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How Do You Start A Run On Garmin Forerunner 55?

Last Updated on February 8, 2024 by Amanda Bowden

I recently got a new Garmin Forerunner 55 and I’m very excited as it has many more features than my old Garmin Forerunner 35! But I realised it’s not completely intuitive to work out how to start a run as an activity.

However it is super easy, so read on to find out how to do it in this picture filled guide.

If you don’t already have a Garmin Forerunner 55 check out this article to help you decide if it’s the right watch for you.

How To Start A Run On Your Garmin Forerunner 55

Step 1:

The Garmin Forerunner 55 watch face activity options.

Make sure your Garmin Forerunner 55 is turned on and on your wrist. When you’re ready to go for a run click the START/STOP button on the top right hand side.

The image on the watch face above will come on your screen (except it probably won’t say Pilates under Run on yours, as this is a customisation).

Step 2:

The run icon should be selected already. You can see this is the case in the step 1 image as there’s a vertical line to the left of it.

If another activity is selected instead you can use the up and down buttons on the left of the watch to select run.

Once ‘Run’ is selected click the top right START/STOP button again.

A suggested workout will appear on your screen, like in the image below. You can choose whether or not you want to do this, see next step.

The suggested workout screen on the Garmin Forerunner 55.

Step 3:

Whether or not you actually want to do the suggested workout click the START/STOP button for the third time.

You will then get to choose ‘Do Workout’ or ‘Dismiss’.

The screen to select or dismiss the suggested workout on the Garmin Forerunner 55.

Step 4:

If you’d like to do the suggested workout click the START/STOP button again.

If you don’t want to do the suggested workout, but just want to run at whatever pace you choose, click on the DOWN button. You can find it on the lower left hand side of your Garmin Forerunner 55.

Once you’ve pressed the DOWN button ‘Dismiss’ should be selected. You will know you’ve got it on the right thing by the vertical line to the left. Click the START/STOP button on the top right again.

Step 5:

The Garmin Forerunner 55 watch face when waiting for GPS signal.

Now the ‘Wait for GPS’ screen will appear.

It says ‘Base’ on the image above as I selected the suggested workout. However if you dismissed the suggested workout it won’t say this, or if your suggested workout was another type of run it will say that instead.

It’s a bit variable how long it takes for the Garmin Forerunner 55 to find GPS. It’s usually only a few seconds, but can take a bit longer.

If you’re impatient you can just click the START/STOP button again before the GPS has been found, and start running. However, if you do this your stats might look a bit wonky at the beginning of your run before your watch picks up the GPS signal.

When GPS is detected your watch will do a little beep and buzz/vibrate. The screen will change to show something similar to the image below.

The Garmin Forerunner 55 running watch screen when GPS has been found.

Step 6:

Click the START/STOP button again and start running!

RUN WITH YOUR GARMIN FORERUNNER 55

Take care, stay safe, and have fun.

I hope the weather treats you well and you enjoy your run!

If you’d like to look up other features your Garmin Forerunner 55 has you can check out the specs on the Garmin website.