Training status for swimming

Largely this is because swimming presents unique challenges when it comes to heart rate, and heart rate is how the device determines rate of perceived effort. 

Heart rate data for swimming has come a really long so it's not to say that it will never happen. In fact progression is already in place. For example the training load/training effect was not recorded on previous models. 

While that doesn't update your VO2 max or Training Status, it does reflect in your 4 week and 7 day load. If you are training for a triathlon, it does tell you what your training has looked like. You'll receive a feed back based on what your training has looked like over the last 4 weeks. 

Based on what types of activities you are performing, you will still get feedback on what you need to work. 

• Shortage: You are lacking exercise in a training intensity category.
• Balanced: Your training is well distributed across different levels of intensity.
• Focus: Your training variety is reasonably well structured but is particularly focused in one area.

Hi Brooks,

first of all, thank you for your kind reply.

Yes, everything is clear to me. I didn't understand just one thing:

Garmin-Brooks said:

Heart rate data for swimming has come a really long so it's not to say that it will never happen. In fact progression is already in place.

Do you mean that you are working to develop this on 745?

If this is so, I really hope it will come very soon. It would be very very useful indeed!

It is true that swimming contributes to the training load or the training effect, but as I told you, I am a little disappointed that the Training Status (and Recovery Time) dosn't change after swimming session. You know, I train running one day, then cycling another day and swimming another day. It would be really helpful if swimming also affects Training Status and Recovery. 

For the rest, congratulations. The 745 is truly a great sportwatch.

Can you clarify me if I understood correctly about the next development please?

Best regards

I don't have any specifics on it coming to the Forerunner 745. If I were to speculate, I would say it is unlikely at best. What I meant by that statement, is that the research and development to improve VO2 Max data is constantly ongoing, and as that development continues it is certainly possible, (if not likely) that in the future we will be able to generate a VO2 Max estimate for pool swimming. We don't however want to put out a substandard feature, the expectation is that if we produce a number it should maintain a range of accuracy, that at this point is not possible.

A suggestion I would make as a new triathlete, (opposite perspective, runner first, picking up swimming and cycling now) I have been using the Critical Swim Speed as a fitness level test. Located under Pool Swim, Training, Critical Swim Speed. This test can be done as frequently as you like, (for my running zones I test about once a month). You can then take that critical swim speed into one of the many calculators on line, to get your swimming pace zones.

Yes, I understand exactly what you mean. I chose Garmin just for the quality of measurements and data. The reliability of the brand.

So I agree with what you said. But I really hope that there will be some good news about this soon. It would really be an incredible implementation for all triatletes and swimmers. That would make Garmin unique. An absolute must have. You do your best and you give us this present!

Yeah, I'm already using Critical Speed Swim. That's one of the reasons why I chose 745. And, as I said, I am really enthusiastic about it (except for this defect and, perhaps, you have to work a little bit on battery consumption...).

Can I ask you for some advice on the auto rest mode here or I'll open up a new thread?

Thank you very much Brooks

Regarding the auto rest mode, personally I don't use it. I know quicker than the watch does when the rep is over. If you care about precise timing, that's the best way to use it. If you don't care about precise timing, and are just swimming for fitness then it's a fine feature.