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Pace and Steps incorrect

navin48
1 month ago

Hi, I have the FR265 and I am noticing a few issues

a) in all my runs, the pace shows in intervals of 5 seconds (8:55, 9:00, 9:05, 10:10, etc.) when I run. I cannot possibly be running paces that are in multiples of 5 secs. This isn't the average pace i'm talking abt, but the current pace. It also seems like there is a lag since when i pick up pace, the pace slowly shows faster pace in the interval of 5-10 seconds every few seconds. It's almost like it's smoothening it out. Any idea what's wrong? or do i have a defective device?

b) my steps are over-counting. during runs, it seems fine (going in the avg of 1600-1800 steps per mile). but when i'm not running, the steps add up even when i'm idle. brushing teeth, or working on my desk, adds more steps. which i don't know how it can be possible!!!

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  • +2 1 month ago

    Hi !

    a) The Current Pace field will always round to the nearest 5 seconds. This is by design, so I'm sorry for any disappointment. Regarding a lag or inaccurate pace, I suggest the following tips: 

    I also suggest reading through How to Improve GPS Distance, Speed and Pace Data With Garmin Devices. 

    b) Please see My Garmin Watch is Not Accurately Counting Steps. It is normal to get steps from arm movement like brushing your teeth, taking a shower, etc. 

  • 0 1 month ago

    If you don't mind installing a 3rd-party app, I have a CIQ data field which can display unrounded current pace: AppBuilder 5. (It wouldn't be able to help with lag, since aside from the rounding, it should display the same information as the built-in current pace field.)

    Use the following settings:

    - Label: Pace (or whatever you want)

    - Formula: speed

    - Display Format: Pace

    The CIQ developer hSoftware also has a few dedicated fields for pace which may not require so much configuration (they may also do a bit more than show the current pace), but I haven't tried those apps so I can't vouch for them.

    The closest one for your needs would probably be Current Pace in Opposite Units. Despite the app name, you can set the field to follow your device's pace units.

  • 0 1 month ago in reply to Garmin-Sierra

    Hi , thank you for your response. That's helpful.

    a) I find it a bit strange that for a more recent watch like 265 the field will always round to the nearest 5 seconds.

    Are you absolutely sure? I find it hard to believe because I had the 255 and the pace was accurate (i.e. not rounded to the nearest 5 seconds)

    Do you know if the pace in the 965 will also round out to the nearest 5 seconds?

    b) I have been starting my run within seconds of it acquiring GPS signal. I'll try to wait a bit longer next time to see if that helps. Thank you for that.

    c) Steps: your article confirms my suspicion. Looks like that is by design too, in that it might over-estimate steps in some circumstances.

  • 0 1 month ago in reply to FlowState

    Thank you for the recommendation. I appreciate it. I'll try it out on my next run and see how it goes.

  • 0 1 month ago in reply to navin48
    navin48 said:
    b) I have been starting my run within seconds of it acquiring GPS signal. I'll try to wait a bit longer next time to see if that helps. Thank you for that.

    Yeah, in my experience, modern Garmins (made within the last 7 years or so) are pretty quick to report a GPS lock with the green ring, but you have to wait a little longer to get a true lock, especially if you're around tall buildings.

    When I get a green ring on my 955, usually the pace data field continues to fluctuate wildly (displaying crazy high paces like 0:50/k), and the map field indicates that I'm moving, even though I'm actually standing completely still. I usually have to wait a few more seconds (sometimes as long as a couple of minutes) for the pace to settle down to 0:00.

    If I start my runs immediately when I see the green ring, it's pretty much guaranteed that I'll have unrealistically high paces and extra distance recorded at the beginning. Sometimes this even leads to a too-high anaerobic training effect on my steady state runs.

    TL;DR I wait for the green ring, then I wait for the pace to settle to 0:00.

  • 0 1 month ago in reply to FlowState

    thank you . I'll give it a min before starting my run next time, and see how it goes. I am a bit disappointed that the pace rounds off to the nearest 5 seconds. that's a bummer.