By default, TICKR X measures running smoothness, a measure of running form. It is a combined measure of body motion and impact shock in 3 directions. On average, runners have a running smoothness index of 100. If your form is smoother, your running smoothness index will be higher. If your form is less smooth, your running smoothness index will be lower.
How is running smoothness measured?
Running smoothness is calculated from 3-axis accelerometer data. It is calculated from the rate of change of the acceleration (in physics this is defined as ‘jerk’) in all three directions.
Why should I care about running smoothness?
Both independent research and our own in-house testing have shown that generally speaking better runners are smoother runners. Avoiding unnecessary body motions and reducing impact shocks improves running efficiency and reduces the risk of common running injuries.
How do I use running smoothness to improve my form?
Because no two runners are the same, the ideal running form is different from person to person. Our recommended way to use running smoothness is to make small adjustments to your form and see how it affects the running smoothness index for you. General improvements to running form that work for many runners and that will result in an improved running smoothness index are keeping the core more stable (e.g. minimize sideways swaying), reducing impact (e.g. land with slightly bent knees) and increasing turn over rate. You can track your smoothness in the workout history to see if your running form is getting smoother over time. Furthermore, runners’ form usually degrades when they are getting fatigued - you can track the running smoothness index during a run to see how fatigue affects your form, and use it to maintain that good form you had when you were still fresh.
What if I'm not seeing running smoothness data in my workout results?
There are a few things to check if you aren't getting running smoothness data:
- You are using the Wahoo Fitness to record your workout. There are no 3rd party applications that currently display the running smoothness data.
- Your TICKR is connected to the Wahoo Fitness via bluetooth. Running smoothness data is not transferred over ANT+.
- Your running workout must be completed outdoors, and you will need to make sure to set Location Services (iOS) on for the app you are using.
- Try the TICKR Troubleshooting Steps.
If you still aren't seeing the running smoothness data, please contact our Support Team.