Watch metric
Ground Contact Time (GCT)
Usefulness
1/10
· Safe to ignore
Ground Contact Time (GCT) Definition
How long each foot stays on the ground with each step, measured in milliseconds. Usually needs a compatible strap or pod.
For more experienced runners, this can indicate, along with cadence, things about your form. Generally a longer Ground Contact Time means each foot spends more time on the ground.
This will change depending on how fast you're running.
When it helps
Almost never for a beginner. It can be an interesting thing to look at.
When it doesn't
For a beginner, always. It changes with speed and is not a dial you can turn.
Ground Contact Time (GCT) equivelants on Garmin and Coros, Polar, Apple, Whoop
Garmin
Ground Contact Time (Running Dynamics)
Coros, Polar, Apple, Whoop
Ground Contact Time