Something that has kind of bugged me: Do you think the watch wants too much high aerobic trainings from us users taking into account the 80/20 rule? When I practice something along those lines, my watch always scolds me 😢
How to deal with side stitch?!? Used to run 10k with ease pre 2020(58 min avg run). Joined gym this jan. Running has been a pain though. After 6 months only can run about 10 mins. Around the 7 min mark side stitch keeps hitting. Will this stop? I didn't have this issue when I first started running in 2018. Solution suggestions please 🙏
I asked this on strava as well so, I’ll ask here too: my Garmin coach recommends i ‘easy run’ at a certain pace. However, at that pace, I’m reaching heartzones 4 & 5!! Yes, I’m unfit AF. So, anyways, if I’m suggested a long east run, do l ignore the pace recommendations and stay at a pace that lets me be at zone 2 for most of the run or do I go with the pace suggested and eventually, because of that, I’ll become fitter and my heart zone would be 2 when I run at this pace? 🤔
I love the suggested workouts. It wasn't said in the video but you can add races to your calendar in the watch and the suggested workouts will switch to help you perform best at those races. It gives hints on what periods of time are planned to achieve what, like improving stamina first and then improving your strength. As bonus: its a bit exciting to wake up and see the summary of "Oh you rested so good! Here's a suggested workout for today! Go for it!" :D
"Great sleep and recovery! Your body battery is charged and ready! Suggested workout: race pace hill drills!" 😱🏃♂️ I like that you can add races as primary, supporting, or not supporting toward your training. Although, I haven't found a reason to mark any as not toward my primary race.
My most used metric is definitely heart rate! I’m a fairly new runner (about 3 months) and I find it helpful to focus more on what heart rate zone I am in rather than pace. It takes the pressure off for me and I’m less likely to let my ego win and end up running at a pace that might be too fast for me that day!
68 years old, took up running a couple of months ago. Averaging 5km three times a week at the moment. Spotted a very strong correlation between pace and cadence, so whilst running CADENCE is my default focus screen. Will probably also add HR zone as feedback is that I have too much high aerobic and too little low aerobic !
When you first start...start with feeling your body and llearn listening to it. Don't use all this stuff. Greeting from a 40+ years running experienced.
I definitely use the heart rate and average pace the most often. I really enjoy looking at how my metrics differ depending on how I've been feeling that day and how it affects my runs. Thanks for yet another informative video!
I have only had my Garmin Forerunner 955 for five days and am just getting to explore all the options. I hike, bike, and walk but do not run. Your video was very helpful and increased my knowledge of options I was just trying to learn. So far I have used HR, distance, timing, steps, and sleep the most. Your explanation of hill climb opened up a new option for me to explore. Thank you
Very interesting and succinct! The feature I probably use the most overall is heart rate, I use it during my runs and afterwards to analyze whether I've been in the right zones. I have a love-hate relationship with the body battery feature, I think it's often very helpful but sometimes it just seems a bit inaccurate and I try not to obsess over when it gives me a low score even though I don't feel bad/tired or not recovered at all. Also, I have a Garmin Instinct Solar, so one of their more budget watches and also not the latest model, it doesn't have a lot of the features you discussed but they sound so fun and super helpful!
The metric which is extra important for me is definitely heart rate. As someone with a recurring iron deficiency anemia (probably from training), heart rate always guides me as to how I am doing. For example this spring I kept running at about 7 min/kms at 175 bpm, which was really weird for me, so I got my blood checked and sure enough I was iron deficient and anemic. Now Ive been taking iron pills for 6 weeks and when I run 7 min/ kms, my heart rate is again around 135bpm and I only get to 175 if I run a hill or a pace of about 5mins/kms... So its really important metric for me to follow (as well as resting HR). Btw I love running channel and although I have been listening from the very beginning (back when I lived in London) and kept following every video after moving back to the Czech Republic, this is the first time I am commenting, so Id like to thank you for all the inspiration and advice all those years! Also it would be very interesting to see an episode about iron deficiency/anemia in runners... I know couple more who are struggling with them and Molly Seidel just posted on IG she is anemic too... I am also a runner with a fused spine after scoliosis and there are some wonderful female scoliosis runners in UK and Ireland, so that would also be a great episode (of course, maybe too niche, but I think in general running with some kind of disadvantage or disability is a great topic). Thank you once again for all you great work! I'll be looking forward to many more years of TRC to come ❤
Currently I'm paying a lot of attention to my running form/gait metrics - cadence and ground contact time/balance in particular. I'm working on increasing my running and cycling volume for an upcoming triathlon, but have historically struggled with injury a bit, so I'm doing what I can to work on my run form and keep myself injury-free. The metrics aren't everything, but they've certainly been helpful to keep an eye on and see what I can work on. In general, obviously always love looking at my distance, pace and HR after a run!
I was impressed by the Hill Climb Feature. I will use this Garmin feature as I’m building up to my first 5km run. As I’m 65 years of age I need all the help I can get 😊
Apart from the main ones like heart rate and pace I like the race prediction times and watching them go down during my marathon training. It's such a great motivator! Have yet to test how accurate it is though 😅
I have been wanting a video like this for ages! Got a HRM and was overwhelmed by the data available. My most used metric is heartrate as i have tried to get into HR zone training. Thanks for the vid!
