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Forerunner 35 running outdoors pace/speed varies wildly every few steps

Former Member over 5 years ago

I've been using the Forerunner 35 for about a year (to replace a 310Xt), and like its simplicity (e.g. when not running, time is clearly readable and it doesn't harass me with a lot of cutesy-poo notifications). For running outdoors, the time recorded for each 1-mile lap and the overall run seems pretty accurate. But in the middle of a run, what is displayed as the "pace" or "speed" is worthless, because it varies so dramatically every few seconds. If I want to know "what's my current pace for this lap so far or for the run as a whole", I have to do the math in my head by dividing time by distance. This seem ridiculous, when the computer on my wrist is more powerful than the big insurance-company "mainframe" on which I learned to program in 1965.)

Do I have a a defective device? If not, can someone please explain what's the purpose of having a pace display that doesn't help answer the question "how fast am I going?". Also, is there some switch somewhere I could set to tell it to display EITHER avg.pace so far for the total run OR avg pace so far for the current lap?

Thanks for any help you can offer.

0 tmk2 over 5 years ago

If I want to know "what's my current pace for this lap so far or for the run as a whole", I have to do the math in my head by dividing time by distance.

Why don't you just set one of your data fields to "lap pace" or "average pace"?

0 Former Member over 5 years ago in reply to tmk2

Thanks a bunch! I've changed the display to show "Lap.Pace" and I'll see how that works this afternoon.

FYI, I can't find any definition anywhere of what time interval Garmin uses to calculate the "current" pace/speed, but it apparently is VERY short. I typically run at a fairly steady pace unless going up or down a steep hill, but the moment-to-moment display can vary from 9 to 20 min/mi. Since this is the default setting, I assume some runners must find these varying numbers of value, but I can't understand how. (If the "current" pace were a moving average of the latest 30 seconds or minute, that would seem to be interesting and useful.) But now that you've helped me find a setting that works for me, I guess it really doesn't matter. [g]

Thanks again for offering help so promptly.

0 tmk2 over 5 years ago in reply to Former Member

I can't find any definition anywhere of what time interval Garmin uses to calculate the "current" pace/speed,

A couple of seconds, I think. This is usually how long it takes for the watch to register that I stopped abruptly, for example.

Inaccuracy of instant pace is usually a result of GPS inaccuracy. It can become more pronounced in some scenarios (like running near to buildings or in a dense forest, or changing direction rapidly), while being acceptable in others. This is where an optional footpod accessory comes in handy. It can improve instant pace accuracy where GPS alone struggles.

0 Former Member over 4 years ago in reply to Former Member

I have this same problem. I use to use Forerunner 210 but the band fell off and needed to replace so chose Forerunner 35. I cannot see where to change the display to lap pace.. it doesn't come up on any of the settings????

0 tmk2 over 4 years ago in reply to Former Member

You have to change one of your data fields to "Lap pace". Consult the manual to find out how to edit data fields:

https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/forerunner35/EN-US/GUID-8764CD26-8598-41B8-9EB3-91C7B9C3C9BF.html

0 JoeD over 4 years ago in reply to tmk2

You can also add more screens to Activity Profiles to Have A Maximum of 4 Screens per Activity Profile.

This is done by using Garmin Connect Web or Garmin Connect Mobile.