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Garmin performance features translate physiological data into race-day predictions, real-time pacing guidance, and in-activity feedback for runners and cyclists.
- Race Predictor
- Performance Condition
- PacePro
- Real-Time Stamina
- Running Power
- Endurance Score
- Hill Score
- Heat Acclimation
- Altitude Acclimation
- Course Planner
- Race Widget
- Morning Report
- Power Guide
About This Section
The features in this section address a specific problem: knowing what an athlete is capable of on a given day, at a given pace, over a given course. Each feature draws on Garmin’s Firstbeat Analytics engine, which processes heart rate, pace, power, and GPS data to generate continuously updated estimates during and between activities.
Race Predictor and Performance Condition both depend on an accurate VO2 max estimate. Real-Time Stamina uses that estimate alongside current physiological state to model remaining effort in real time, while PacePro works from course elevation data and a target time rather than from fitness. Running Power provides a watt-based load metric that is independent of pace, making it particularly useful on variable terrain.
Endurance Score and Hill Score are distinct from VO2 max. An athlete with a high aerobic ceiling may score poorly on hill-specific capacity if training has not emphasised climbing. These two features address a limitation of VO2 max as a sole performance proxy.
Heat Acclimation and Altitude Acclimation contextualise performance data when environmental conditions suppress output. Without these modifiers, a hard effort in high heat or at altitude would register as underperformance relative to baseline, potentially affecting Training Status and Daily Suggested Workouts. The acclimation features prevent that misclassification.
Morning Report is listed in this section because its primary function is performance readiness. It surfaces Recovery Time, Training Readiness, and the day’s suggested workout in a single pre-activity briefing. Its health data components, Body Battery and the sleep summary, are covered in the Sleep section of this reference.
Small things I always use
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter: Charges your Garmin from any USB-C cable. Essential when travelling. I use one.
- Body Glide: The blue anti-chafe stick swimmers and runners carry. I use it.
- Speedo earplugs: Fewer ear infections and no cold-water dizziness. I use them.
- Dryrobe Advance: My winter changing robe for open-water swims. I use one. A cheaper option is the AONYIYI changing robe.
- Maurten: Race fuel that stays easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Beet It Sport nitrate shots: Beetroot shots I take in the days before a race. I use them.
- Garmin charging puck: The quickest way to top up before a session. I use one.
- Injinji: Toe socks that stop rubbing, so you run more. I use them.
- Ultimate toe protectors: Stop black toenails on long runs. They work. I use them.
- Compressport R2 v2 calf sleeves: My calf sleeves of choice. I use them.
- Cellucor C4: My pre-workout before hard sessions.
- TPU tubes: Schwalbe Aerothan, Tubolito and Pirelli SmarTube. Light, tiny spares. I use all three.
- G8 insoles: Adjustable insoles that are good. I use them.
- Cycplus Cube: A 97g electric pump that gets a road tyre rideable in two minutes. I carry one. 5% off with code THE5KRUNNER.
Watches and sensors
- Polar H10: My daily driver for waking HRV.
- Polar Verity Sense: My backup arm-worn HR sensor.
- Nomad bedside charger: Charges my iPhone and Apple Watch overnight. I use it, and many of their bands.
- Train.Red: The best muscle oxygen sensor I’ve used.
- Tymewear: Accurate heart rate and reliable ventilatory zones. I use it to pace endurance rides over an hour.
- Garmin Forerunner 970: A pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: My daily smartwatch. No phone needed on rides.
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro: I’ve just bought one.
On the bike
- Continental GP5000 for everyday riding, and Aero 111 on the front for special occasions.
- Helmets: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 for road riding, and Rudy Project Wing for TT-style races. I use both.
- Ravemen FR300: A front light that mounts under your Garmin or Wahoo. I use one.
- Wahoo TRACKR Radar: I use it on one bike and Varia on the other. They perform the same.
- Garmin Varia RTL515: Radar that warns you of cars from behind. I use this model.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3: The bike computer that’s easy to use. I use mine on most rides.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2: Accurate power pedals that swap easily between bikes. I use this model.
Home and indoor training
- NPE Runn: Makes my basic treadmill smart, sending more accurate speed and distance to my watch and Zwift. I use it.
- Google Wifi: Keeps Zwift connected in my pain cave. I use it.
- Apple TV 4K: Zwift on the big screen. I use two.
- Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen): My video doorbell, running in both Google Home and Apple Home. I use it.
Health, recovery and sleep
- FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Shows how my blood sugar responds to diet.
- hDrop: Measures my sweat loss in summer and indoors.
- Fourth Frontier Zone: Checks my heart under load in hard sessions.
- Oura Ring 5: My partner’s recovery tracker of choice.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
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