I like to watch the predicted times for 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon got down as I train consistently with my FR255. I found them to be really accurate when I ran my first half marathon in june. I didn't have a coach or a running club, so I relied on the Garmin Coach to train for the half marathon. It really helped to keep my motivation up, keep the ideal amount of effort and finish in an even better time than I set as a target. Great!
Wow, what a great advert for upgrading my old 235. A great way to keep running by analyzing all the metrics and taking out the guess work. Heart rate is my primary measure to try and keep it lower in tune with some house music. Great video.
I am 54 with a fitness age of 20, a VO2 max of 54... and was having all manner of difficulty running any distance at all. It turned out I have a neurological condition that my watch was able to pick up on for about two years before diagnosis. I'm back running again and did my first marathon in two years last week.
Best metric I use is definitely heart rate, I'd much rather pay attention to how I'm coping with a run rather than a target pace as I know it's taking everything else into account
I really like the training effect, training load and focus metrics. It helps me to visualize the weekly goals better and see how I'm improving by going for that 3.0+ training effects without going over the suggested weekly training load is really nice. Sometimes going for a supposedly tempo runs ended up to a base training focus so it just indicates I'm not doing the run properly.
I'm not sure if it counts as a running metric. Right now I'm using a metronome to increase my cadence. In the past when I tried to take up running I always struggled with knee pain. I never used a running watch -but i got a forerunner 745 some time ago, and started to investigate my running metrics. It turns out my running cadence was extremely low. When I dont focus on my cadence, it's sub 160. Assisted by the forerunner it's now just above 170 - and so far I have avoided knee pain.
Heart rate and pace are probably the metrics I refer to most but I do find the running dynamic data useful too. I love the workouts most, great to have that guide throughout a session so I can just concentrate on the running bit.
The metric I use most is definitely heart rate as 18months ago I had a heart attack caused by a blocked artery. I feel this metric keeps me safe during exercise but doesn’t prevent me from working harder in short doses. I loved this video on metrics, and it made me realise just how little I knew about my watch. Thank you.
I'm mostly using the "Training Status" metric. Really hopeful to see if I'm standing the past week standards and keeping on improving. Really like your channel guys, you make the videos that I didn't knew I wanted to watch
As a statisticsfreak I love checking my metrics after every run. I always check my heartrate (because I have a heartcondition) to see if it wasn't too high for the intensity of the run. And Iove the speed and Vo2max, hoping to improve them. Also a great fan of the suggested workouts. Love this video by the way ❤
Hello! By far my most used metrics would be heart rate and pace. I recently returned to running after a very long break due to injury and both have proved very useful for me to plan my runs :)
Thanks for the video, it's really helpful. To me, the most important metric is the HR, for both running and cycling. It's a good metric for so many things related to fitness.
Pace is the metric I pour over for hours - at the time I’m just running comfortably / how I want to run - afterwards I see what pace that actually was and sometimes surprise myself with improvements Thanks so much for this vid - very very helpful with lots of stuff I didn’t know.
I love the performance condition metric that appears soon after I start my run it’s really useful to help me judge how much I want to push myself during the run
My most used metric is heart rate, turns out I've been running too high BPM for ages which is why I haven't been able to progress too well, HR and keeping it into lower zones is helping me make massive improvements thankfully!
I like looking at heart rate, cadence and pace after a run. I also like the suggested workouts too. I’m definitely one of those runners that doesn’t use all the features on their watch! That’s why I like videos like these, I learn something new every time! 😂
As a starting out runner, I really like the ground contact time metric - it is a great way for me to have a “coach” show me what to focus on for form or strength
I love how well my my fenix tracks my sleep and my recovery status. It just explains to me why I feel up and down some days. It also will motivate me to push workouts on days it says my recovery is better than moderate. I’ve recently started following my watch program to train for a half marathon.
Only been running about 6 months but the metric I use most is probably pace, but with heart rate next and running age for fun. Great channel, it's been so helpful.
I love the average pace feature, it allows me to easily check if I am on my overall target. After a run i like to use metrics like average HR and cadence to check my effort. Great video as always!
My most used metric is HR! All my running sessions are based on HR so I always know how hard or easy I’m running taking into account other stressors like fatigue, recovery, etc… Great video! Thanks Xx
I've been sick and its been smokey in my town so I have been going back to basics with my running metrics and basics to me is my heart rate zones. I am building my endurance for my first half marathon and such have been doing allot of long easy runs. Love the channel thanks for all the tips and training tricks!
Hi!! My most used metric recently has been heart rate!! It used to be pace but since finding your guys channel and learning how important it is to do slower runs to get faster and all the different types of speed training, I’ve def switched it up!!
Am currently only doing parkruns every Saturday and trying to improve my time(PB is currently 33:53). Am hoping to do a marathon in just under a year for the first time. My watch only tells me the time so that is what I look at. The Garmin looks amazing. Hope whoever wins it enjoys all of these awesome features. Thank you for going through everything Ben and awesome script writing Sarah. Thank you to all The Running Channel team for the awesome videos and podcast.
