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How is Garmin Running Power Data Calculated?
Garmin’s running power model determines the propulsive power applied at the road by considering the major components of the work done during running. These components, how they change, and the data used to compute them are listed in the table below.
NOTE: The equations to compute these components of running power also require some constant values such as your weight, acceleration due to gravity, and the density of air.
| Component of Running Power | What is it? | Source of Data Used to Compute |
| Kinetic Power | Power required to change your pace | Speed recorded by the watch or paired sensor. |
| Potential Power | Power required to run up or down a hill | Elevation data from the barometer on the watch |
| Vertical Oscillation Power | Power required for vertical oscillation on each step | Running dynamics from an HRM-Pro, HRM-Run, HRM-Tri, or Running Dynamics Pod |
| Horizontal Oscillation Power | Power required for horizontal oscillation on each step (you brake a bit when you hit the ground, then accelerate again as you push off) | Speed recorded by the watch or paired sensor. - Running dynamics from an HRM-Pro, HRM-Run, HRM-Tri, or Running Dynamics Pod |
| Wind/Air Power | Power to overcome air resistance, greater if running into a headwind and less if you are running with the wind at your back | Speed recorded by the watch or paired sensor. - Heading from the watch - Reported wind conditions from weather services - Barometric data to detect local conditions |
The following are examples of the contributions of the components of running power from a tester with a cadence in the range of 162-182, vertical oscillation 6.2-8.9 cm, and ground contact time in the range of 262-296 ms.
When you run, you will notice that running power responds quickly when you speed up or slow down. You will also find that running power is higher when you are running up hills than when you are running at the same pace on the flat ground. Wind also affects running power. For more information on how the wind power feature works, see - How Does Wind Factor in When Using the Garmin Running Power Apps?