PREPARING for a marathon can be very cumbersome, especially when you have not been running for years. I quit running after my last run four years ago.
However, when presented with the opportunity to participate in a marathon organised by Garmin, I was determined to give it a try as I realised that a sedentary lifestyle is a dangerous lifestyle. But then, I guess turning 40 has also made me more adventurous, or rather resolute in fulfilling my "bucket list".
"One last time," I told myself.
When Garmin informed me that I could use its new Forerunner 955 smartwatch for training two months before the event, I quickly agreed.
CORRECTING MISCONCEPTIONS
With the tagline "made for athletes by athletes", the Forerunner 955 — my "personal trainer" as I called it — is made for triathlete training. This makes the model a perfect fit for my purpose as I was trying to get ready for an endurance sport — a 10km marathon.
After completing a three-hour running clinic by Garmin, I was quick to question the wisdom of my decision. I understand why having a trainer is important, especially when embarking on a physically demanding activity as my first misconception about running was crushed almost right away.
Having the "watch" telling me that I needed 72 hours to rest from a three hours of training right after the session ended was uplifting.
The Forerunner 955 comes with a feature called "Recovery Time". What it does is provide an estimate (personalised to my body's condition) of how long it takes to recover and be ready for my next workout of the same intensity. It usually ranges from zero hour to four days.
Since the latest software is upgraded, the recovery time calculation also includes external factors. For example, an especially stressful day or a sleepless night will extend the amount of the recommended time. On the other hand, good sleep, low stress and light daily activity will shorten it.
CRUNCHING THE DATA
Key elements of the calculation include the "Training Effect" of the completed session as well as the amount of time remaining on your recovery time countdown to the start of the session.
Recovery times are not simply added together, but are re-evaluated by Garmin's Firstbeat Analytics engine from performance data collected in each session.
What this means is that before starting the training journey, I have keyed in all the data required that includes my height, age and weight.
Every time I start an activity, be it hiking, swimming or walking; the watch algorithm records all my data — how long it takes to complete them, my heart rate, my cadence, my speed. All these will be stored and as I carry out more activities, it will add to my data. This is where the analytics come into play.
Everything I do will be calculated and contributed in the overall report, which affects the watch's suggestion for my recovery time.
For example, if my first three-hour training causes my heart rate to jump and affects my breathing rate so badly, but my breathing is better in the second training, the watch will suggest a shorter recovery time for the third training. This is because my body performance has improved.
As I record more activities, the device will learn more about my overall fitness level.
Of course, having a downtime doesn't mean I cannot do anything. I can still be physically active, but it will be best to keep the workout light until full recovery.
According to Garmin experts, recovery is important as it enables performance, and the greater the performance, the more recovery time is needed. The work of restoration and adaptation ensures that our bodies can fully benefit from physical activities.
Do I agree with my "personal trainer"? Of course, I do. By following the suggested recovery time for each training session, I surprisingly managed to complete my first 10km run after four years within the timeframe.
The Forerunner 955 has not only helped me train to run together with 7,000 others in the recent Garmin Run Asia Series 2022 Malaysia Marathon. It has also encouraged and boosted my confidence that I registered for two more runs — once a month — till the end of the year.
The watch is priced at RM2,470.
Verdict: 4.5/5
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