Great video! New runner here - finding your content to be the most informative on TH-cam. Metric I’m following is HR - trying to stay within zone 2 and building my aerobic base so one day I can complete a half marathon! A new fitness watch would be very enticing ha 😅 all the best
I am 68 and just started running (never too late) and your videos are very interesting and informative. I am learning a lot. I have a Samsung Watch 6 Classic and although it gives me lots of metrics, I lose the data when trying to sync with Strava (I have to record on one or the other). I presume Garmin are THE watches to have? For me, as a complete beginner, I presume the best metrics are VO2 max, Pace, Distance and Time - I guess I will revise that as I watch more of your videos. Thanks guys.
My most used metric is definitely lap pace. I run in kms so it'll let me know if I'm going particularly fast in a warm up or if I'm hitting the correct paces in my intervals. Plus I don't have to look at my watch as it'll gove me an update(beep) at the end of each lap/km/interval and then it can adjust if needed for the next one. Great break down folks, loving the content ❤
My most used running metric is Pace as I really enjoy trying to keep a relatively stable pace for different types of runs, that Pace Pro metric on the newer watches sounds like a great one to me! Really enjoy your videos, thanks.
for me the heart rate metric is something I use quite often during a run to gauge the effort. After the run all the metrics are interesting. Thanks for all the great content!
Beyond heart rate and pace, my most used metric is probably cadence. As a new runner who's still trying to improve my form, I find keeping my eye on cadence and maintaining "quick feet" really helps with my running efficiency.
I started running about six months ago and religiously watch my heart rate for zone training. But I'm finding it incredibly helpful to deep dive into other metrics after my runs, especially cadence. Throwing in some strides where I really think about my cadence and then seeing that reflected in the data after a run has been incredibly motivating.
I’m relatively new to running so just use pace and heart rate at the moment. But, this was a great video showing all the additional metrics that are available. Thanks for the great content!
Great video.. My most used metricals while running are cadence, heart rate, pace and power.. most analyzed metrics after the run are GCT, vertical ratio, vertical oscillation and stride length
love this video so much! My husband and I are such running stats nerds and this helps answer so many questions for is. We look at the training effect the most, not because we are focusing on anything in specific, but because we like to see if the anaerobic vs aerobic numbers are what we perceived them to be during our runs. I also really like looking at the recovery time, because the instructions my garmin gives me always makes me laugh (such as telling me to get more sleep wfter a night of being up all night with a crying baby... THANKS GARMIN!)
I've had a Garmin for a while but only recently set specific running heart rate training zones based on my actual resting heart rate, absolute game changer for using heart rate zones in the training for my first marathon!
I love the load measurements. It helps me stay injury free and is a reminder for me about what kind of runs I should do soon to keep a healthy balance.
I use the navigation feature on my Garmin Fenix 6S Pro all the time. I love running in the woods, and my Garmin watch navigates me through them real well!
I've been using pace and HR.... but I was running blur all these while (3 yrs and through pregnancy) and with not much improvement. So I've signed up for my first HM (in Dec) so it looks like I have to pay more attention to other metrics now! Loved the info, Love the show, I just discovered TRC over the last few days, and loving it!
I've always just used a basic Timex Ironman on my runs but recently got a Garmin watch. Oh boy are there a lot of stats and data fields to geek out over. During a run, I focus mostly on pace to keep myself honest, as I like to run faster than I should. Also loving cadence so I don't have to count steps in my head anymore. After the run, it is so cool to pour over all the metrics in Garmin Connect and really drill into the nitty gritty details. Thanks for posting another great video!
I've recently purchased a RunPod and now look more closely at ground contact time and, after suffering injury due to imbalance, the GCT balance feature. It has lots of other features as well that I hadn't really understood fully, but thanks to this video they are now a bit clearer!
Love the Garmin watches. I mostly use pacing and distance and time. But I also love the recovery scores for helping me know when I am pushing hard or need to chill out! Thanks for all the great content! I love the podcast too!
My go-to metric is always pace but I've recently been interested in keying in more on both my heart rate and my cadence. These are both things I hadn't looked at much in the past but that I find really interesting and beneficial to track the progress as I try to get back into good running shape. Thanks for another great video, guys!
Thank you for the good video! I personally use heart beat the most when I’m on the run or even sitting in the office. There are times when I’m I’ll, my avg heart beat would spike, confirming that maybe I’ve been ill or about to be. Another metric I like to check is elevation gain. For someone who trail runs and hikes a lot, it helps me better understand the effort of the session. There’s so many useful metrics I can’t recommend enough!
Amazing video! My most used metric has to be the grade-adjusted pace (GAP), especially when running on steep trails. It is definitely a confidence boost to see that I wasn't "that slow" compared to the average pace.
HR zones, pace and distance are my most used metrics obviously, but I also like the workout suggestions and all the metrics regarding training readiness, to help me decide what kind of run I should (or shouldn’t!) do each day.
Average Pace is my favourite metric every day of the week, but after running a built in Garmin Half Marathon training plan for my first half a year or so ago (which really worked) I loved the way the workouts were all planned in the calendar and kept me to the right pace, cadence, time or distance.. since then I've used it to schedule my own training plans that ensure that I'm not tempted to run every run too fast, but have the right balance of speed work, easy runs and distance.. love it and it ensures I make sure I have time in the day and get out no matter what the weather's doing.
