Garmin Forerunner 255 : 4 New Features Added to the Running Program
In June 2022, Garmin released the Forerunner 255. This is the next generation running watch from the Forerunner 245. The current features in the Forerunner 245 are very good, and Garmin have carried over the 11 running features to the Forerunner 255. The tracking is very good, and Garmin have decided to add 4 new features into the running program that will benefit the user experience. In this article, we’ll be focusing on these 4 new features in detail and explaining their benefits!
11 Running Features Have Been Caried Over To The Garmin Forerunner 255
Yes, the Garmin Forerunner 245, had a really good set of features since it was released in 2019. Garmin did at that time really went all out in creating a watch specifically for runners. It offered a lot and it did it’s job very well. It was one of the best running watches money could buy you.
That being said, there were some areas where it lacked and could have been improved upon. The good news is that Garmin listened to their customers feedback and they have made improvements to the Forerunner 255.
The existing Forerunner Running program or features was very impressive. Here is a list of the features that will be carried over to the Garmin Forerunner 255
- Run profiles which are Running, Outdoor Track Running, Treadmill Running, Indoor Track Running, Trail Running, Virtual Running
- GPS based distance, time and pace
- Running dynamics (can be used with a accessory)
- Vertical Osculation and Ratio (can be used with a accessory)
- Ground contact Time and Balance (can be used with a accessory)
- Stride length in real time (can be used with a accessory)
- Cadence (which provides real time steps per minute)
- Performance condition
- PacePro pace strategies (used to provide pace strategies in a event)
- Run workouts
- Race predictor
- Footpod capable
As you can see, the features from it’s predecessor are very good. It has a list of features that can help you train smarter. This type of training insights are still relevant today, hence the reason they have been carried over to the New Garmin Forerunner 255.
Even for a person at the beginner level. Features like cadence, ground contact, stride length, can help improve your running ability which in turn reflects on the results of your performance.
Also with the gyroscope sensor added(which is a movement sensor in the vertical plain), The Garmin Forerunner 255 can give to you much better tracking data from it’s predecessor. More in the sense of your running pattern, and allow the AI coach to critique your running to a more optimal state.
The 4 New Running Features Are A Nice Addition to The Garmin Forerunner 255
With the new features that have been added or rather carried over from it’s predecessor. The Garmin Forerunner 255 is shaping to be one of the best running watches available on the market today. It has all the features that a runner would need to train smarter and more effectively.
With the addition of the Gyroscope sensor, it gives the watch much more data to work with and provide you feedback that can help improve your running. Here is the 4 new running features to be added
- New running profile added – Ultra running
- Running Power (can be used with a accessory)
- Lactate Threshold (can be used with a accessory)
- Course and weather specific race predictor
Garmin did originally say the Forerunner 255 will be tailored in and around the multisport niche, and i think the new additions. Not mention it would be a nice tool to refer to when analysing your performance.
I really like what Garmin is offering to the user. More options at your disposal to help you train smarter.
What is the New Running Profile Ultra Marathon and What Are It’s Benefits?
The running profile ultra marathon is a new addition to the Forerunner 255. This was not available on it’s predecessor. As the name suggest, it’s a running profile that is specifically for runners who are training for an ultra marathon event.
The benefits of this running profile is that, It takes into account all the necessary data points that are needed to help you train for an ultra marathon event. Data points such as, time, distance, pace, heart rate and even cadence. All this data is very important to help a runner train more effectively for an ultra marathon race.
Another benefit of the Ultra running profile is that, it can be customised to your own liking. You can set the distance, time and even pace that you want to run at. This is very helpful for runners who are training for a specific ultra marathon race.
The Ultra running profile is a nice addition to the Forerunner 255. It’s benefits are very helpful to runners who are looking to train smarter for an ultra marathon race. If you are an Ultra runner, then i highly recommend that you check out the Forerunner 255.
What is Running Power and What are it’s Benefits?
Running power is a new addition to the Forerunner 255. This was not available on it’s predecessor. Running power is a metric that can be used to measure the amount of work that you are doing when you are running. The benefits of this metric is that, it can be used to help you run more efficiently and at a more optimal pace.
Another benefit of running power is that, it can be used to help you improve your running form. By having a more efficient running form, it will help you run faster and with less effort. Running power is a very useful metric for runners who are looking to train smarter and more effectively.
Also the Garmin Forerunner 255 is compatible with 2 other accessories. Running Dynamics Pod or the HRM Pro monitor. Both accessories can be used to measure your running power. If you are looking to get the most out of your training, then i highly recommend that you check out the Forerunner 255.
What is Lactate Threshold, and What are the Benefits?
Lactate threshold is the point at which your body starts to produce more lactate than it can remove. This can lead to fatigue and reduced performance. The Garmin Forerunner 255 uses the heart rate data across a different range of pace to estimate your lactate threshold. This will give you a more accurate idea of the intensity at which you can race or train.
Also your respiration rate plays a part in your lactate threshold. For every breath you take, The Garmin Forerunner 255 can pick up these subtle changes in heart rate variation. Thus giving you valuable insight on how to better manage your training.
The benefits of training at or above your lactate threshold are that you’ll be able to maintain a higher intensity for longer, and you’ll also see improvements in VO₂ max. Its also a great tool to find where your training boundaries lie, and try to expand on those.
What is Course and Weather Specific Race Predictor and What are The Benefits?
The course and weather specific race predictor is a new addition to the Forerunner 255. This was not available on it’s predecessor. The course and weather specific race predictor is a tool that can be used to help you predict your finishing time for a specific race.
Weather conditions can ultimately change the end result of your performance. This feature allows you to better prepare for types of conditions that you might encounter on race day.
That’s basically it, in terms of benefits. Allowing your body to adapt to these race changes can help you better manage your expectations and hopefully have a more enjoyable experience on race day.
Final Conclusion
The Garmin Forerunner 255 is a great running watch. It has all the features that a runner needs plus four new ones that make it even better. The built-in GPS is accurate and tracks your progress perfectly, while the heart rate monitor ensures that you stay within your target zone.
I would have to say that the addition of the 4 new running features makes the Forerunner 255 a must-have for any runner. The ability to see your current pace, distance, and time at a glance is very useful.
