There's evidently been an update to the Garmin Coach training plans flow and requirements because one is now required to either pick a registered race event or add a new (personal or public) event.
I have completed over 7 training plans dating back to 2020 and I've never been forced to pick a public event or create a new event. Previously there'd always been an option to opt-out or skip choosing an event and the app would merely mark a race day as per your training plan. I loved it: was simple and met my needs.
I'm frustrated by the change because the application has taken functionality away for no perceived added value. I don't see the benefit in being forced to nominate/create a race event: it's just a clunkier workflow for users who weren't interested in a race event. The functionality is a Garmin Coach, it's a training plan, it's not inherently about attending a race event so I'm lost as to why an update has enforced this, especially since race attendance had already always been an option.
I've really enjoyed the Garmin training plans giving structure to my workouts. Over the last couple months have tried to start a new training program. Each time I'm required to pick or create an event. So I abort the training plan. I was hoping this change was a temporary trial and that it would be rolled back.