Can the Garmin Forerunner 55 replace a personal coach for half-marathon prep?

Garmin is one of the most popular brands in the fitness tracker market, and the Forerunner range is particularly popular with runners (I'm a big fan of the Forerunner 955). Designed with running front and center, all the Forerunner watches focus on accurate GPS tracking, detailed performance metrics, and tools that help runners plan, monitor, and adjust their workouts over time.

Watches in the range differ vastly in price as well as what they can offer. There are entry-level models that cover the basics of distance covered and heart rate, as well as more advanced options with features like training readiness, recovery insights, and in-depth performance analytics.

The Forerunner 55 is considered an entry-level watch in the Forerunner range; it has GPS tracking, running-specific stats, and a price point that makes it beginner-friendly. But can it actually replace a personal coach for half-marathon training?

Why the Garmin Forerunner 55 is a great running companion

There are many features built-in to this smartwatch that will aid you in whatever running goal you have in mind. Built-in GPS helps track your distance, pace, and route accurately without needing a phone. Not only does this make it easy to map long training runs and monitor progress, it helps you compare your performance over time. Sometimes the best motivation is seeing how far you've come. GPS also makes stats like pace and elevation far more accurate, so you know exactly what you're running.

And while we should all listen to our bodies first and foremost, the Forerunner 55 comes with a recovery time tool that might be the nudge you need to rest. Admitting you need a rest or deload isn't always easy, especially when you feel like you're on a roll, but if your watch is telling you that you need more hours of recovery, you know you should probably listen. This is a great tool to prevent overtraining, which also reduces your injury risk over time.

Having a real-life coach is a great way to know what to run each day, but your watch can tell you this too. One of the most coach-like features is the daily suggested workouts. Based on your recent runs, pace, and estimated fitness level, the watch recommends what you should do each day, whether an easy recovery run, a tempo session, or intervals. It will even recommend rest days when you're close to overtraining or if you've not slept well. Of course, this won’t replace the super personalized adjustments a real coach might make, but it is a practical (and affordable) way to keep your training on track.

The race predictor feature is also a great training tool. This is a stat that uses your recent performance and VO₂ max data to estimate finish times for common distances, including the half marathon. This is a motivating tool but it also gives you a realistic benchmark as you train. The watch also includes PacePro, which uses pacing strategies to help you stick to your target effort by guiding you through splits and pacing zones during a run. Use this during tempo sessions or interval workouts to help you hit your paces.

Can the Garmin Forerunner 55 replace a running coach?

The Garmin Forerunner 55 has plenty of features to support your training, making it a great companion if you’re running for enjoyment or general fitness. However, for those with a more ambitious running goal, a running coach can provide personalized guidance, tailored workouts, and personal adjustments that a watch can’t replicate. For most casual or beginner runners, the Forerunner 55 is more than enough to shave seconds off your PR.

Where to buy the Garmin Forerunner 55

You can purchase the Garmin Forerunner 55 at many retailers, including Walmart and Best Buy. Prices vary through the year, but as of Jan. 13, it is on sale for $149 at Amazon.