SmartFuel: Running
· v1.4.0
About
Garmin brought smart fueling to cyclists. We built it for runners.
SmartFuel: Running is a data field that delivers adaptive gel reminders during your runs. Unlike every other fueling app, SmartFuel adjusts reminder timing based on your real-time heart rate zone and ambient temperature — so your nutrition keeps up with your effort, not a fixed schedule.
**Works on race day.** SmartFuel runs as a data field tile inside Garmin's native run activity. PacePro, auto-lap, and official timing chip recording are completely unaffected. Set it up once the night before, and it works automatically on every run.
**How it works**
When your heart rate climbs into Zone 4, SmartFuel shortens your fueling interval from 35 to 28 minutes. Running in 28°C heat? It shortens the interval further. Race Day mode? Intervals tighten by 15%. The algorithm is based on Jeukendrup's carbohydrate oxidation research and ISSN sport nutrition guidelines.
**The tile earns its screen real estate**
Between alerts, the tile shows a live nutrition dashboard with data unavailable anywhere else on your watch face.
**Understanding the Dashboard Fields:**
- **ZONE / TEMP**: Shows your current Heart Rate Zone (e.g., Z3) and the ambient temperature (e.g., 16C). Your fueling interval dynamically recalculates based on these two values.
- **REFUEL (#N)**: A live countdown timer (MM:SS) showing exactly when you need to take your next gel, plus the gel number.
- **CARBS**: Total carbohydrates consumed vs. your rolling target (e.g., "75g / 120g"). Updated every time you confirm a gel.
- **VARIANCE**: Shown in green (+) or red (-) directly below the carbs line — how far ahead or behind you are against the 60g/hour target. If you skipped an alert, a missed-carb debt (M-Xg) is shown alongside so you know exactly what you need to make up.
*(Note: The numbers shown in the store screenshots are simulated test data to demonstrate the layout. Your actual on-screen data will vary dynamically based on your personal heart rate zones, selected fuel type, and real-time running effort.)*
**Alert interaction**
When it's time to fuel, your watch vibrates (3 short pulses), and the data field tile switches to an orange GEL NOW screen. *IMPORTANT: Press 2x LAP to confirm you took the gel*. If you miss an alert, SmartFuel automatically logs the skipped gel as a carb debt and advances the schedule — no manual reset needed. No menu, no tapping through screens — one button, mid-run.
**What's included**
- Adaptive fueling reminders based on HR zone + elapsed time + temperature
- Live nutrition dashboard: zone, temp, countdown, carbs consumed vs. target + variance
- Countdown turns red in the final 2 minutes — visual heads-up to get your gel ready
- Missed gel tracking: tile shows carb debt (M-Xg) when you skip an alert
- Manual top-up: press LAP any time you're behind on carbs to log a gel you took off-schedule
- 3 run modes: Long Training / Race Day / Hot Day
- Standard fuel type presets: GU, Maurten 100, Maurten 160, SIS, Tailwind, Clif, Generic
- Custom fuel profiles (set your own carbs per unit)
- Pace-adaptive activation: SmartFuel re-samples your pace every 15 minutes and keeps your first gel gate accurate even from a crowded race start
- Temperature adjustment (auto via Garmin weather or manual)
- 3-tier HR zone fallback: Garmin Connect profile → 220−age formula → fixed defaults
- Auto-dismiss missed alerts: unacknowledged alerts auto-advance after 6 minutes
**Setup (takes 2 minutes)**
1. Install SmartFuel: Running from the Connect IQ Store
2. Open Garmin Connect Mobile → Your Device → Connect IQ → SmartFuel → Settings
3. Choose your run mode and fuel type
4. Add the SmartFuel tile to any run data screen
5. Start running
**Science basis**
SmartFuel provides general fueling guidance based on published sports nutrition research. Individual needs vary — consult a registered sports dietitian for personalised advice.
What's new
- Increase the number of supported devices
- Confirm GEL intake by pressing twice the LAP button