COROS devices are beneficial in all kinds of situations, from daily life to the world's most remote mountaintops. Arguably the most important purpose, though, is to help you perform better on race day. Whether it's 5K, 10K, marathon, or anywhere in between, we've compiled our best features to help you bring out your best when it matters most.
1. Customize Your Data Pages
Seeing the right data can make or break your raceday experience. To make sure you have exactly what you need, COROS allows you to customize up to 6 different pages with multiple data fields to curate the specific data that you need. Running a hilly course and want to see your effort pace so you can properly manage your intensity? We've got you covered. Data pages are also unique to each activity mode, so you can choose to see a different set of data for each different activity type you track.
With up to 8 metrics on each page, depending on your watch model, there are limitless combinations. To get started, head over to the COROS mobile app and follow our step-by-step guide to editing your data pages.
2. Use Training Status for a Perfect Taper
Training Status provides key insights into your body's readiness to take on high loads. Using Load Impact (your 7-day average training load) compared to Base Fitness (42-day average), Training Status is shown as one of six categories, outlined in the image above. This metric is available on your watch, the mobile app, and on Training Hub, so you can track it on any device!
The "Optimized" status is best for improving fitness. However, when coming up on your goal race, it's important to focus on recovery and reduce your training load. As your race approaches, your Training Status should gradually change from "Optimized" to "Performance", showing that your body is ready to give its absolute best.
3. Optimize Your Goals with the Race Predictor
If you haven't raced in a while, it can be hard to know what kind of shape you're in. This is where the Race Predictor shines. COROS EvoLab uses your recent training data to calculate your predicted race times for 5K, 10K, Half-Marathon, and Marathon. As your training progresses and fitness improves, the predictions will improve as well. You can find your predictions on your watch for easy viewing, the app, or on Training Hub when you're analyzing your data!
The Race Predictor can be a handy tool when setting goals for an upcoming race. It gives you a realistic estimate of your abilities, and sets a standard for you to shoot for. Once you have a goal in mind, our next feature can help you execute on race day to achieve it.
Coaches Tip: The race predictor is based on your recent training, but you can also calibrate it by performing a Running Fitness Test. This test requires a hard effort, though, so COROS recommends doing it on fresh legs and far away from any races you have planned.
4. Set Up Your Very Own Virtual Pacer
Racing against the clock for your next PR? The Virtual Pacer feature is built to help you do just that. You can set a specific distance goal—like 5km, 10k, half marathon, or even a full marathon—and choose a target finish time. Your watch will then calculate the pace you need to hit. When you start, your competition is right on your wrist. You’ll see how far ahead or behind schedule you are, along with your estimated finishing time and how far you have left. For longer races, you'll get helpful alerts every 5 kilometers to monitor your progress, in addition to any normal distance alerts you may have set.
The pacer can also help without a specific distance. Just pick a target pace, and your watch will display a virtual runner to show how you’re doing against that goal. You’ll get alerts every kilometer (or mile) with updates on your average pace compared to your virtual competitor.
5. Stay Energized with Timed Nutrition Alerts
Staying energized throughout your race is critical to finishing well. For longer races, hitting 'the wall' is a very real concern, but can be avoided with a well-planned nutrition approach. The Nutrition Alert is a simple, yet powerful feature that will remind you when it's time to consume some calories. Just set the amount of time you'd like between your alerts, and the watch will do the rest! To set up this feature, scroll through your settings before you start your run (or other activity). Under "Activity Alerts", you'll find the option for Nutrition Alerts.
If you forgot to set it up before you started your workout, no problem! You can access this setting during your workout by holding the Back/Lap button to enter the Toolbox and select the activity Control Center menu. There you'll be able to enable any activity alerts or adjust other activity settings you'd like, including setting up Nutrition Alerts".
When it comes to race day, every tool works together to optimize your performance. Starting with Training Status to monitor your training load heading into your taper, and goal-setting with your Race Predictor, you'll reach the start line with a primed body and perfect goal. Then, with custom data pages, a virtual pacer, and nutrition alerts, you'll have everything you need to execute your race plan to perfection.
How Can COROS Coaches Help?
Are you looking for personalized advice for your next road race? COROS Coaches is a team of dedicated and certified coaches to help provide individualized insights. Email them at coach@coros.com today and get the discussion going on how to best prepare for your goal race!