Color Gauges and Running Dynamics Data

The running dynamics screens display a color gauge for the primary metric. You can display cadence, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, ground contact time balance, or vertical ratio as the primary metric. The color gauge shows you how your running dynamics data compare to those of other runners. The color zones are based on percentiles.

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 Garmin.com.sg/minisite/garmin-technology/running/ for more information on running dynamics. For additional theories and interpretations of running dynamics data, you can search reputable running publications and websites.

Ground Contact Time Balance Data

Ground contact time balance measures your running symmetry and appears as a percentage of your total ground contact time. For example, 51.3% with an arrow pointing left indicates the runner is spending more time on the ground when on the left foot. If your data screen displays both numbers, for example 48–52, 48% is the left foot and 52% is the right foot.

While developing and testing running dynamics, the Garmin team found correlations between injuries and greater imbalances with certain runners. For many runners, ground contact time balance tends to deviate further from 50–50 when running up or down hills. Most running coaches agree that a symmetrical running form is good. Elite runners tend to have quick and balanced strides.

You can watch the gauge or data field during your run or view the summary on your Garmin Connect account after your run. As with the other running dynamics data, ground contact time balance is a quantitative measurement to help you learn about your running form.

Vertical Oscillation and Vertical Ratio Data

The data ranges for vertical oscillation and vertical ratio are slightly different depending on the sensor and whether it is positioned at the chest (HRM-Pro, HRM-Run, or HRM-Tri accessories) or at the waist (Running Dynamics Pod accessory).