Any of you done serious running with AW?

[Danfango]

Why don’t you deactivate the asking of start/ended workout? And just lock the display during wet workouts and pause/start the workout with both buttons instead? Works perfect for me. I run I all weathers

I didn't know about the deactivation of asking of start/end. I will switch that off right now!

The display being locked, at least in watchOS 8 didn't seem to stop it futzing out. I was doing that. One of the problems is I tend to layer up heavily. I'm not talking about hiking in particularly nice weather - it's got to be cold and wet to be fun for me. The last really nasty one I had a long sleeve base layer, fleece and hard shell over the watch. On two separate occasions on the same hike, the wicked up moisture made it go crazy, unlock and then drop out of workout mode.

 

[michelob tfs]

Yeah take it that’s the ultra he’s talking about, that’s kinda my thinking he differentiates between jogger and runner and that’s the difference I think, AW fine for Joggers not good enough for running.

I’ve run for years using a series 3 including Marathon distance with no issues but I guess the prime factor is how long it takes you generally to do that distance as that’s how long you’d need to use it for. I’m no jogger.

Just about to upgrade to the Ultra after 5 years with the Series 3

 

[michelob tfs]

Here is one runner's opinion

Could do with using ‘I’ more than ‘we’

 

[Howard2k]

Really?

Yeah. Apparently I don’t know the difference, but this is the serious running thread and then the dude in the other thread is saying that the regular watch is for jogging but the ultra is for running. I’m assuming that there is some pace metric that defines the difference. I thought the terms were interchangeable for the most part, but perhaps not.

 

[Howard2k]

The average running speed in the US, as calculated by Strava, is 6:40/km.

Don't be a dick and humblebrag. Everyones fitness journey is different. Your run is a job to someone else and you wouldn't like it someone belittled your speed.

I’m not belittling anyone. This is the first forum where I’ve seen people differentiate.

 

[Resqu2]

I have never had a garmin so I have no idea what more I could possibly need that my Ultra does. I run a 33 or so min 5k almost everyday and have used a series 4 in a half marathon. I also have Runkeeper tracking my run on my Iohone and the Apple workout app on my Ultra.

 

[PatrickNSF]

I have both. Even a midrange Garmin is a better running watch with all the training and recovery metrics, but music and LTE are great with the AW. Every year I try choosing one over the other (for simplicity) and I always end up using both.

The Ultra is a step in the right direction.

 

[TechnoMonk]

I have both. You can use either for running, but I think even a midrange Garmin is better for marathon training.

That being said, the Ultra is the first AW in my experience that I could make work for my training, but there are limitations. I think this is the best overview of it’s capabilities as a sports watch –

Apple Watch Ultra review: Is it a true sports watch?

The Apple Watch Ultra is an extremely nice smart watch, but unfortunately it is still missing what it takes to be a modern day sports watch.

connectthewatts.com

The review is a lot of words, with very basic information. There are some great apps with advanced features on AW, which make it adequate for most runners. I am surprised they missed out on Apple health kit integration to pull HRV, Sleep, and other information.

I ran an Ultra on the Echo Summit trail in the mountains near Tahoe a few years back with my Garmin Fenix. I was lost, as the markers on turns were one red cloth on a tree. The Fenix did not have transition information from one trail to the other. I did six miles extra on a 50-miler. All trails offline maps with GPS saved the day.

IMO, You don't need a lot of the advanced GPS stuff running on the streets, and I wouldn't trust Garmin or any watch running on the trails. I will get something like a Garmin Montana handheld if I need a foolproof GPS with offline maps.

 

[D1G1TALR0B0T]

I have ran marathons using the Apple Watch for years and never had an issue. I started off using the RunKeeper app and then Strava, however due to Fitness+ I find myself using the Apple Workout app more and then importing my runs into Strava. Before the Apple Watch I used a TomTom running watch and before that a Pebble with RunKeeper.
I know a lot of people love the Garmin watches, I have never tried them but I do see a lot of people wearing them at races.