My favorite metric is pace during the run and I look at heart rate after the run. Thank you for an explanation of all the metrics that can be measured with the Garmin. I am looking at getting a Garmin within the year because it's seems more accurate with distance than my current setup.
Never thought, it would replace pace and heartrate, but the main metric I use for running is power (using the stryd footpod). Great video by the way! As always, lots of helpful informations 👍🏻
As an older and more technically challenged runner that was super useful and just what I needed. I predominately use heart rate and zones for training but am also trying to improve my cadence at the moment to no avail. Love the channel, keep it up.
Great video! I follow the most often the HR and pace metric for analyzing running my runs, and the body battery feature to manage my daily stress and activity levels.
My favorite metrics are split pace, heart rate, and miles! I didn’t grow up with athletics but have discovered it later in life, so seeing my progress over time in those numbers is encouragement and a reminder to keep pushing. Great video! I am really curious on the suggested workouts function to improve fitness and how successful that is.
I live close to the equator… it’s hot and humid all year round!!! On the run, I focus on the Heart Rate (HR) while doing my best to match it to my Relative Perceived Effort (RPE) intended for a given Zone workout and Duration. After the run though, all bets are off - I look at pretty much every metric on Garmin to track my progress (over a period, not day to day!). Thanks for the informative videos… I just subscribed. 👍🏼
I started running during the pandemic. I mostly run on my own & would like to improve my running. I bought garmin 245 last year & I can see the difference on my running thanks to daily suggestions/workouts giving me a more structured training, how long or fast should I go & when to rest. I also love the garmin coach option since I have now join some half marathon runs & having someone with you creating a plan, giving suggestions, helps a lot.
I'm quite new to running and am loving it. On week 5 of couch to 5K.. I'm getting very interested in my pace but mainly looking at heart rate and the different thresholds and want to get a heart rate monitor too look at it more in depth. Love the videos!!!
Heart rate and heart rate zones for sure! Since watching your video on how to set them up and actually adhering to them, keeping easy runs easy, it's been a game changer!
I am a data geek. Got a garmin 265 and love it. I love the raceprognose feature. Now in training for the 10 miles in September. And I can see my speed getting faster. So stimulating.
I did find this video informative. The best matrices I use are pace and sleep. I forget and/or focus less on sleep knowing, sleep needs to be a routine in all my race training. Thanks.
My most used metric is pace! I love understanding how fast I'm running and also I can see where I can slow down. Im new to Garmin, so I definetly will improve my metric skills ;)
Great Video! The running features that have been very helpful for me this year are the training recovery, load, readiness and effect features, as this allows me to not overtrain my body and know when to start training again. Great tools for injury prevention and improvement.
Finally a video explaining everything I've been trying to fathom whilst running with all watch data fields full with various metrics to assist my understanding :/ For me, the average pace per mile metric would have to be key, as its been the most consistent metric from my very first Garmin forerunner 305, but only now getting us to matching my pace with a heart rate monitor :)
My most used metric is currently heart rate. Before i used pace and always wanted to run as fast as my last run, regardless of my how i felt that day. I started getting injured fairly frequently. I switched over to low heart rate running, and have not been injured yet.
I thank the best are stride length and balance. They can tell you so much and help you improve tremendously on the basics. Not to mention less injuries, cramps, and tightness. Great video. I know it must be difficult to do a good breakdown of a running watch basically because you have to be running to get the Overall picture if that watches right for you or not. Well done.
Thanks for the great video! I love the Training Status metrics like Acute and Chronic Load, and the Load Focus. They really help me keep on top of my training and allow me to build my fitness in a sustainable way.
I have enjoyed using the VO2 Max and race predictor on my forerunner 55. I am training for my first half marathon and am encouraged by being able to visually see the improvement I am achieving and how I am going versus my objective!
Got a running question?
Is the goal to entirely avoid low HRV days? Or is it part of a healthy pattern to have low HRV every third day or so due to consistent training?
Something that has kind of bugged me:
Do you think the watch wants too much high aerobic trainings from us users taking into account the 80/20 rule?
When I practice something along those lines, my watch always scolds me 😢
I use power a lot, as it is immediate and doesn’t lag like heart rate.
How to deal with side stitch?!? Used to run 10k with ease pre 2020(58 min avg run). Joined gym this jan. Running has been a pain though. After 6 months only can run about 10 mins. Around the 7 min mark side stitch keeps hitting. Will this stop? I didn't have this issue when I first started running in 2018. Solution suggestions please 🙏
I asked this on strava as well so, I’ll ask here too: my Garmin coach recommends i ‘easy run’ at a certain pace. However, at that pace, I’m reaching heartzones 4 & 5!! Yes, I’m unfit AF. So, anyways, if I’m suggested a long east run, do l ignore the pace recommendations and stay at a pace that lets me be at zone 2 for most of the run or do I go with the pace suggested and eventually, because of that, I’ll become fitter and my heart zone would be 2 when I run at this pace? 🤔
I just upgraded from a vivoactive 3 to a FR 955 and you have no idea how much I needed this video.
This is me too! From vivo active 3 to 965 and I have no idea wtf was going on
Same to the 965
I am just confused/overwhelmed with the amount of info I am getting.
is there a big difference?
