Trail Run vs Run as an activity on Trails

Former Member over 4 years ago

I have two questions. First question is what is the point of using VO2 max to define Training Status if it’s not measured when on trails?

My second question is what is tracked when I choose Trail Run as my activity?

The fēnix5 does a great job of tracking Elevation Gain with its Barometric Altimiter which is why I bought it. I just wish there was a way to gauge and record my fitness level on trails.

Thanks In Advance

Jen

0 Daniel_Ilg over 4 years ago

Garmin argues that the surface and change of directions on trails won't yield a reliable VO2MAX.

0 Daniel_Ilg over 4 years ago

Garmin argues that the surface and change of directions on trails won't yield a reliable VO2MAX.

0 razmichael over 4 years ago

Not just a claim by Garmin - the algorithm breaks down as soon as you are on soft ground, muddy stuff etc. Before they made the trail app non-V02Max, I would watch my Vo2Max drop dramatically come winter when I switche to snowshoe running or running in snow and slush. Even the different effort it takes to run on a technical trail will cause a drop. Basically, you are putting out more effort so HR is higher while going slower.

Given that Vo2Max is really a measurement that is more useful watching the trend over time, you can always just enjoy your trail runs and then hit the roads once in while for a Vo2Max update.

I'm not sure there is anything else missing from Trail Run Activity - just customize the data screens you want.

0 martinleroux over 4 years ago

If you wanted to, you could add a new activity type by copying the built-in "Run" activity. You could then rename it "My Trail Run" (or anything else that doesn't conflict with an existing activity), and you could customize the data screens to match the built-in "Trail Run" activity. That way you'd get something just like "Trail Run" except that it also counts towards your V02 Max estimate. However, as others have said, it'll probably be a distorted estimate.