 

[torbjornhb]

It's only about preference. I so no problems using an AWU for serious running. Hey! Look at Suunto 9 Peak serious... Touchscreen navigation even during workout.
I review watches and have about 100 different models on my list. Normally I prefer buttons, but I go mad when I don't get the touchscreen. When navigating the newer Garmin models, I guess I use the touchscreen and buttons about 40/60.

Btw. Here is the review of Apple Watch Ultra. It's in the widely spoken language Norwegian ☺️. Sorry...

Test: Apple Watch Ultra / Apple Watch Series 8 - Imponerende!

Større, sterkere, raskere og flere funksjoner enn noen gang. Med Apple Watch Ultra tar Apple sikte på å utfordre etablerte merker som Garmin, Polar og COROS.

pulssonen.no

 

[CyberDavis]

I am not sure there is any properly defined and indisputable definition of speeds that define jogging and running.
I run 5k in under 30 minutes so I call that running, but equally I know how hard it was a few years ago when I set out to get healthy and could not run to the end of the road, that felt like running too!
If someone says they are running that's fine by me, I am not going to challenge that and say they are jogging, the key is they got up of the sofa and got going.

On average my pace is 9:30/mi, faster if my daughter pushes and my best was 7:15/mi on a mile race/event in London.
But I have no plans for longer distances, I do not aspire to 10k or more, but I will do 5K and shorter runs as long as I can.

I found my series 6 was good and I like my Ultra even more for running and workouts. The screen and action button alone for me are a good improvement.
I did initially have a Garmin when I started running, but did not like the interface and did not find it intuitive, was glad to switch to AW when I got the series 6.
But I am sure some will love Apple and some will love Garmin, good to have options and choice.

 

[jcmc]

I see a lot of mentions of the WorkOutdoors app on this (and other) threads. The Apple Workout app seems quite full-featured now (and will be even more so when the Ghost Race feature comes along) and I get as much info during and after my runs as I think I need.

What else does this external app do that makes is so seemingly popular?

 

[imaginex20]

I am not sure there is any properly defined and indisputable definition of speeds that define jogging and running.
I run 5k in under 30 minutes so I call that running, but equally I know how hard it was a few years ago when I set out to get healthy and could not run to the end of the road, that felt like running too!
If someone says they are running that's fine by me, I am not going to challenge that and say they are jogging, the key is they got up of the sofa and got going.

On average my pace is 9:30/mi, faster if my daughter pushes and my best was 7:15/mi on a mile race/event in London.
But I have no plans for longer distances, I do not aspire to 10k or more, but I will do 5K and shorter runs as long as I can.

I found my series 6 was good and I like my Ultra even more for running and workouts. The screen and action button alone for me are a good improvement.
I did initially have a Garmin when I started running, but did not like the interface and did not find it intuitive, was glad to switch to AW when I got the series 6.
But I am sure some will love Apple and some will love Garmin, good to have options and choice.

Agree 100%. A few months ago I had health issues so when I started “running” again I could hardly do 5k. This past Sunday I ran 7.5 miles at a 10.03 min pace. Call it running or jogging but at least I was out there busting my ass instead of sitting on the internet judging others.

 

[wilberforce]

I see a lot of mentions of the WorkOutdoors app on this (and other) threads. The Apple Workout app seems quite full-featured now (and will be even more so when the Ghost Race feature comes along) and I get as much info during and after my runs as I think I need.

What else does this external app do that makes is so seemingly popular?

Map display for one, including the ability to export gpx files of your track.
For some activities the map is of little use, for others (like hiking) it is huge.

 

[NME42]

Map display for one, including the ability to export gpx files of your track.
For some activities the map is of little use, for others (like hiking) it is huge.

For me map is crucial running in unknown areas, e.g. during vacation or on business travel.

