The Garmin Forerunner 970 is stacked with more sensors, metrics, and training tools than most runners will ever touch. It's an excellent watch, but it’s not immediately as user friendly as it really could be. Out of the box, this is the kind of watch set up to track virtually everything—which could lead to information overload for most people. When you’re drowning in data screens you don't need, you might be leaving real performance insights on the table.
I've previously shared my favorite race-day features available on this watch, like Auto Laps and Garmin's PacePro. I've also shared my experience using the Forerunner 970's coveted Running Economy metric. While I love these features, they're pretty obvious selling points. Below are five underrated tips and tricks I wish I knew when I first unboxed my 970, turning this from a "watch that tracks my runs" into a "watch that actually helps me run better."
Garmin Forerunner 970 Premium GPS Smartwatch (Black) $749.99 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $749.99 at AmazonTo customize your shortcuts, hold the Up button from the watch face to open the menu. Navigate to Watch Settings > System > Shortcuts, pick a button combination (like Hold Down or Start + Down), and select the feature you want to assign.
Another favorite shortcut is to have the Down button toggle to "Do Not Disturb." The default would be holding the LIGHT button, which opens the Controls Menu, and then selecting the Do Not Disturb icon—which is just a few too many steps than I want to deal with when I'm in a "do not disturb" mood.
Press the START/STOP button and select the activity profile you want to edit.
Select Data Screens.
Select Layout to choose the number of data fields you want on the screen (e.g., 1 to 8 fields).
Don't rush your Strava upload from the Garmin 970 right after a run
Every runner I know has had to grit their teeth through syncing issues between Garmin and Strava. If you're the type to hit "sync" the second you stop your watch (like I know I am), here's my tip: Slow down. Give Garmin Connect two to three minutes to finish processing the activity file before it pushes to Strava. That processing window is when Garmin finalizes GPS smoothing and segment matching. When you upload too early, you can end up with jagged pace spikes or missed segment credit that never seems to correct itself.
Lactate threshold, race predictor, running economy—these are major selling points on the 970, but none of these numbers are trustworthy on day one. They're generated from algorithms that need real data points to calibrate, not just your resting heart rate and a few easy jogs. Run at least two to three hard, varied workouts (think: a tempo run, an interval session, a hilly long run) with all the auto-detect features enabled. Give it a few weeks before you start working with any of its estimates.
And when it is a "back off" day, you really should listen to your watch. Almost every runner runs their "easy" days too hard. My top tip here is to use Garmin's virtual pacer to keep your easy days honest. To do this, turn on the virtual partner or Garmin Coach pacing guidance for recovery runs specifically, and let the watch hold you to a pace instead of your ego.
Use “Record Only” mode on the Garmin 970 as a breadcrumb trail on unfamiliar routes
And when it comes to battery, think about protecting it from degradation the same way you protect your muscles during training. Full charge cycles accelerate battery degradation. So, during normal training blocks, cap your charges around 80% instead of topping off to 100% every time.
Build a negative-split workout into your Garmin 970 to control your pace
If you have a goal race on the calendar, don't leave your pacing strategy to feel. Luckily, the beauty of your 970 is that it's a true training partner—one that gives you the power to control your plan. I recommend building a custom workout in advance with your actual planned splits programmed in (perhaps the first half at your target pace, and the second half a few seconds faster per mile). Send this workout to your watch, and it'll cue you at each transition automatically. It's a simple hack, but it's one of the most effective ways to stop yourself from doing what almost every runner does on race day: going out too hot and paying for it in the final miles.
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