Overview
The Running Dynamics booster adds advanced running form metrics to your activity description — ground contact time (GCT), vertical oscillation, stride length, and ground contact time balance. These metrics help runners understand their form efficiency and identify areas for improvement.
Configuration
Show Comparison (show_comparison)
When enabled, compares your dynamics against optimal ranges for your pace. For example: "GCT 235ms (optimal: 200–250ms for your pace ✅)".
Data Requirements
- Running dynamics data from source — Requires a device that records these metrics:
- Garmin with HRM-Run, HRM-Pro, or Running Dynamics Pod
- Garmin Forerunner/Fenix watches with built-in accelerometer
- FIT file uploads with dynamics data
- Most other sources (Strava, Fitbit, Apple Watch, Polar) do NOT provide these metrics.
How Content Appears
On Strava (description)
🏃 Running Dynamics
Ground Contact Time: 235ms
Vertical Oscillation: 7.2cm
Stride Length: 1.12m
GCT Balance: 49.8% L / 50.2% R ✅Tier & Access
The Running Dynamics booster requires the Athlete (paid) tier.
Common Issues
No dynamics data — This is the most common issue. Running dynamics require specific hardware (Garmin HRM-Pro, Running Dynamics Pod). Standard wrist-based watches don't provide these metrics.
GCT/Oscillation seems wrong — Readings can be affected by HRM strap placement, running surface, and fatigue. Data from chest straps is more accurate than wrist-based estimates.
Data only shows for some runs — Check that the dynamics accessory was paired and active for every run. If you forget the HRM-Pro, no dynamics data is recorded.
Dependencies
- Requires running dynamics data from source (Garmin + compatible accessory)
- Requires Athlete tier