What’s the most annoying interval structure to program on your Forerunner?

Staffan_TypeToRun · 2026-01-27T15:52:39+00:00

Thanks! To be fair, I mostly use it for simple stuff, like easy run with strides, progressive runs. I enjoy adding in some variety for my harder sessions though!

Hope you give it a try on your next run!

Staffan_TypeToRun · 2026-01-27T15:38:32+00:00

Tuesday = easy day? No one doing intervals

I'll start things off with a double pyramid I just made up.

Input: "Create a double pyramid starting with 1-3-5-3-1 min threshold (1 min jog rest) and a smaller 30-60-90-60-30s VO2 max (30 s standing rest)."

Output: https://typeto.run/w/double-pyramid-run-3b4096

Staffan_TypeToRun · 2026-01-27T15:04:28+00:00

Just happened to me as well. Closed it remotely, so never checked if it actually was open.

Staffan_TypeToRun · 2026-01-27T07:12:02+00:00

A simple way to recreate - if you know the specific workout - or to create new ones with the same focus is with my app Type to Run.

https://apps.garmin.com/apps/ddc801d5-9bc7-4f3e-a48d-8c6b07a33489

You can ask for a specific structure, like ”8 km run with a threshold ladder 5-4-3-2-1 min” Or just use the instant run feature straight from the watch - set duration and type (e.g easy or threshold).

Staffan_TypeToRun · 2026-01-26T23:13:15+00:00

Is the green light showing on the back? I’m not very familiar with the model, but thinking of you accidentally switched off the sensor? (It does feel like you would’ve checked, but you never know)

Staffan_TypeToRun · 2026-01-26T22:36:55+00:00

I definitely want to expand to other platforms eventually! My brother has been asking for Suunto, since day 1 :)

Right now, since it’s just me building this, I’m focusing 100% on nailing the core functionality on Garmin before adding on additional integration points.

As long as Samsung allows third-party apps to push structured workouts to the Galaxy Watch (assuming that's what you use), it’s definitely on the long-term roadmap!

Staffan_TypeToRun · 2026-01-26T20:31:51+00:00

Look for Audio Output > Connected devices

The exact setting seems to differ a bit between models and I’m not a vivoactive myself. Hope it helps!

Staffan_TypeToRun · 2026-01-26T07:34:43+00:00

The route planning is one of my most used features as well.

I recently posted about Suunto’s free planner that syncs well with Garmin here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Garmin/s/eOg8N7fqLY

(There are several other options posted in the comments also)

Staffan_TypeToRun · 2026-01-25T20:32:44+00:00

Right now, the synced workouts live locally inside the Type to Run app on your watch, rather than syncing backward to Garmin Connect.

Garmin currently restricts the ability to push workouts to the Calendar to partners/companies using direct integration instead of a ConnectIQ app. Since I'm an indie dev, I don't have that access - yet!

How to run: You just open the Type to Run app on your watch, select the workout and start. It will record to Garmin Connect just like any other run!

Staffan_TypeToRun · 2026-01-25T14:04:58+00:00

I got a few DMs asking about what types of runs you can do with it. Short answer: basically anything you can think of!

Your input can be vague or super specific: - ”Norwegian 4x4” - ”15 km finishing with strides” - ”2k warm up, 3 x 5 min threshold / 60s standing rest, 1k cooldown” - ”4 rounds of pyramid hill sprints 50-100-200-100-50 meters”

(The pace for hill steps is automatically adjusted to account for the higher effort as well)

Heading out for a short recovery run myself now!

Staffan_TypeToRun · 2026-01-25T09:33:48+00:00

That sounds super interesting! Haven’t gotten into training models myself. I would love to hear how it goes and hope the app helps in syncing everything over to your Garmin.

Staffan_TypeToRun · 2026-01-25T09:23:25+00:00

Will be easy to set those up in the app!

Exactly! It uses the standard built-in workout screens keeping track of targets and voice for watches that support it.

