Fitbit Ionic - Inconsistent distances on the same run

[RichEks]

I went for a run last week and it registered at 3.14 miles (6'17" pace).... I then ran exactly the same route today and it recorded it at 2.81 miles (7'06" pace). I was only 7 secs slower this week? Massive inconsistent results. On both occasions my watch (Ionic) with built in GPS was connected before starting the run.

Any advice for capturing more accurate data - Before I consider looking at an alternative?

[SilviaFitbit]

@RichEks A warm welcome to the Community. Thanks for getting in touch about this. 

I appreciate the detailed information shared. All devices with GPS sensors require a direct path to GPS satellites to calculate location. A weak GPS signal might affect the accuracy of your route and other activity data. Your device uses your step count to calculate distance until it finds a signal, so the total distance calculated for a workout may be slightly less accurate when GPS isn't available for the entire time.

Check the following to ensure the GPS signal isn't lost: 

• Make sure that you have a clear view of the sky when you start the exercise. Environmental factors, including tall buildings, dense forest, steep hills, and thick cloud cover, can interfere with your device’s ability to connect to GPS satellites. If the signal is blocked—either because you're indoors, underground, or due to another reason—GPS won't work.
• Make sure that your device is charged to at least 80%.
• Confirm that your device is syncing with the Fitbit app. The more you sync your device, the faster your device can connect to GPS.
• Avoid trying to start an exercise with GPS several times in a row, which can prevent your device from connecting to GPS.

Let me know how the troubleshooting goes. Looking forward to hearing back from you.