Episode 32: What Your Running Watch Stats Actually Mean

Has your running watch ever told you that your VO2max improved? Or that your training was unproductive? Running watches give us more information now than ever - but what does that data actually mean? We dive into some of the most popular running watch stats, such as VO2max, heart rate data, and recovery time, so that you know what data you need - and what to ignore. 

Discussion points include: 

Can your running watch actually measure your VO2max?

Understanding the heart rate zones on your running watch

Training status, including the notorious Garmin “unproductive” status 

Can your watch tell you how long you need to recover?

Are race predictors on running watches accurate?

Is running power a useful metric?

How much data do you really need to pay attention to?

For the lactate threshold heart rate test: https://lauranorrisrunning.com/lactate-threshold-test/

Amanda has an extensive guide to GPS watches, including reviews, on her website: https://www.runtothefinish.com/running-gear/gps-watch/

We also answer a listener's question about how to adjust your running when your job involves a lot of time on your feet.