Not sure if Garmin reads this forum, but if they do here are some suggestions for the training plans.
I use the training plans frequently with my Forerunner 620 and they are generally good. It was one of the reasons for selecting this particular model. However, there are a few improvements I'd like to see.
- Tempo based warnings instead of heart rate
- More training plans targeting certain time/distance
- Intelligent training plans
- Ability to import training plans via csv/xml...
Let me exmplain.
1) This is fairly easy to understand. We have training plans that monitor heart rate. I find these good, even if it feels like they need some calibration.
2) For a 10K run we have 2 different plans, one level 1 and one level 2. It would be great if we'd have training plans for various targeted finishing times. I can also imagine that certain users would like similar plans but targeted at a certain distance, especially when starting to run. Nike used to have these types of plans and Asics and Jogg.se do them, so it'd be great if Garmin could do a greater variation of training plans. Not every runner is aiming for Marathons ;-)
3) Given that you have several years worth of health and training data in my profile, it should be possible to create a training plan that is more tailored. Let's say that I think my next goal on a 10K is 45min, but given the data you have you think that it is a bit of a stretch and that a goal of 50min is more realistic or indeed that I should be aiming for 35min, or that I should be targeting a certain heart rate.
4) In addition to this to be able to import training plans that I get from a coach via Excel or similar would also be great and shouldn't be too hard to implement, but just a mapping of columns.
So there are my 2c for improving the Garmin training plans.
Is any of this in progress?
Is any of this already available and I've missed how to do it?
Donald
