I have yet to try the interval training feature on Garmin. I was wondering if people found the interval feature useful, when set for distance and reps (eg. 8 * 800)? Specifically, do people have issues with GPS over or under timing you, thinking you've done 800 when a few meters are left? Is the "open" interval feature better for track workouts in this sense?
I just use the lap button rather than programming in an interval workout. I use GPS for the distance even though it may be imperfect.
If you're on a track just do it manually, if you're doing intervals on the trail or street the auto distance is handy and close enough.
Just use manual lap if you're on the track.
If you're not on the track, then the interval feature can be useful, but unless the intervals are quite short, it's usually easy to keep an eye on how far you've gone and do it manually.
The one place I've found the interval useful is for doing really short intervals on the road. I've done stuff like 60 by 15 seconds on, 30 seconds off. It's really nice to just zone out and wait for the beeps/vibrations to tell you what to do.
Garmin User wrote:
I have yet to try the interval training feature on Garmin. I was wondering if people found the interval feature useful, when set for distance and reps (eg. 8 * 800)? Specifically, do people have issues with GPS over or under timing you, thinking you've done 800 when a few meters are left? Is the "open" interval feature better for track workouts in this sense?
You can use the track to calibrate it. After a few laps you'll be able to see if it comes up short or long. If it does either consistently then you can adjust your off track running distances accordingly.
Garmin User wrote:
I have yet to try the interval training feature on Garmin. I was wondering if people found the interval feature useful, when set for distance and reps (eg. 8 * 800)? Specifically, do people have issues with GPS over or under timing you, thinking you've done 800 when a few meters are left? Is the "open" interval feature better for track workouts in this sense?
I'll only use distance for longer reps when I'm off the track i.e. mile and up. But for the most part I prefer to figure out the time it should be for the distance and run off of time rather than distance. It forces me to use feel rather than what the watch says.
On a track I'd just use the lap button to get splits. On a pathway or doing a fartlek I sometimes use the workout function.