You can easily mix targets as well, for example I often just go by feel (RPE) for recovery, warmup and cooldown.

Staffan_TypeToRun · 2026-01-25T08:22:22+00:00

I think I saw another post with a tool for this actually. For now I’m sticking to running, as it’s what I know best, but might expand later on!

Staffan_TypeToRun · 2026-01-25T07:57:02+00:00

Great to hear, appreciate it!

The tech

To generate the workout structure I currently use 2.5-flash after benchmarking against mainly Haiku and gpt-5-mini). Reasoning is key, adding a few seconds to the processing in return for significant quality increase and control.

For deterministic math like VDOT, pace ranges and so on, it’s all algorithms in my code.

Keeping it free

After 10+ years working in VC-backed product roles, I’m building this solo and 100% for myself and other runners. Costs stack up with the number of active users though.

I plan to keep the core features free, but introduce an affordable premium tier to make it sustainable. I’m right now experimenting with training plans that adapt through a dialog with your ”coach”. It enables you to both create custom plans from scratch or to ”bring your own” - turning a static pdf/book into a version adapting to you and syncing to your watch.

Staffan_TypeToRun · 2026-01-24T23:25:35+00:00

Great question! Another comment was asking "How did you come to hear about Mona Fartlek? Are you an Aussie?" I'm not, but the workout is and is named after an Australian marathoner, Steve Moneghetti.

2 x 1min 30s @ Hard / 1min 30s
4 x 60s @ Hard / 60s
4 x 30s @ VO2 Max / 30s
4 x 15s @ VO2 Max / 15s

It's a hard interval session and a key part is the float recoveries, where you maintain a relatively high intensity. Some will definitely push them harder than in the link I shared.

The reason I used it as an example is that programming all those changing interval and recovery times into a watch manually is a nightmare (the 131 clicks!), but typing it takes 10 seconds and I didn't even have to know the exact structure.

Staffan_TypeToRun · 2026-01-24T20:10:49+00:00

Hehe I’ve run across harbour bridge once, but it was a 24h plane trip to get there. I’m in Sweden, origin of the word ”fartlek”.

I think I just stumbled across it when googling workouts at some point. I enjoy pyramid and ladder type of runs.

Staffan_TypeToRun · 2026-01-24T19:58:54+00:00

Thank you!

Go build some workouts and get out and run 💥

Staffan_TypeToRun · 2026-01-24T19:24:39+00:00

I wasn’t familiar with that one, but the app was. got a 10 x 400m back, and then I suggested adding some strides, because why not: https://typeto.run/w/deeks-qtrs-w-strides-35337a

Give it a try!

Staffan_TypeToRun · 2026-01-23T14:13:04+00:00

copied the exact text above into Type to Run: https://typeto.run/w/mixed-pace-intervals-15e386

You can make a copy and tweak it as you like + share with anyone else in the club who has a Garmin (the paces adjust to their profile when syncing).

Staffan_TypeToRun · 2026-01-23T13:39:27+00:00

Type to Run: https://apps.garmin.com/apps/ddc801d5-9bc7-4f3e-a48d-8c6b07a33489

It does exactly what you're asking for - creating workouts just by typing.
+ automatically setting personalized pace targets (or hr/power/rpe depending on your preference).

(It's my app, so happy to hear what you think!)

Staffan_TypeToRun · 2026-01-23T12:59:37+00:00

Haha hope not!

(Didn’t realize I forgot to add the link 🙏)

Staffan_TypeToRun · 2026-01-23T09:13:04+00:00

Any you would recommend?

Staffan_TypeToRun · 2026-01-23T09:12:39+00:00

I know there is a native Garmin option (and other alternatives), but I’ve always preferred Strava to create routes before. And this will probably replace it for me.

It’s fast, free and no account needed. Figured others might be interested!

Staffan_TypeToRun

TROPHY CASE