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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
Garmin.com.sg/minisite/runningdynamics
and interpretations of running dynamics data, you can search reputable running publications and websites.
Color Zone
Percentile in Zone
>95
Purple
70–95
Blue
30–69
Green
5–29
Orange
<5
Red
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
Symmetry
Poor
Percent of Other
5%
Runners
Ground Contact
>52.2% L
Time Balance
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, HRM-Run™, or HRM-Tri accessories) or at the waist (Running Dynamics Pod
accessory).
Percentile
Color Zone
in Zone
>95
Purple
70–95
Blue
30–69
Green
66
Cadence Range
>183 spm
174–183 spm
164–173 spm
153–163 spm
<153 spm
Red
Orange
Fair
25%
50.8–52.2% L
Vertical Oscillation
Range at Chest
<6.4 cm
6.4–8.1 cm
8.2–9.7 cm
for more information on running dynamics. For additional theories
Ground Contact Time Range
<218 ms
218–248 ms
249–277 ms
278–308 ms
>308 ms
Green
Good
40%
50.7% L–50.7% R 50.8–52.2% R
Vertical Oscillation
Range at Waist
<6.8 cm
<6.1%
6.8–8.9 cm
6.1–7.4%
9.0–10.9 cm
7.5–8.6%
Orange
Fair
Poor
25%
5%
>52.2% R
Vertical Ratio at
Vertical Ratio at
Chest
<6.5%
6.5–8.3%
8.4–10.0%
Red
Waist
Appendix
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