Running Dynamics - Pod vs HRM-Run

The external HR takes precedence over the optical monitor. The data from the optical monitor is not recorded while you're using an external HR.

If you want to see both sets of data, you can use this data field, but it requires that you don't pair the strap with your watch normally, so you'd lose running dynamics afaik.
https://apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/88ce4547-7d84-4289-b2c7-3e15ca00185f

What would be the point of using two concurrent series of HR data anyway, when the user simply cannot be assured of which – or either – series being accurate or correct, for a single point in time or over the entire timed activity? There is simply no authoritative ‘source of truth’ data series against which to assess the accuracy or performance of each HR data source.

Thanks for the replies. I just wasn't sure how it would work.

Mike

Most people assume an external HR strap is more accurate than wrist optical. Also, armband optical is pretty good (better than wrist), but not as good as a strap. There’s decent anecdotal evidence for this, such as running intervals and noting that the strap reacts much more quickly to hr changes than the wrist HR. Most people assume that when they start/stop running quickly or up a hill, their hr will change accordingly. If you’ve ever done hill intervals or speedwork with HR, you would see peaks and valleys which roughly correspond to your work and rest intervals. If you’re running hard enough, you would also subjectively experience these changes.

It’s safe to assume in the case of intervals that the hr monitor which shows the quicker change is more accurate.

The point of the app is so people can assess how good or bad the wrist HR is compared to strap or armband. And maybe for reviewers like dc rainmaker to perform such assessments without having to wear two watches.

I do agree it’s pointless in most cases to have more than one HR source.

Thanks for the replies. I just wasn't sure how it would work.

Mike

No problem.

Yeah, typically external sensors for anything (like cadence from strap) take precedence over builtin sensors (like cadence from wrist). I think the assumption is that if you bothered to use an external sensor then you prefer that data. There’s also the implicit assumption that the data from the external sensor is better, which is usually the case.

In a related note, if I were to get the Scosche armband HRM, and it overrides my watch's HRM, would the HRM on the watch turn off (and save battery power?) Or do I need to specifically set the watch not to use the internal HRM? The Rhythm 24 is looking nice, so I'm thinking ahead in case I get it.

The chest strap or armband will take precedence over your oHRM during an activity and the oHRM will automatically switch back once you complete your workout. There's no need to turn the oHRM off. I don't imagine there's a significant power usage while the oHRM is in this standby mode. I suppose you could turn it off, but I'm willing to bet the power you would save would be so minute that it wouldn't be worth the time to do so.

You might be interested to know that in the case of the foot pod and the Vivoactive HR the actual number of steps was taken from the watch but other details were taken a the foot pod. It was a bit annoying when I was running with a buggy and lost of data was miscounted.

Yep, step count never comes from the foot pod. Others have complained about this. I think it's considered "fitness tracking" as opposed to "running dynamics".

Excuse my ignorance.
If I use the Pod+normal strap
is it the same like HRM-RUN only ?
I mean HRM-RUN can replace the Pod ?