A new Garmin beta update is rolling out, bringing significant changes to the way its Run Coach programs operate by integrating them more fully into the Garmin Connect app. This update will see Run Coach programs adapt to the user based on their Training Readiness, Sleep score, and overall training load.
Integration with Garmin Connect App:
The Garmin Public Beta version 20.15 changelog, as posted on Garmin’s official forum, states, “Integrates the Garmin Run Coach feature in the Garmin Connect app.” However, there appears to be more to the feature update than this innocuous sentence suggests.
Previously, Garmin’s Run Coach feature offered static training plans created by real running coaches, which you could view on your best Garmin watch. Now, as reported by Wareable, the Run Coach programs can change based on your training load and scores, similar to your Daily Suggested Workouts.
Daily Suggested Workouts is a separate feature that uses your training load and scores to recommend running workouts. If you’ve trained a lot and had a stormy night’s sleep, it might suggest a base or recovery run or a longer, more intense run or sprint workout if your Training Readiness score is nearing 100. Garmin is incorporating this feature into its static running plans, making them more fluid and adaptive to a runner’s current condition.
Availability and Additional Features:
The new update to Garmin Coach is available on Fenix, Epix, and Forerunner devices, all of which are among the best running watches available right now. The update also fixes swimming workout bugs and improves race time predictions based on fitness level and recent efforts.
This integration is set to improve the user experience by offering more personalized and dynamic training plans. By adapting to real-time data such as Training Readiness and Sleep scores, the training becomes tailored to the runner’s current condition, enhancing performance and minimizing the risk of overtraining or injury.
Smarter Workouts:
I really like this change. Basing training plans on those created by real people and then adapting them to an individual runner’s needs and recent experiences sounds like a great compromise. This approach is less rigid than traditional plans while still grounded in human expertise instead of relying solely on an algorithm.
I’ll undoubtedly be keen to try it out and review the feature when the final product lands on watches. In the meantime, you’ll have to enroll in Garmin’s public beta program by signing up to Garmin Connect on your desktop or laptop computer.
By making the training plans more adaptable and responsive to individual needs, Garmin is taking a significant step forward in the fitness tech space. This update not only enhances the functionality of their devices but also shows a commitment to helping users achieve their fitness goals in a healthier, more efficient manner.
If you are eager to experience these improvements firsthand, join the Garmin public beta program. This will give you early access to the new features and allow you to provide feedback that could help shape the final product.