I love the suggested workouts. It wasn't said in the video but you can add races to your calendar in the watch and the suggested workouts will switch to help you perform best at those races. It gives hints on what periods of time are planned to achieve what, like improving stamina first and then improving your strength.
As bonus: its a bit exciting to wake up and see the summary of "Oh you rested so good! Here's a suggested workout for today! Go for it!" :D
"Great sleep and recovery! Your body battery is charged and ready! Suggested workout: race pace hill drills!" 😱🏃♂️ I like that you can add races as primary, supporting, or not supporting toward your training. Although, I haven't found a reason to mark any as not toward my primary race.
My most used metric is definitely heart rate! I’m a fairly new runner (about 3 months) and I find it helpful to focus more on what heart rate zone I am in rather than pace. It takes the pressure off for me and I’m less likely to let my ego win and end up running at a pace that might be too fast for me that day!
Running just a bit above the Aerobic zone is probably the best way to improve while still having an enjoyable run.
@@Sanuck176 At this point I'm running about 25 km per week!
For me, it is running hart rate with the zones.
68 years old, took up running a couple of months ago. Averaging 5km three times a week at the moment. Spotted a very strong correlation between pace and cadence, so whilst running CADENCE is my default focus screen. Will probably also add HR zone as feedback is that I have too much high aerobic and too little low aerobic !
When you first start...start with feeling your body and llearn listening to it. Don't use all this stuff. Greeting from a 40+ years running experienced.
I definitely use the heart rate and average pace the most often. I really enjoy looking at how my metrics differ depending on how I've been feeling that day and how it affects my runs. Thanks for yet another informative video!
I have only had my Garmin Forerunner 955 for five days and am just getting to explore all the options. I hike, bike, and walk but do not run. Your video was very helpful and increased my knowledge of options I was just trying to learn. So far I have used HR, distance, timing, steps, and sleep the most. Your explanation of hill climb opened up a new option for me to explore. Thank you
Very interesting and succinct! The feature I probably use the most overall is heart rate, I use it during my runs and afterwards to analyze whether I've been in the right zones. I have a love-hate relationship with the body battery feature, I think it's often very helpful but sometimes it just seems a bit inaccurate and I try not to obsess over when it gives me a low score even though I don't feel bad/tired or not recovered at all. Also, I have a Garmin Instinct Solar, so one of their more budget watches and also not the latest model, it doesn't have a lot of the features you discussed but they sound so fun and super helpful!
The metric which is extra important for me is definitely heart rate. As someone with a recurring iron deficiency anemia (probably from training), heart rate always guides me as to how I am doing. For example this spring I kept running at about 7 min/kms at 175 bpm, which was really weird for me, so I got my blood checked and sure enough I was iron deficient and anemic. Now Ive been taking iron pills for 6 weeks and when I run 7 min/ kms, my heart rate is again around 135bpm and I only get to 175 if I run a hill or a pace of about 5mins/kms... So its really important metric for me to follow (as well as resting HR).
Btw I love running channel and although I have been listening from the very beginning (back when I lived in London) and kept following every video after moving back to the Czech Republic, this is the first time I am commenting, so Id like to thank you for all the inspiration and advice all those years!
Also it would be very interesting to see an episode about iron deficiency/anemia in runners... I know couple more who are struggling with them and Molly Seidel just posted on IG she is anemic too...
I am also a runner with a fused spine after scoliosis and there are some wonderful female scoliosis runners in UK and Ireland, so that would also be a great episode (of course, maybe too niche, but I think in general running with some kind of disadvantage or disability is a great topic).
Thank you once again for all you great work! I'll be looking forward to many more years of TRC to come ❤
Currently I'm paying a lot of attention to my running form/gait metrics - cadence and ground contact time/balance in particular. I'm working on increasing my running and cycling volume for an upcoming triathlon, but have historically struggled with injury a bit, so I'm doing what I can to work on my run form and keep myself injury-free. The metrics aren't everything, but they've certainly been helpful to keep an eye on and see what I can work on. In general, obviously always love looking at my distance, pace and HR after a run!
I was impressed by the Hill Climb Feature. I will use this Garmin feature as I’m building up to my first 5km run. As I’m 65 years of age I need all the help I can get 😊
Apart from the main ones like heart rate and pace I like the race prediction times and watching them go down during my marathon training. It's such a great motivator! Have yet to test how accurate it is though 😅
I have been wanting a video like this for ages! Got a HRM and was overwhelmed by the data available. My most used metric is heartrate as i have tried to get into HR zone training. Thanks for the vid!
I like to watch the predicted times for 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon got down as I train consistently with my FR255. I found them to be really accurate when I ran my first half marathon in june. I didn't have a coach or a running club, so I relied on the Garmin Coach to train for the half marathon. It really helped to keep my motivation up, keep the ideal amount of effort and finish in an even better time than I set as a target. Great!
Wow, what a great advert for upgrading my old 235. A great way to keep running by analyzing all the metrics and taking out the guess work. Heart rate is my primary measure to try and keep it lower in tune with some house music. Great video.
I am 54 with a fitness age of 20, a VO2 max of 54... and was having all manner of difficulty running any distance at all. It turned out I have a neurological condition that my watch was able to pick up on for about two years before diagnosis. I'm back running again and did my first marathon in two years last week.
