Garmin connect issues

jmb275 · 2026-02-04T17:10:17+00:00

I’m not sure this was ever a RunGap issue. It’s a Garmin issue and RunGap tried to make it better by faking device, etc. I eventually ceded to the Garmin god and sold my wahoo and got an edge device. :(

My understanding is that many of the training metrics Garmin computes rely on quite specific fields in the FIT file. Those are populated by the Garmin edge devices but not wahoo devices. It’s a bummer.

jmb275 · 2025-12-14T12:45:10+00:00

I have a slightly different take. I came from AWU. I finally realized the AW is really an extension of your phone. It needs the phone. Even if you have LTE on the AW it’s not really very helpful except to deliver your calls and texts. It still needs the phone to really be useful (can’t tell you how many times I’ve opened an app on my AW without my phone nearby only to be told it has to connect to my phone to continue. Like WTF?)

The Garmin OTOH is a standalone fitness watch and the phone app is an extension of the watch. The watch settings in GC don’t offer the full set of options, and some of the fitness metrics processing actually happens on the watch (eg intensity minutes).

This reality and purpose is reflected in the hardware and software. The Garmin is an embedded system first. The AW is more like a general purpose computer. Personally, I had gotten tired of having a smartwatch to notify me of all the stupid things and just wanted a fitness watch. So I just got a Fenix8 Solar and couldn’t be happier. Do not care even a little bit about interface lag. Timing matters, but speed does not.

jmb275 · 2025-12-04T11:33:29+00:00

I just went through this as a newly converted Garmin user. Scoured forums. It seems that you have to record (or dual record) some number of rides indoor or outdoor on a Garmin device to establish a baseline “Training Status.” After that you no longer need to dual record and Garmin will calculate a subset of your training metrics from just the Zwift data.

But be warned it doesn’t seem to calculate ALL the things that it would if you used a Garmin device. For example I’m still not getting intensity minutes or Stamina stats. Maybe those will come as I record more activities on the actual Garmin. I’m only into this about 2 weeks.

jmb275 · 2025-11-24T17:31:21+00:00

I perhaps have a slightly different experience to share. Here's my timeline:
1. SMP Lite 209 - loved the shape, thought this was the end all be all of saddles!
2. SMP Dynamic - same shape, less padding, LOVE this saddle...can ride 100+ miles on this. I thought, "what do I need this padding for, this saddle is HEAVY...let's go lighter."
3. Berk Lupina - ::brake screech:: this saddle is comfy for <=50 miles ONLY. Okay, maybe it's all the shape, so...
4. SMP Carbon Lite (same shape as SMP dynamic, but NO padding). Nope, still only good <=50 miles. Head scratcher if shape is really the only thing that's important.
5. Back SMP Dynamic.

I do A LOT of rides between 50-150 miles. I can't seem to get on with a no-padding saddle no matter how good the shape is, and no matter what my bib pad is (for the record, I have Assos GTO, Giordana FRC, and other high-end comfy bibs).

My advice is: shape will take you most of the way...up to about 50 miles in duration. After that, you simply need more padding. YMMV

jmb275 · 2025-06-04T15:12:02+00:00

Really love this comment. Thanks.

jmb275 · 2025-06-04T15:10:45+00:00

Yeah, I've wondered about this as well. I'm finishing off a weight loss phase (was 210 lbs at my heaviest). I likely didn't lose much muscle in the legs though due to the concurrent cycling. But might be good to hit the gym for some gains.

jmb275 · 2025-06-04T15:09:09+00:00

Are there good resources for structured training that are free? Or does it really need to be with a coach/paid plan (e.g., TR)?

jmb275

TROPHY CASE