---
title: Recording workouts
description: Record GPS activities with the START button in the DistantRace app
order: 6
---

# Recording workouts

Record outdoor workouts **directly in the app** when you do not use Garmin, Polar, or another sync partner.

## Start a workout

1. Tap the red **START** button on the bottom navigation bar
2. Choose a **sport** (running, walking, cycling, etc.) — only sports with GPS are shown for recording
3. Wait for GPS lock, then tap **Start**
4. Pause or stop when finished — save the workout

The app uploads the track to your DistantRace account as a **mobile app** activity. It appears under **Activity** and on the website at [My workouts](../joining-events/managing-your-activities.md).

## Permissions

**Location (While Using)** is required for route recording. **Motion & Fitness** improves distance accuracy on iOS.

## After saving

- Open the workout in **Activity** to view map, distance, duration, and pace
- Valid activities auto-match open challenges and virtual competitions you joined
- If an activity does not count, read the exclusion reason — [Why activities are missing](../joining-events/why-activities-are-missing.md)

## When to use another app instead

Prefer Garmin, Polar, or Apple Watch sync when you already record there — duplicate phone recordings can double-count if both upload the same session.

Indoor sessions without GPS should be recorded in a partner app that supports indoor sport types, or uploaded manually on the website.

## Related

- [Supported apps](../connections-with-apps/supported-apps.md)
- [Participate in virtual competitions](../joining-events/participate-in-virtual-competitions.md)