Garmin Running Dynamics Pod

I used a Chest Strap with an FR630 last year and loved the running dynamics but hated wearing the Strap. I have been using a Fenix 3 HR since and, whilst great, missed the running dynamics so was waiting for the FR935 to come out as compatible with this Pod.It works great and has all the dynamics you need and no Chest Strap needed :)It's tiny but clips onto your shorts tightly so hopefully wont loose it, but it's probably going to end up going through the washing machine at some point so hope its waterproof? (there is a handy reminder to remove your pod on the watch after a run).It turns itself on and off so its extremely easy to use and just does its job very well.

If, like me, you love poring over the stats after your run you'll already have a state of the art running watch and will need no persuading to buy this extra gadget. Whether the data it produces is actually useful is a moot point.But first things first; the device weighs virtually nothing and clips onto the back of your shorts or tights (note that it has to be there and nowhere else to function correctly). If you have the right Garmin device it pairs very easily but it won't work with older or non- Garmin devices (despite recent moves to open up the ANT+ standard). If you want to measure power as well as the Running Dynamics data, you'll also need to download the Running Power Connect IQ app and create a data screen with the Run profile (or it won't record the power data).You'll get loads of extra stats about how much you bounce when you run, whether you're running evenly (L/R balance), etc. as well as arguably more accurate cadence and stride length data than the watch produces alone. The question is what it tells you and whether you can use it to improve your performance. Read up on the internet and opinion is divided.Finally Power which has now taken over cycling as the key metric. It's early days for running and Stryd for example gives different data from Garmin with no real idea which is correct. However comparative studies seem to suggest that the profile is similar even if the absolute numbers differ.I love this stuff and I'm coming back from heart surgery after a couple of years out so it's too early to tell whether it will be helpful as I progress to full racing fitness or not. Read the reviews on DC Rainmaker for a more detailed evaluation. However it's relatively inexpensive and seems to work well.UPDATE January 2020Having used it for a good few months now, I can say that I do find it very useful and the figures seem plausible and consistent with my form - no funny blips in the data. My shoes wear pretty evenly and my L/R balance is pretty even. My stride length has increased as I've got fitter and faster but my vertical bounce has remained pretty static as has my cadence. Power is also gradually increasing. Planning to look at improving my running form and this will definitely help to tell me how it's going. Not essential by any means but worth the money for me.Update February 2021Still on the original battery after 854 miles! Unlike some reviewers, I've not managed to wash it yet and I make a point of removing it when I take my key out of the back pocket of my shorts or tights. I have accidently dropped it several times and there's been no effect. It still fits very tightly and there is no prospect of it falling off. I do look at the power number (which is what I bought it for), but not convinced that it adds to my running pleasure and it does not account for underfoot conditions and has a limited adjustment for wind. Stryd may be better but everything I read is suggesting that Running Power is just too difficult to measure as accurately as cycling where it has taken a hold. On the other hand, I really have found the other stats genuinely useful. As I've relearned how to run well, it's given me valuable insights into my stride length and ground contact time and if I've had a quick run I can see how I've achieved it. I've also noticed a definite change in my left/right balance as I run faster which I will need to keep an eye on to avoid injury.Update August 2022Still using the same RD Pod but now with a Garmin Epix 2. Still an essential piece of kit for me. The new generation of watches give you a pretty comprehensive measure of how your cardiovascular system is coping with training, the Pod completes the picture by adding in how your legs and feet are doing it. Everything I need, maybe overkill for others.

What is not to love, its small, its lightweight and it gives you stats!Now this is a small device, so small and so lightweight that your watch has to remind you to remove it after your workout so you don't leave it on and trust me, you will leave it on! Despite the many warnings I have more often than not only caught sight of the lime green unit before placing my running shorts into the washing machine. Thanks Garmin, for making that case such an obvious colour.The device itself easily connects to your watch (I have the forerunner 245) and once connected it will automatically connect every time you start your run application on your watch. If it doesn't connect you simply have to move around a bit to activate it.The device connects to your clothing at the base of your spine and will give you extra data such as Ground Contact Time Balance, Stride Length, Cadence, Vertical Oscillation, Vertical Ratio and Ground Contact time. All these extra stats will be viewable on your mobile device or Garmin application and can be mixed and matched with other stats so you can really identify which parts of your run either needs improvement or if you just want to see how you are progressing on the same runs.For those who like and use stats this is for you, there are so many different pods and straps out there it can get confusing however I decided upon this one and haven’t regretted it. The battery should last up to 1 year as the device turns itself on and off.Just remember to remove it before washing the small thing.Additional 29/01/2020Have placed in the wash once and it's survived okay. Battery has died today after 6 months since I bought it. However it's simple to replace, just remember to turn to unlock before forcing off the back. Still very happy with the product.