What was the condition?
Best metric I use is definitely heart rate, I'd much rather pay attention to how I'm coping with a run rather than a target pace as I know it's taking everything else into account
I really like the training effect, training load and focus metrics. It helps me to visualize the weekly goals better and see how I'm improving by going for that 3.0+ training effects without going over the suggested weekly training load is really nice. Sometimes going for a supposedly tempo runs ended up to a base training focus so it just indicates I'm not doing the run properly.
I'm not sure if it counts as a running metric. Right now I'm using a metronome to increase my cadence. In the past when I tried to take up running I always struggled with knee pain. I never used a running watch -but i got a forerunner 745 some time ago, and started to investigate my running metrics. It turns out my running cadence was extremely low. When I dont focus on my cadence, it's sub 160. Assisted by the forerunner it's now just above 170 - and so far I have avoided knee pain.
I always like the beep with performance condition! It’s a big pick me up when it’s a good number and you feel ready to smash your session!
i mostly use heartrate
Heart rate and pace are probably the metrics I refer to most but I do find the running dynamic data useful too. I love the workouts most, great to have that guide throughout a session so I can just concentrate on the running bit.
The metric I use most is definitely heart rate as 18months ago I had a heart attack caused by a blocked artery. I feel this metric keeps me safe during exercise but doesn’t prevent me from working harder in short doses. I loved this video on metrics, and it made me realise just how little I knew about my watch. Thank you.
I'm mostly using the "Training Status" metric. Really hopeful to see if I'm standing the past week standards and keeping on improving. Really like your channel guys, you make the videos that I didn't knew I wanted to watch
As a statisticsfreak I love checking my metrics after every run. I always check my heartrate (because I have a heartcondition) to see if it wasn't too high for the intensity of the run. And Iove the speed and Vo2max, hoping to improve them. Also a great fan of the suggested workouts. Love this video by the way ❤
“Moment in time” love it. Too many “points in time” on TH-cam which aren’t a real thing. Best.
Hello! By far my most used metrics would be heart rate and pace. I recently returned to running after a very long break due to injury and both have proved very useful for me to plan my runs :)
Thanks for the video, it's really helpful. To me, the most important metric is the HR, for both running and cycling. It's a good metric for so many things related to fitness.
Pace is the metric I pour over for hours - at the time I’m just running comfortably / how I want to run - afterwards I see what pace that actually was and sometimes surprise myself with improvements
Thanks so much for this vid - very very helpful with lots of stuff I didn’t know.
I love the performance condition metric that appears soon after I start my run it’s really useful to help me judge how much I want to push myself during the run
My most used metric is heart rate, turns out I've been running too high BPM for ages which is why I haven't been able to progress too well, HR and keeping it into lower zones is helping me make massive improvements thankfully!
My favourite metric to use while running is pace and after I'm done running I like looking at heart rate.
I really enjoy the pace feature on my watch. I've found it to be a big help. I have a bad habit of starting out too fast.
I like looking at heart rate, cadence and pace after a run. I also like the suggested workouts too. I’m definitely one of those runners that doesn’t use all the features on their watch! That’s why I like videos like these, I learn something new every time! 😂
As a starting out runner, I really like the ground contact time metric - it is a great way for me to have a “coach” show me what to focus on for form or strength
I love how well my my fenix tracks my sleep and my recovery status. It just explains to me why I feel up and down some days. It also will motivate me to push workouts on days it says my recovery is better than moderate. I’ve recently started following my watch program to train for a half marathon.
I use the heart rate metric most! Fell in love with heart rate training during lockdowns!
Only been running about 6 months but the metric I use most is probably pace, but with heart rate next and running age for fun. Great channel, it's been so helpful.
My most used metric lately is heart rate, specifically heart rate zones
I love the average pace feature, it allows me to easily check if I am on my overall target. After a run i like to use metrics like average HR and cadence to check my effort. Great video as always!
My most used metrics are pace and HR. I train a ton on the treadmill so that pace metric is crucial for me to meet my goals on a run. Great video!
My most used metric is HR! All my running sessions are based on HR so I always know how hard or easy I’m running taking into account other stressors like fatigue, recovery, etc… Great video! Thanks Xx
Heart rate followed by pace. I’ve been using Todays Suggestion and it’s set to heart rate. Awesome video, thanks for all the explanations.
I've been sick and its been smokey in my town so I have been going back to basics with my running metrics and basics to me is my heart rate zones. I am building my endurance for my first half marathon and such have been doing allot of long easy runs. Love the channel thanks for all the tips and training tricks!
I have just got my first garmin, this video is a life saver 🎉
Suggested workout, heart rate and pace are used on every workout. All these videos are so helpful, thanks for posting.
Hi!! My most used metric recently has been heart rate!! It used to be pace but since finding your guys channel and learning how important it is to do slower runs to get faster and all the different types of speed training, I’ve def switched it up!!
Am currently only doing parkruns every Saturday and trying to improve my time(PB is currently 33:53). Am hoping to do a marathon in just under a year for the first time. My watch only tells me the time so that is what I look at. The Garmin looks amazing. Hope whoever wins it enjoys all of these awesome features. Thank you for going through everything Ben and awesome script writing Sarah. Thank you to all The Running Channel team for the awesome videos and podcast.
