u/shinyboiy

Hey everyone, looking for some advice and perspective from fellow runners dealing with Garmin algorithms vs. actual biomechanics.

For context, my VO2 max had finally started climbing back up after a steady block of long runs, speed sessions, and intervals. I decided to throw in a dedicated, super low-effort Zone 2 run to keep my heart rate down and recover.

Because I was forcing that lower HR, my pace dropped all the way to 7:34/km. Even though I was actively trying to keep my cadence up, running that slow wrecked my gait. It felt completely unnatural—like I was constantly braking and landing heavy. My knee pain isn't terrible, but it's definitely noticeable now, which never happens at my normal pace.

To top it off, today's run still ended up sitting in Zone 3 according to Garmin—it didn't even drop into Zone 2 at that slow pace. On top of that, Garmin hit me with a -3 Performance Condition (first negative score in weeks) and dropped my VO2 max from 44 to 43.

Some recent run stats for context:
Today's "Zone 2" attempt: 4.11 km | 31:05 | 7:34 /km (Zone 3 HR, knee pain, -3 perf condition, VO2 dropped)
Interval session: 4.25 km | 26:35 | 6:15 /km
Shorter pace run: 5.01 km | 26:24 | 5:16 /km
Base / Standard runs: 6.14 km – 6.55 km | 6:01 – 6:29 /km
Long run: 22.68 km | 2:30:52 | 6:39 /km

A few extra details about my baseline & setup:
Watch Upgrade: I recently switched from a Garmin Forerunner 165 to a Forerunner 570. Immediately after switching, my VO2 max dropped by about 4 points and was only just starting to recover until today's run.
Heart Rate Spikes: I have a fairly high heart rate now and then due to coffee/energy drinks, which probably throws off HR-to-pace algorithms.
Max HR Adjustments: Whenever I manually adjust my Max HR or zones in the Garmin app, I feel like it resets the algorithm in a way that halts my progress and causes VO2 max to drop again.

When I run at my natural pace (~6:00 to 6:30/km), my stride feels smooth, cadence is way easier to maintain, and my knees feel 100% fine.

A few questions for you all:

1. Has anyone else experienced joint/knee discomfort when forcing an unnaturally slow pace?
2. Is it better to prioritize clean biomechanics at a natural 6:00–6:30 pace over forcing a 7:30+ pace that still sits in Zone 3 anyway?
3. How much do you trust Garmin's VO2 max after switching devices or adjusting HR settings? Should I switch to a run/walk method if I want to get my HR down safely into real Zone 2?
   Would love to hear your thoughts!

I just bought a CUBE ATTENTION XT HPA for 275€ wich is in pristine condition. I'm new to mountainbiking and plan on going on routes from time to time (every two weeks or so) for smaller and larger routes or some Mountainbike parcours.

Wich are some must haves for my bike, without breaking the bank?

I've read some articles about Aliexpress / Chinese manufacturiers having mixed feedback some appear good, some appear bad.

For starting, i feel like AE articles would be good to start. Lets say the biking turns into a habit / real hobby i might properly invest into it, but for now what are some low budget improvements?

Life is expensive enough already, so don't bash me for being cheap. Also english is not my first language.

thanks for constructive feedback and keeping it gentle.

Hello,

Currently since about 9 months i started running (and loving it) and also combining it with calistenics, bouldering, viking runs, 5-21K runs. I love my Garmin watch and not planning on switching brands any time soon!

Now i do feel as the 165 is a bit small for me, also its kinda bummer that it doesnt support music and voicecalls. My previous Huawei watch did have this wich i did like, and seem to miss from time to time (busy times with the kids, not having phone on hand, being able to call on wrist is awesome)

I might check out some local shops to see the difference on my (rather small) wrists .

My current 165 (43mm) seems to be a bit small/basic
My main interest appear to be the 265 MUSIC (46.1mm) or the 570 (47mm)

265 seems to be perfect size, but not calling from wrist

570 (47mm) might be to big, and the 42mm version might be to small... But this does include music storage and phone calls...

I know the VENU3/4 is also alternative, but i rather stick with the forerunner concept then the Venu concept in my opinion.

I just know that the 970 & 965 is to much for me, as of now. Even tho i do love the flashlight option!

Any constructive feedback?

Hello,

Currently since about 9 months i started running (and loving it) and also combining it with calistenics, bouldering, viking runs, 5-21K runs. I love my Garmin watch and not planning on switching brands any time soon!

Now i do feel as the 165 is a bit small for me, also its kinda bummer that it doesnt support music and voicecalls. My previous Huawei watch did have this wich i did like, and seem to miss from time to time (busy times with the kids, not having phone on hand, being able to call on wrist is awesome)

I might check out some local shops to see the difference on my (rather small) wrists .

My current 165 (43mm) seems to be a bit small/basic
My main interest appear to be the 265 MUSIC (46.1mm) or the 570 (47mm)

265 seems to be perfect size, but not calling from wrist

570 (47mm) might be to big, and the 42mm version might be to small... But this does include music storage and phone calls...

I know the VENU3/4 is also alternative, but i rather stick with the forerunner concept then the Venu concept in my opinion.

I just know that the 970 & 965 is to much for me, as of now. Even tho i do love the flashlight option!

Any constructive feedback?

Hello,

Currently since about 9 months i started running (and loving it) and also combining it with calistenics, bouldering, viking runs, 5-21K runs. I love my Garmin watch and not planning on switching brands any time soon!

Now i do feel as the 165 is a bit small for me, also its kinda bummer that it doesnt support music and voicecalls. My previous Huawei watch did have this wich i did like, and seem to miss from time to time (busy times with the kids, not having phone on hand, being able to call on wrist is awesome)

I might check out some local shops to see the difference on my (rather small) wrists .

My current 165 (43mm) seems to be a bit small/basic
My main interest appear to be the 265 MUSIC (46.1mm) or the 570 (47mm)

265 seems to be perfect size, but not calling from wrist

570 (47mm) might be to big, and the 42mm version might be to small... But this does include music storage and phone calls...

I know the VENU3/4 is also alternative, but i rather stick with the forerunner concept then the Venu concept in my opinion.

I just know that the 970 & 965 is to much for me, as of now. Even tho i do love the flashlight option!

Any constructive feedback?