We used to be able to set our own stride length in the Garmin settings so that treadmill distance matched what we actually ran. This needs to be reinstated as a feature.
I have relatively short legs, 29" inseam, yet the only option the device gives is to set a distance based on step count, not on actual leg measurements. This is a significant limitation for accurate treadmill tracking.
Right now my Forerunner 255 consistently records treadmill distance up to 30 per cent less than the distance shown on the treadmill console. I am fully aware of the need to keep my arms moving to ensure step count accuracy, and I do so, but this does not resolve the discrepancy.
Most treadmill users know that the treadmill display provides a reasonable reference for distance. Many runners calibrate their treadmill or check belt length and running deck measurements to ensure accuracy. Even with those checks, some variation between treadmill distance and wrist-based sensors is expected, but allowing users to manually adjust stride length—either at setup or after the workout—would bring recorded distance in line with the actual effort. This would also improve other metrics such as pace, calories burned, and overall workout data quality.
Other brands already allow users to set their own stride or manually correct treadmill distance after a run. Garmin should offer the same functionality. If we can edit laps and GPS tracks for outdoor runs, treadmill workouts should not be excluded from this capability.
For transparency, I did calibrate the 255 with my treadmill on first use and have attempted recalibration multiple times since, with no meaningful improvement.
Please reinstate the ability to set a custom stride length or add an option to manually adjust treadmill distance after each workout. This would make treadmill training far more accurate, consistent, and useful for serious runners and gym users alike.
Thank you for considering this request.
