Color Gauges and Running Dynamics Data

In the Garmin Connect activity, the running dynamics data displays as colored graphs. The color zones are based on percentiles and show you how your running dynamics data compare to those of other runners.

Garmin has researched many runners of all different levels. The data values in the red or orange zones are typical for less experienced or slower runners. The data values in the green, blue, or purple zones are typical for more experienced or faster runners. More experienced runners tend to exhibit shorter ground contact times, lower vertical oscillation, lower vertical ratio, and higher cadence than less experienced runners. However, taller runners typically have slightly slower cadences, longer strides, and slightly higher vertical oscillation. Vertical ratio is your vertical oscillation divided by stride length. It is not correlated with height.

Go to for more information on running dynamics. For additional theories and interpretations of running dynamics data, you can search reputable running publications and websites.