Great video! New runner here - finding your content to be the most informative on TH-cam. Metric I’m following is HR - trying to stay within zone 2 and building my aerobic base so one day I can complete a half marathon! A new fitness watch would be very enticing ha 😅 all the best
Welcome aboard!
I am 68 and just started running (never too late) and your videos are very interesting and informative. I am learning a lot. I have a Samsung Watch 6 Classic and although it gives me lots of metrics, I lose the data when trying to sync with Strava (I have to record on one or the other). I presume Garmin are THE watches to have? For me, as a complete beginner, I presume the best metrics are VO2 max, Pace, Distance and Time - I guess I will revise that as I watch more of your videos. Thanks guys.
Most while running: HR and pace
Most when not running: Race predictor, RHR, HRV
Most interesting: HRV
Excellent content guys!
My most used metric is definitely lap pace. I run in kms so it'll let me know if I'm going particularly fast in a warm up or if I'm hitting the correct paces in my intervals. Plus I don't have to look at my watch as it'll gove me an update(beep) at the end of each lap/km/interval and then it can adjust if needed for the next one. Great break down folks, loving the content ❤
I may have missed this, but was there any metric discussed regarding elevation?
My most used running metric is Pace as I really enjoy trying to keep a relatively stable pace for different types of runs, that Pace Pro metric on the newer watches sounds like a great one to me! Really enjoy your videos, thanks.
for me the heart rate metric is something I use quite often during a run to gauge the effort. After the run all the metrics are interesting. Thanks for all the great content!
Beyond heart rate and pace, my most used metric is probably cadence. As a new runner who's still trying to improve my form, I find keeping my eye on cadence and maintaining "quick feet" really helps with my running efficiency.
I started running about six months ago and religiously watch my heart rate for zone training. But I'm finding it incredibly helpful to deep dive into other metrics after my runs, especially cadence. Throwing in some strides where I really think about my cadence and then seeing that reflected in the data after a run has been incredibly motivating.
I’m relatively new to running so just use pace and heart rate at the moment. But, this was a great video showing all the additional metrics that are available. Thanks for the great content!
Great video.. My most used metricals while running are cadence, heart rate, pace and power.. most analyzed metrics after the run are GCT, vertical ratio, vertical oscillation and stride length
love this video so much! My husband and I are such running stats nerds and this helps answer so many questions for is. We look at the training effect the most, not because we are focusing on anything in specific, but because we like to see if the anaerobic vs aerobic numbers are what we perceived them to be during our runs. I also really like looking at the recovery time, because the instructions my garmin gives me always makes me laugh (such as telling me to get more sleep wfter a night of being up all night with a crying baby... THANKS GARMIN!)
I've had a Garmin for a while but only recently set specific running heart rate training zones based on my actual resting heart rate, absolute game changer for using heart rate zones in the training for my first marathon!
Heart rate and pace is the metrics I use the most. But also to create trainings is amazing. Tanks for good videos
I love the load measurements. It helps me stay injury free and is a reminder for me about what kind of runs I should do soon to keep a healthy balance.
I use the navigation feature on my Garmin Fenix 6S Pro all the time. I love running in the woods, and my Garmin watch navigates me through them real well!
I've been using pace and HR.... but I was running blur all these while (3 yrs and through pregnancy) and with not much improvement. So I've signed up for my first HM (in Dec) so it looks like I have to pay more attention to other metrics now! Loved the info, Love the show, I just discovered TRC over the last few days, and loving it!
I've always just used a basic Timex Ironman on my runs but recently got a Garmin watch. Oh boy are there a lot of stats and data fields to geek out over. During a run, I focus mostly on pace to keep myself honest, as I like to run faster than I should. Also loving cadence so I don't have to count steps in my head anymore. After the run, it is so cool to pour over all the metrics in Garmin Connect and really drill into the nitty gritty details. Thanks for posting another great video!
I've recently purchased a RunPod and now look more closely at ground contact time and, after suffering injury due to imbalance, the GCT balance feature. It has lots of other features as well that I hadn't really understood fully, but thanks to this video they are now a bit clearer!
Love the Garmin watches. I mostly use pacing and distance and time. But I also love the recovery scores for helping me know when I am pushing hard or need to chill out! Thanks for all the great content! I love the podcast too!
My go-to metric is always pace but I've recently been interested in keying in more on both my heart rate and my cadence. These are both things I hadn't looked at much in the past but that I find really interesting and beneficial to track the progress as I try to get back into good running shape. Thanks for another great video, guys!
Thank you for the good video! I personally use heart beat the most when I’m on the run or even sitting in the office. There are times when I’m I’ll, my avg heart beat would spike, confirming that maybe I’ve been ill or about to be. Another metric I like to check is elevation gain. For someone who trail runs and hikes a lot, it helps me better understand the effort of the session. There’s so many useful metrics I can’t recommend enough!
The PacePro Pacing Strategies is one of my favorite options, but i also use HRV Status and Heart Rate metrics a lot. Great video, thanks !
Amazing video! My most used metric has to be the grade-adjusted pace (GAP), especially when running on steep trails. It is definitely a confidence boost to see that I wasn't "that slow" compared to the average pace.
