Running Dynamics
Running dynamics is real-time feedback about your running form. Your Forerunner® watch has an accelerometer to calculate five running form metrics. To view all of the running form metrics, you must pair your Forerunner watch with the HRM 600, HRM-Fit™, HRM-Pro™ series accessory, or other running dynamics accessory that measures torso movement. For more information, go to garmin.com/performance-data/running.
|
Metric |
Sensor Type |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Cadence |
Watch or compatible accessory |
Cadence is the number of steps per minute. It displays the total steps (right and left combined). |
|
Stride length |
Watch or compatible accessory |
Stride length is the length of your stride from one footfall to the next. It is measured in meters. |
|
Vertical oscillation |
Watch or compatible accessory |
Vertical oscillation is your bounce while running. It displays the vertical motion of your torso, measured in centimeters. |
|
Vertical ratio |
Watch or compatible accessory |
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 |
Watch or compatible accessory |
Ground contact time is the amount of time in each step that you spend on the ground while running. It is measured in milliseconds.
NOTE:
Ground contact metrics are not available while walking.
|
|
Ground contact time balance |
Compatible accessory only |
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 |
HRM 600 only |
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.
NOTE:
Step speed loss metrics are not available while walking.
|
|
Step speed loss percentage |
HRM 600 only |
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. |