Additionally Stryd support and superior interval schedules with voice alerts.

 

[Akrapovic]

I see a lot of mentions of the WorkOutdoors app on this (and other) threads. The Apple Workout app seems quite full-featured now (and will be even more so when the Ghost Race feature comes along) and I get as much info during and after my runs as I think I need.

What else does this external app do that makes is so seemingly popular?

Mapping, an insane amount of stats that Apple Fitness will never have and a huge amount of customisation options. You can basically build your own workout app in it if you want.

 

[satchmo]

I see a lot of mentions of the WorkOutdoors app on this (and other) threads. The Apple Workout app seems quite full-featured now (and will be even more so when the Ghost Race feature comes along) and I get as much info during and after my runs as I think I need.

What else does this external app do that makes is so seemingly popular?

One negative about this app is that the UI could probably use some work. The focus seems to be about user customization with less regard for user interface and aesthetics.

 

[torbjornhb]

One negative about this app is that the UI could probably use some work. The focus seems to be about user customization with less regard for user interface and aesthetics.

100% agree!
The app offers so incredibly many settings and tweaks, but I can't stand using it.

 

[soulreaver99]

i ran about 9 blocks from store security after putting on this watch at the apple store. is that serious enough?

 

[xDKP]

Agree 100%. A few months ago I had health issues so when I started “running” again I could hardly do 5k. This past Sunday I ran 7.5 miles at a 10.03 min pace. Call it running or jogging but at least I was out there busting my ass instead of sitting on the internet judging others.

Great job man! Keep pushing and most important: Enjoy!

 

[Grumpyman]

I’m a runner and a jogger, mostly I run marathons and ultras. Ultras being 30mi to 100mi. The biggest issue for the AWU is the battery. I’d love the watch but as an example I charged my Garmin after Sundays run then rested Monday and ran for an hour today and my Garmin battery is 96%.
Seems like it’s going to be a while before apple puts battery up the priority list. I guess a ton of Garmin users feel the same way.

 

[GLS]

I’m doing my first marathon next spring, I’m just not sure if the AW is up to the job. I have it in my head that a Fitbit is good for up to 5k training, AW good up to half marathon but for marathons, ultras etc Garmin is the way to go. Even the most basic Forerunner 45 will do better than an AW for the serious runner. What’s your thoughts? Yeah the new Ultra might change things but I’m using a SE and sure as hell wouldn’t pay £800+ for a Watch, the wife would put me out if I did.

My wife ran a 3:46 full marathon with an Apple watch back in 2016. That included the gps tracking, heart rate monitoring, and listening to music on her earbuds she had then during the race.

And Apple watches have improved quite a bit since.

EDIT: maybe 2017? I forget. It was the first watch with GPS tracking, so it had to be a Series 2, so 2017-18 timeframe.

 

[xDKP]

My wife ran a 3:46 full marathon with an Apple watch back in 2016. That included the gps tracking, heart rate monitoring, and listening to music on her earbuds she had then during the race.

And Apple watches have improved quite a bit since.

EDIT: maybe 2017? I forget. It was the first watch with GPS tracking, so it had to be a Series 2, so 2017-18 timeframe.

I have done marathons since Series 2 as well. First couple without music but well over four hours the first times 😁

 

[azhava]

I am not sure there is any properly defined and indisputable definition of speeds that define jogging and running.

Runners run, Joggers find dead bodies in parks. 😆

(A joke that stems from the fact that the media usually refers to them as "joggers" rather than "runners" in such grisly stories.)

 

[Mo 1959]

Runners run, Joggers find dead bodies in parks. 😆

(A joke that stems from the fact that the media usually refers to them as "joggers" rather than "runners" in such grisly stories.)

Thank goodness I didn't find one earlier this morning as I was definitely jogging! Just getting back into it and going to do a solid month of MAF low heart rate to get going again. It's pathetically slow, but it's supposed to work. I shall see.