Question about Running accelerometer calibration?

Hello.

I would like to know how the running stride length is set by the watch. Is it set once from the first run and set permanently or is it calculated each running and set from the last run? I ask because I do running activities with the GPS disabled and would like some precision but last runs i changed my cadence and stride length because of the coach's instructions and there is no option to set this like in walking activities.

0 trux over 2 years ago

The exact algorithm is not documented anywhere, but by the observation I can tell that it looks like the calibration is continuously adjusting. There is a difference though, when you use an external sensor such as the HRM-Pro, or the RD Pod - in such case you have more control over the calibration through the settings of the sensor. You can disable or enable the calibration, and you can also reset it and do anew. So if you changed the technique, you can delete the calibration data, start the calibration, and then stop it once it is sufficiently accurate. Or you can keep it on permanently, letting it to adjust the calibration continuously.

There are (currently) no such options for the internal accelerometer, so if you need to reset the calibration, you'd need to do a master reset of the watch. However, anyone just a little bit serious about the training should consider buying the HRM-Pro chest belt, and not only because of the better pace and distance estimates.

BTW, the Custom Stride length that you can adjust in the settings has no impact on the distance reported in the activity. It only influences the distance on the Daily Steps widget. From the article The Step Distance Recorded on My Garmin Watch Is Wrong | Garmin Customer Support

NOTE: Setting a custom stride length will only impact your calculated step distance. Your custom stride length does not have any effect on the distance recorded for timed activities.