HR zones, pace and distance are my most used metrics obviously, but I also like the workout suggestions and all the metrics regarding training readiness, to help me decide what kind of run I should (or shouldn’t!) do each day.
Average Pace is my favourite metric every day of the week, but after running a built in Garmin Half Marathon training plan for my first half a year or so ago (which really worked) I loved the way the workouts were all planned in the calendar and kept me to the right pace, cadence, time or distance.. since then I've used it to schedule my own training plans that ensure that I'm not tempted to run every run too fast, but have the right balance of speed work, easy runs and distance.. love it and it ensures I make sure I have time in the day and get out no matter what the weather's doing.
My favorite metric is pace during the run and I look at heart rate after the run. Thank you for an explanation of all the metrics that can be measured with the Garmin. I am looking at getting a Garmin within the year because it's seems more accurate with distance than my current setup.
Never thought, it would replace pace and heartrate, but the main metric I use for running is power (using the stryd footpod). Great video by the way! As always, lots of helpful informations 👍🏻
Pace and HR are the two metrics I use most. Love the nail varnish Andy!
I’m always interested in looking at my cadence and how it correlates with a specific pace or fatigue. Always something to work on. Thanks for the vid!
As an older and more technically challenged runner that was super useful and just what I needed. I predominately use heart rate and zones for training but am also trying to improve my cadence at the moment to no avail. Love the channel, keep it up.
Average pace per km is my most used metric, it is very useful to understand my pacing on my runs. All of these features look great!
Great video! I follow the most often the HR and pace metric for analyzing running my runs, and the body battery feature to manage my daily stress and activity levels.
My favorite metrics are split pace, heart rate, and miles! I didn’t grow up with athletics but have discovered it later in life, so seeing my progress over time in those numbers is encouragement and a reminder to keep pushing. Great video! I am really curious on the suggested workouts function to improve fitness and how successful that is.
I live close to the equator… it’s hot and humid all year round!!! On the run, I focus on the Heart Rate (HR) while doing my best to match it to my Relative Perceived Effort (RPE) intended for a given Zone workout and Duration.
After the run though, all bets are off - I look at pretty much every metric on Garmin to track my progress (over a period, not day to day!).
Thanks for the informative videos… I just subscribed. 👍🏼
I started running during the pandemic. I mostly run on my own & would like to improve my running. I bought garmin 245 last year & I can see the difference on my running thanks to daily suggestions/workouts giving me a more structured training, how long or fast should I go & when to rest. I also love the garmin coach option since I have now join some half marathon runs & having someone with you creating a plan, giving suggestions, helps a lot.
I'm quite new to running and am loving it. On week 5 of couch to 5K.. I'm getting very interested in my pace but mainly looking at heart rate and the different thresholds and want to get a heart rate monitor too look at it more in depth. Love the videos!!!
Heart rate and heart rate zones for sure! Since watching your video on how to set them up and actually adhering to them, keeping easy runs easy, it's been a game changer!
Heart rate is definitely the metric I use the most. It’s a helpful indication of effort, zone, etc. Thank you for a helpful video :-)
I am a data geek. Got a garmin 265 and love it. I love the raceprognose feature. Now in training for the 10 miles in September. And I can see my speed getting faster. So stimulating.
I did find this video informative. The best matrices I use are pace and sleep. I forget and/or focus less on sleep knowing, sleep needs to be a routine in all my race training. Thanks.
The metric I use the most is heart rate. I’ve been experimenting with heart rate zones as still a fairly new runner. Great video btw!
My most used metric is pace! I love understanding how fast I'm running and also I can see where I can slow down. Im new to Garmin, so I definetly will improve my metric skills ;)
Great Video! The running features that have been very helpful for me this year are the training recovery, load, readiness and effect features, as this allows me to not overtrain my body and know when to start training again. Great tools for injury prevention and improvement.
My most frequent metric is heart rate followed by distance covered. Thank you for explaining all the features.
Finally a video explaining everything I've been trying to fathom whilst running with all watch data fields full with various metrics to assist my understanding :/ For me, the average pace per mile metric would have to be key, as its been the most consistent metric from my very first Garmin forerunner 305, but only now getting us to matching my pace with a heart rate monitor :)
My most used metric is currently heart rate. Before i used pace and always wanted to run as fast as my last run, regardless of my how i felt that day. I started getting injured fairly frequently. I switched over to low heart rate running, and have not been injured yet.
I thank the best are stride length and balance. They can tell you so much and help you improve tremendously on the basics. Not to mention less injuries, cramps, and tightness. Great video. I know it must be difficult to do a good breakdown of a running watch basically because you have to be running to get the Overall picture if that watches right for you or not. Well done.
Thanks for the great video! I love the Training Status metrics like Acute and Chronic Load, and the Load Focus. They really help me keep on top of my training and allow me to build my fitness in a sustainable way.
I have enjoyed using the VO2 Max and race predictor on my forerunner 55. I am training for my first half marathon and am encouraged by being able to visually see the improvement I am achieving and how I am going versus my objective!
Thanks for the great content....I use the heart rate monitors to keep my long runs to an easy pace to improve my marathon training. Thanks again
I mainly use heartrate metric, it really is a good indicator of my effort and i love tracking all the progress i've made.
Nice vid