Name: Race Predictor
Rating: 3 (3 reviews)
Author: norhedac

Race Predictor reads your watch's Running VO2 Max and shows you five predicted race times on one screen: 1 mile, 2 miles, 5K, half marathon, and marathon. No phone needed. Just open the app.

The predictions use the Daniels-Gilbert equations from Jack Daniels' Running Formula (3rd edition), the same math elite coaches have used since the 1970s to translate fitness into expected race times.

Why it's different from the built-in race predictor:

- Adds 1 mile and 2 mile (Garmin's native predictor doesn't have these). Useful for high school cross country, military fitness tests, or anyone tracking shorter distances.
- All five predictions visible on the watch in one screen, no phone or Garmin Connect app required.
- Optional VO2 Max calibration so you can dial in accuracy.

How to use it:

1. Install the app and open it from your apps list.
2. Allow the permission prompt to read your user profile.
3. View your VO2 Max and five predicted race times.
4. Tap the screen or press Select to refresh after a new run.

About calibration (important for accuracy):

Garmin's Running VO2 Max often reads higher than your true race fitness, especially if you train at easy paces. If your predictions look too fast compared to your actual race times, you can apply an offset in Garmin Connect on your phone:

1. Open Garmin Connect.
2. Tap Menu, then Garmin Devices, then select your watch.
3. Tap Connect IQ Apps, then Race Predictor, then Settings.
4. Enter a VO2 Max Calibration value (try 5 if predictions feel a bit fast, 10 if very fast).
5. The app subtracts this number from your VO2 Max before computing predictions.

A casual runner whose Garmin says VO2 Max 60 but who runs a 7-minute mile PR probably needs an offset of 8-10. A competitive runner whose VO2 Max matches their race times needs 0.

Note: Your watch needs roughly 2-3 outdoor runs with GPS before it calculates your initial Running VO2 Max. Predictions assume you have trained for the distance. The marathon prediction means what you could run if you put in the long runs, not what you would run cold off the couch.