Interval training with a Garmin

[UGAFan0829]

I have the Garmin Forerunner 210 and LOVE it. However, since my long runs have gotten a little longer, I've discovered a problem...it seems a though I can only go up to 99 intervals, which will only get me to about 7 miles. (Yes, I'm slow.) Does anyone know a way around this? I've searched the internet trying to find a soltuion (if there is one), but have had no luck. I figured that surely someone here would know! Thanks in advance!

 

[Tabetha]

Is it possible to set up a second series of intervals in the same workout?
So you repeat the first set of intervals to 99, then set up another set immediately after...?

 

[Qltrgrl2]

What about finishing one set and then starting another by resetting the Garmin. I was actually think about this when I was out on my 11 mile run today. Not sure what I will do when the runs get up to 24 miles......I am training for the marathon.

 

[cewait]

I have the Garmin Forerunner 210 and LOVE it. However, since my long runs have gotten a little longer, I've discovered a problem...it seems a though I can only go up to 99 intervals, which will only get me to about 7 miles. (Yes, I'm slow.) Does anyone know a way around this? I've searched the internet trying to find a soltuion (if there is one), but have had no luck. I figured that surely someone here would know! Thanks in advance!

The only garmin solution is an upgrade. The 99 interval limit was an issue solved with the release of the Forerunner 610. It has a a run/walk alarm that is infinite.

A work around on the 210/310 is to do a little math and figure out how far your run/walk interval covers. It will then alarm you every time you pass that distance. Note, I was going to run through this on my 310 and it is dead. What you are setting is the lap notification feature. It defaults at a mile but I think you can tune it to a distance that as low as 0.01 miles. The issue is that you are on your own for starting your run again. You will need to either set a quadrant on the screen to lap time or remember to look when the distance is hit.

This will work its just up to you to hold yourself accountable for restarting the run. I train 1 mile run, 1 minute walk. Looking at your post, you may be a .15 or .20 interval. Let me know your pace and intervals and I can figure out the distances if you need help.
Hope this helps

 

[cewait]

Is it possible to set up a second series of intervals in the same workout?
So you repeat the first set of intervals to 99, then set up another set immediately after...?

No, you literally have to stop the unit and restart.

 

[justcruisin]

I have a 610 with the same problem --- to get around it I created a workout similar to the below.

1. Run 2 min
2. ialk 2 min
3. Run 2 min
4 Walk 2 min
5. Run 2 min
6. Walk 2 min
7. Run 2 min
8. Walk 2 min
9. Run 2 min
10 Walk 2 min
Repeat steps 1-10, x number of times.

I know different garmins have different options for programing. Garmin support is excellent so you may give them a call.

 

[cewait]

I have a 610 with the same problem --- to get around it I created a workout similar to the below.

1. Run 2 min
2. ialk 2 min
3. Run 2 min
4 Walk 2 min
5. Run 2 min
6. Walk 2 min
7. Run 2 min
8. Walk 2 min
9. Run 2 min
10 Walk 2 min
Repeat steps 1-10, x number of times.

I know different garmins have different options for programing. Garmin support is excellent so you may give them a call.

The 205/305 are limited by 99 simple repeats. THough you reminded me of a feature the 205 has called advanced workouts. It is kind of complicated to set up and must be done in Garmin Connect and then pushed out to the 205. I never used it since it was not a feature I ever needed.

I have a question on why you are not just allowing the 610 to manage your intervals with the rum/walk mode? Much more simple and you are not limited by a guestimate on the number of intervals.

From the Main Menu on the unit...

Hit >Training>Options>Alerts>Run/Walk..

Select Run/Walk "ON" and then you will have a menu allowing you to plug in your run and walk intervals. In your case 2 min and 2 min.

From there OK out. Unlike plugging in workout type intervals, this starts every time you start the timer. It has an independent and unique set of beeps and does not interfere with the lap alerts. It intervals for the entire time the timer is on.

 

[johde]

The 205/305 are limited by 99 simple repeats. THough you reminded me of a feature the 205 has called advanced workouts. It is kind of complicated to set up and must be done in Garmin Connect and then pushed out to the 205. I never used it since it was not a feature I ever needed.

I have a question on why you are not just allowing the 610 to manage your intervals with the rum/walk mode? Much more simple and you are not limited by a guestimate on the number of intervals.

From the Main Menu on the unit...

Hit >Training>Options>Alerts>Run/Walk..

Select Run/Walk "ON" and then you will have a menu allowing you to plug in your run and walk intervals. In your case 2 min and 2 min.

From there OK out. Unlike plugging in workout type intervals, this starts every time you start the timer. It has an independent and unique set of beeps and does not interfere with the lap alerts. It intervals for the entire time the timer is on.

I have the Garmin 305 and I get around the 99 Intervals by setting up an advanced workout in Garmin Connect like you said. Setting the advanced workouts is tough on the watch but it really pretty easy in Garmin Connect. I like it because I can set pace zones to different intervals. I often set a maximum pace for the first couple of miles of run intervals to help make sure I don't bolt out too fast at the start. Unfortunately it looks like the 210 doesn't have that feature.

Coach, the run/walk alert on the 610 sounds interesting. I'm not in the market for a new watch yet but just curious. Can you change the alerts mid run if you decide to switch run/walk ratio. With the workouts on the 305 I need to decide on my ratio beforehand. With the advanced workouts I can set multiple ratios but they still need to be predefined for instances 12 repeats of run 1/walk 1 followed by 99 repeats of run 2/walk 1 would give me a 24 minute on course warmup at 1/1 before switching to 2/1 for the rest of the race.

 

[princessbride6205]

Despite being a Galloway runner for two-and-a-half years, I have never learned to program my Garmin!
If your intervals are the same length, is it possible to just program it to beep every 2 minutes, like a timer? Or is there just no infinite alert option?