Garmin Race Predictor - Fiction?

[Lordi]

What do other Garmin users make of the race predictor feature? Have predictions ever worked out correctly for anyone? I understand it's a best guess by the watch based on your performance to date but mine seem totally nuts/crazy/unattainable/stoopid fast!

There's no way on earth I think I could ever run the times it suggests for me, not even if I was twice as fit as I am now. Or am I just being a newbie pessimist who has no concept yet of how we can develop as runners? The watch knows I'm 55 years old and not a 25 year old ex couchie who can be whipped into good 25 year old shape!

Have a laugh at the complete fiction it proposes for me:

5k 21:43

10k 45:03

HM 01:39:48

M 03:27:31

Shomething wrong shirley?

Do these predictions assume a further training period of 6m - 1 year etc?

Will these times go right up as the watch learns if I'm maybe not improving according to its inbuilt profile?

Has Garmin race prediction worked out for anyone?

[TedG Half Marathon]

My Garmin predicted a 10K time of 1’12” and I did 1’08”.... not wildly out but a pleasant surprise when I’d finished 😊

[misswobble Marathon]

you have to take care. You’re so right to be cautious!

Grow your running gradually, and with care, time and patience. To be faster you have to be stronger, and that’s the challenge. It takes time of course 😃

[Lordi Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Did some digging around on Garmin webpage - The Garmin predictor is based on Max heart rate which determines the VO2max estimate. The default MHR is based on age (220 minus age). Garmin advise that a more accurate MHR will give better VO2max hence better race predictions - warm up - 3 mins running at top speed - 2 min jog - 3 mins top speed then measure MHR.

I'll just have to go with the 220 minus age formula though as I can't go into heart rate zone 5 much on medical advice (long QT syndrome - so have set up zone 5 alarm on my watch). Might be something others can do though (set MHR based on run test).

[ju-ju- Marathon]

I can’t say I’ve ever used it. I’m not sure I will either, looking at those stats!!!!

[HeleneCorsa]

I wouldn't be surprised if you were to attain those results eventually based on your achievements so far, but I have no idea really. I use a Garmin but It's a Vivoactive HR and I don't think I have that feature though perhaps I am wrong as the data it collects would permit it - if I dig around on the website will I find info?

If I were you I'd pay it no heed and keep doing what you enjoy- always taking care not to risk your health of course.

[Lordi Marathon in reply to HeleneCorsa]

Does not look like your version of the Garmin has the predictor feature Helen - dcrainmaker.com/2017/10/gar...

...so less to stress out about!

[HeleneCorsa]

Oh thank you for checking that out for me, Lordi . Definitely for the best - even though I know I shouldn't, I'd still end up pushing things too much, as it is in my nature.