From beginners to seasoned runners: What Garmin's data really reveals

Garmin has just released two reports detailing user behavior in running and cycling. One notable aspect is that this data does not represent all runners and cyclists, but only those who use Garmin devices. Compared to the general population, we suspect (although we cannot prove this) that the statistics are skewed toward higher-performing athletes. While Garmin certainly caters to absolute beginners with products such as the new Forerunner models (available at Amazon), users who utilize Garmin Connect or track their activity at all are likely, on average, to be somewhat more athletic.

The running statistics show that 40% of all runners surveyed run an average of between 9.6 and 16.1 kilometers (5.9 and 10 miles) per week. Another 28% run up to 32 kilometers (20 miles) per week, which is fairly typical mileage for training for a half marathon. Only 3% of runners run more than 50 kilometers (31 miles). Depending on one's training level, the age-dependent breakdown of average speed (pace) might be interesting, and perhaps a little demotivating. Male runners between the ages of 20 and 29 cover a kilometer (0.62 miles) in an average of 5.49 minutes. This figure includes all runs, even those who intentionaly run more slowly. Runners over 70 years old average 6:48 min/km. On average, runners in Ireland, Portugal and Italy are particularly fast.

The statistics also quite clearly demonstrate the expected correlation between resting heart rate and training status or endurance performance, which is expressed here as running volume. The average resting heart rate of non-runners is 62 beats per minute, dropping to 59 beats per minute with infrequent or casual running. Users who run more than 50 kilometers per week average 55 beats per minute. Another interesting aspect is that the proportion of hybrid athletes, or at least those who combine strength and endurance training, has increased by 23% compared to the previous year.