Giving a Garmin plan a go

[Ian5K]

I’ve decided to try a Garmin Connect training plan. I’ve bought the watch so why not?

I’ll say I’m really impressed with the set up. There’s three race plans: 5k, 10k and HM, and three coaches to choose from. Each has an introductory video explaining their professional credentials and their coaching methods. Each approach is slightly different but I liked the tone of all three (I’ve chosen Greg McMillan simply because I’d watched a longer interview with him on youtube previously).

Then I decided to go for the 5k plan, tying in with the regular and widespread - and free! - 5k Parkruns. Also, if I extend the distance I’ve done any further, I’ll have to start carrying more luggage - water and energy gels - and I’m not quite enthusiastic enough for that yet. 😆

I’ve tentatively entered a goal time of 24 mins, hopefully not too ambitious but still challenging. The plan is supposed to adjust itself as we go along anyway.

First run was a “benchmark” run to give the app some current ability/performance data. I had to warm up for 2 mins, run “strong” for 5 minutes, and cool down for 2 mins. They give a little video to explain things which can be watched the day before the run, and then reminder notes come up on the watch too. Impressive!

For the overall 9 mins, I averaged a pace of 5:10, and for the strong bit, I managed 4:16, a cadence of 193, and a HR of 151. It said “Good Job” but I notice the max speed was 14km/h which, though possibly adequate for catching a train on time, wouldn’t impress a top marathon runner, AND it was for just 5 mins (actually probably a lot less as the pace wasn’t constant I felt) and not maintained for 2 to 3 hours! How the hell do they do that?

This morning, I did my first scheduled run of the plan - an “Easy Pace” run. There was another explanatory video to watch the day before. It was 30 mins running at a pace between 5:45 and 6:15. If you go too fast, the watch vibrates and beeps and the screen says “Ahead”. This happened twice. I believe the same must happen the other end of the limit; maybe it says “Behind”? 🙃 Average pace during the 30 mins (5.01 km) was 5:59, average and max HR was 119/134, average cadence 172.

Oh, after each run, you enter your emotional state by selecting an emoji and how much effort it was on a scale of 1 to 10. I think this goes towards actively adapting the plan, easing up or pushing forward.

I’ve since discovered Greg McMillan’s website. It’s a professional (sports coaching business) site but there’s quite a lot of free stuff, pace calculators, and articles on there. Well worth a look.

Next scheduled run is tomorrow! - “Long Easy Run”. It looks the same pace range as today’s but for 50 minutes. That’s roughly going to be a 10k; I will do one of my regular 10k circular runs for that.

Happy running, folks! 🙂

[ForbiddenPlanet Graduate10]

Good times, good Heart Rate, and nice cadence. 👍Impressive for 63! 👏(Speaking as a 64 year old!). 🤣

[Ian5K Graduate10 in reply to ForbiddenPlanet]

Thanks! When I think back to when I first did C25K, it surprises me what you can do even in 60s - but I wonder for how long? None of us know. Carpe diem.

[ForbiddenPlanet Graduate10 in reply to Ian5K]

Indeed - a truth to live by! 🏃‍♂️

[Mormor1 Graduate10 in reply to Ian5K]

I'm constantly wondering that! How long??

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Sounds like the plan really suits you, we tried that plan, kept getting a too slow buzz and at the end of the run need to work on it, so an ahead and good job are great 😊

[Ian5K Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thanks! So far so good but early days. 🙂

[Hidden]

Blimey Ian.

I'm panting just thinking about your pace. Yikes.

I'm on the 10k program and have so far done cadence drills, negative splits and easy runs. That suits me 🤣🤣

Next week I've had a sneak preview and have some hill drills to do. Hmmm!

[Ian5K Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I was set to do the 10k myself, Alan. But then a last minute change of mind.

I think it’s not too dissimilar, just different pace.

[Hidden in reply to Ian5K]

Yes, I like slower 🤣