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
for more information on running dynamics. For additional theories and
interpretations of running dynamics data, you can search reputable running publications and websites.
Color Zone
Percentile in Zone Cadence Range Ground Contact Time Range
Purple >95
>183 spm
<218 ms
Blue
70–95
174–183 spm
218–248 ms
Green
30–69
164–173 spm
249–277 ms
Orange 5–29
153–163 spm
278–308 ms
Red
<5
<153 spm
>308 ms
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.
Color Zone
Red
Orange
Green
Orange
Red
Symmetry
Poor
Fair
Good
Fair
Poor
Percent of Other Runners
5%
25%
40%
25%
5%
Ground Contact Time Balance
>52.2% L 50.8–52.2% L 50.7% L–50.7% R 50.8–52.2% R >52.2% R
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 series, HRM-Run
™
, or HRM-Tri accessories) or at the waist (Running Dynamics Pod
accessory).
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