One of the function that is made available for Garmin users is the PacePro function that acts like your own personal pacer. If your device has this function, it is best to learn to maximise it during your training so you know what to expect when you are using it on race day. This is a step by step (almost) on how to get this onto your Garmin Connect, and then synced to your Garmin Device.
First, open your Garmin Connect and click on Training->PacePro Pacing Strategies. If you are new to this, chances are you won't have any "courses" on it, so you can either take one of your regular course, or just set the "distance". For me, as I train on regular route, i chose my 12km Loop that goes from DU to TTDI and back.
Next, is to set your "Goal Time" aka what time you aim to finish this distance. As I have a 75mins run scheduled as part of my Garmin Coach training, i decided to coincide the 75mins training with this 12km run. Killing two bird (and using two Garmin functions) at same time!
Once you click NEXT, the PacePro will permutate this on your Garmin Connect. This will also include a Heat Map where the color goes from Slow (blue) to cruising (green) to fast (yellow) to red (take my life now). Nifty as you can have a good overview of how your run/race/training will happen - winning the mental war is half the battle won!
Scroll down and you will see the slider option where you can work on a consistent from start to finish pace (middle) or slide to the right for a negative split run. Even the uphill effort can be adjusted and the PacePro will adjust it for you so your targeted timing will be achieved.
You can even edit your KM by KM split to fine tune it. Because you may felt you want to challenge yourself more in one of the identified KM (example, one section about 600m is downhill, so why run at 6:00 when you can do a 4:00?) I left it as it is, because I want to see how PacePro will adapt to my running, and really why change something that is already planned at best for you (by Garmin)?
Next is to sync it to your Device and you can see a list of compatible devices shows up. For me, only my current Fenix6 Pro Solar is compatible. For now, the Fenix 6 series, Marq, FR945 and FR245 has this feature available.
Once you sync it, the PacePro is ready and available for you to use in your Garmin device. I had to take so many screen shots of this as the window was open only momentary... so enjoy this photo longer, please.
Now let me show you how it works in real life.
As you know, I have a "long run" scheduled as part of my Garmin Coach program (it is also free and available in your compatible devices!), which is actually a 70mins easy run. I also have my Ironman Kona Endurance Block run, which is a 75mins run session.
So since all of these coincide, I planned the run as my day workout, and then you press up button (on my Fenix 6 Pro Solar) and activate the PacePro Plan. Select the course (12km DU-TTDI Loop). You even have the option to get the Garmin Device to navigate for you (which I did, since, why not).
You be guided KM by KM on your progress and pace - including how many minutes or seconds you are behind the pace target, which is a nice thing to see so you know whether you are hitting your target and possibly getting a PR if you get your game right. The PacePro will prompt you on each KM's "required" pace; which in my case i was running faster at KM2 (ahead by 2:19).
While I was running, i continue to get my Garmin Coach feedback on my pace (i am to run between 5:20-5:40), and I adjust it accordingly. Also at every major turning, i get prompted (sound like whistle) to turn. It appear twice - first time with approximate distance to the turn, and second time, at the turn (and usually happened after I turned) - which can be confusing especially when you just turned... haha. Photo below showed the left turn after I turned, and you see a small triangle on the upper right next to my HR... that is the direction of run, so I am actually on the right "track". If you wonder what data page I am using, look for DozenRun on ConnectIQ.
Using this wisely, Garmin Coach with PacePro, coupled with the Metronome function, and even with navigation, you will only improveyour run, and always ready for any route and location.
Stay tuned for more awesome features from Garmin devices as I share them in future! Meanwhile, these are all the sharing i have posted in the Garmin Malaysia Community group in Facebook - Covered Metronome, Garmin Coach, Heat Map and many others, which I should had made it into a blog entry just like this!
