I've been out running with my Garmin Forerunner 265 for about half a year now and I'm tracking my runs regularly. But honestly, I'm a bit lost with all the data - VO2 Max, Training Effect, Aerobic vs. Anaerobic... What should I actually pay attention to and what matters for someone like me who just runs as a hobby?
Don't let all those numbers drive you crazy - some metrics aren't really that crucial for casual runners, no matter what your watch suggests. VO2 Max, for example, is a nice indicator of your aerobic fitness, but the actual number matters less than the trend. If the number goes up over weeks and months, you're doing something right; if it stagnates, maybe you need some faster or longer runs. Training Effect is actually way more practical - it shows you directly whether today's run did something for you or was just easy-paced stuff.
What you should really pay attention to: your pace, distance, and how you feel afterward. Training Load Balance (or whatever Garmin calls it in your setup) tells you whether you're overdoing it or getting enough recovery - that's honestly more important than any VO2 theories. And keep an eye on your heart rate; if your pulse goes down at the same pace over time, you're definitely getting faster and building endurance.
Aerobic vs. anaerobic? Skip it for now. That's more for people running by structured training zones. As a casual runner, you just need to remember three things: slow (easy run), medium pace (you feel it getting hard), and fast (intervals). If you alternate between those three intensities and run consistently, you'll see progress automatically - and then you can look at the data again.
The Forerunner 265 really throws a lot at you - but honestly, for the start you only really need three things: pace (how fast you're running), heart rate (whether you're training in the right zone), and total duration. VO2 Max is interesting once you notice your fitness developing over months - then you can see if the numbers are going up - but you don't need to obsess over it when you're starting out. Training Effect and that aerobic/anaerobic breakdown are more relevant for people who want to train structured and plan their weeks; as a hobby runner you'll feel yourself when it gets easier or harder. Start by looking at your average pace after each run and maybe the elevation gain - that's totally enough to see if you're making progress.
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