backup Strategies: Hot + Cold

• Data hub (hot): Pick a stable, data-respecting platform (e.g., Intervals.icu) and funnel all platforms into it via sync tasks. Day-to-day viewing and analysis happens here.
• NAS local (cold): Create a dedicated backup task with SAMBA as the target. Raw FIT files go straight to your private storage. You don't check it daily, but it's your last line of defense.

Both tasks run independently. If your hub platform ever goes down, your NAS has the complete raw data ready to restore anywhere.

FAQ

Q: What format is the backed-up data in?

A: FIT standard format — Garmin's international sports data standard. It contains all sensor data (GPS, HR, power, cadence, running dynamics). Any FIT-compatible tool can read it, with zero dependency on GarSync.

Q: Do I need a NAS? Can I use my PC?

A: Yes, any SMB-enabled shared folder works. If your PC has Windows file sharing enabled, GarSync can use it as a backup target.

Q: Does backup cost extra?

A: Same pricing as regular sync — free trial + pay-as-you-go (bulk migrations capped). Subscribe at $4.99/month for unlimited free sync. Smart deduplication means already-backed-up activities aren't charged again.

Q: NAS won't connect — what now?

A: Three common causes: ① Phone and NAS aren't on the same WiFi; ② SMB v2/v3 isn't enabled on the NAS (GarSync doesn't support SMB v1); ③ Firewall blocking port 445. Check these in order.