Garmin is making a major change to one of its key fitness metrics, which will open it up to more users than ever
Garmin is overhauling its lactate threshold feature so that users can get an estimate from runs using the optical sensor.
Lactate threshold is the level of exertion in which lactate builds up in the body faster than you can clear it. In real terms, this is the pace at which you can hold for about an hour, and training at that level can hugely benefit your endurance.
Read this: Every Garmin metric explained
Lactate threshold data is one of the most interesting and useful data points on a Garmin smartwatch — but this was previously only possible if you ran with a chest strap.
Garmin will reveal the pace, heart rate, and even power output that gets you to your lactate threshold, and this data can be used to build interval sessions and help maximize your training sessions.
The beta update 21.14 for the Forerunner 255 smartwatch lists the change, and we’re sure this will be rolling out across the Forerunner and Fenix range as each of its watches is updated.
However, if you have concerns over accuracy, you can switch automatic lactate threshold detection off. But it will be turned on by default.
The data is then collected in the Garmin Connect app. To find it go to to More > Performance Stats > Running Lactate Threshold.
