Running Dynamics

You can use your compatible Garmin watch paired with the HRM 600 heart rate monitor to provide real-time feedback about your running form.

The heart rate monitor has motion sensors that measures torso movement in order to calculate running metrics. For more information, go to Garmin.com/performance-data/running.

NOTE: Ground contact and step speed loss metrics are not available while walking.

Cadence: Cadence is the number of steps per minute. It displays the total steps (right and left combined).

Stride length: Stride length is the length of your stride from one footfall to the next. It is measured in meters.

Vertical oscillation: Vertical oscillation is your bounce while running. It displays the vertical motion of your torso, measured in centimeters.

Vertical ratio: Vertical ratio is the ratio of vertical oscillation to stride length. It displays a percentage. A lower number typically indicates better running form.

Ground contact time: Ground contact time is the amount of time in each step that you spend on the ground while running. It is measured in milliseconds.

Ground contact time balance: Ground contact time balance displays the left/right balance of your ground contact time while running. It displays a percentage. For example, 53.2 with an arrow pointing left or right.

Step speed loss: Step speed loss is how much you slow down when your foot hits the ground while running. It is measured in centimeters per second. A lower number is typically better, as it indicates you have to do less propulsive work to speed back up.

Step speed loss percent: Step speed loss percent is how much you slow down when your foot hits the ground as a percentage of your running speed. This accounts for step speed loss typically increasing with faster running speed.