Apple Watch for runners

[deeddawg]

Garmin isn't bailing on their devices anytime soon.

No, but their software quality control has gone to **** in recent years. (speaking as a long time Garmin owner that's learned the hard way to never buy a Garmin until it's been in the field a few months)

At present, casual / recovery / easy runs I find the AW2 has everything needed. Nike's software is okay but has **** the bed on me a couple times; I expect they'll get it fixed. Not sure as to viability long term in context of data export, but for now it works. Strava should probably be okay once they get their app out, we'll see what it looks like.

For serious training such as intervals, custom workouts, cadence, zone/threshhold alerts, etc, you're still better off with a running specific watch. I'd still recommend a refurb 610 since it's one of the last models that allowed you to change your intervals / custom workouts in the watch itself.

I will keep my 235 for the time being, but it sits in my running bag. Its smart-watch capabilities are nice enough, but no comparison to the AW2 as a smart watch.

 

[tmiles81]

Anyone here running with a 42mm SS?

Yep I do and no issues whatsoever.
Fantastic device imo...

 

[PatrickNSF]

I primarily run and race with a Garmin 735XT, but I'm fine with the Apple Watch Series 2 for casual runs. Using the built-in Workout app or Nike Run Club, I can export that data to Garmin Connect and Strava with a third-party app (RunGap). I lose some metrics, but the basics get recorded and saved.

Nike Run Club has some glitches, but it's a nice enough AW app. It lacks the ability to stop exactly at the end of a run, so that can be annoying if you have any OCD and like your runs to be recorded at xx.0 (which I do).

And Garmin doesn't integrate fully with Apple's Activity app, so if you're concerned about completing your AW rings you need to bring the AW with you when using the Garmin.

I think the AW hardware could be good enough to be a decent running watch, but none of the software has caught up yet.

 

[wx4olf]

For me, virtual racer / ghost racer functionality is the most important feature. I run pretty well one of 5 routes, and they all have their own challenges, from hills, to distance, to surface type. If I go for a casual run, I often don't even look at my watch. But if I'm training and going for gains, then I find the virtual racer functionality to be the single best tool for helping me push harder. But like I said, it needs to be benchmarked against a past run, as a simple set pace is too annoying to accommodate for the variables.

I've never used that particular function but irunsmooth claims to be able to do just that (from their website):

Challenge yourself on a Ghost Run
Race against one of your previous workouts and try to beat your personal best! Bring out the best of yourself and evaluate your training. There is no easier way to get motivated.

That being said most serious runners are probably still better off going with something like the garmin forerunner series. Personally, I use the original Apple Watch with irunsmooth then export the data to Strava but I don't really do a lot of data crunching so it works well for me (and I use this setup to do a combination of interval workouts, tempo runs and steady distance runs).

 

[TxWatch]

Yep I do and no issues whatsoever.
Fantastic device imo...

+1

I just started running with my SB SS S2, but I had an AW Sport for the last year. The SS was a little heavy the first time I ran with it and it was banging against my wrist bone to the point of being uncomfortable. The second time I ran, I moved it further up my wrist away from the bone and went one hole tighter on the band. This made it perfectly acceptable and I am finally getting used to the heavier weight while running.

 

[BarracksSi]

What I'm most interested in is the ability to race against myself, using a saved run as a benchmark. Similar to Garmin's "Virtual Racer". (e.g. not just against a set pace)

The last time I used a "virtual partner" on my Garmin was for my annual fitness test in the military. It wasn't a saved run—I think my Forerunner 410 didn't have the ability—but it helped me get my 3-mile run close to 21 minutes for the first time in years.

Maybe there'll be an app for the AW with a virtual partner. Hmm. Maybe I should try writing one...
[doublepost=1480990996][/doublepost]

I've never used that particular function but irunsmooth claims to be able to do just that (from their website):

Challenge yourself on a Ghost Run
Race against one of your previous workouts and try to beat your personal best! Bring out the best of yourself and evaluate your training. There is no easier way to get motivated.

Cool -- didn't see your post until my reply got added.

 

[raf66]

...
For serious training such as intervals, custom workouts, cadence, zone/threshhold alerts, etc, you're still better off with a running specific watch.
...

I run 6 days/week, and while I've only had my AW for a short time, it does everything I need. Now mind you, I'm not training for the Boston Marathon, and my runs are casual (and often s l o w), but all of the information I desire is on the AW. Plus it's a functional "watch" that can be both casual and formal enough. Not to mention all of the other tech functions it provides.

With respect to the post I quoted above, I ran for many years with a Garmin Forerunner that was, at its core, a true runner's watch. It gave a wealth of information that the basic AW software doesn't (with the caveat that some 3rd party apps give a lot more running-specific info). But again, I'm just a casual runner who is not interested in breaking down intervals or analyzing specific heart rate zones, etc., so the AW is just fine for my needs. Plus, I could never wear my Garmin for anything other than running. It was, shall we say, rather ugly and bulbous, whereas the AW can function quite adequately for both exercise and as a wearable timepiece while dressed in non-running attire.

 

[ardchoille50]

I've never used that particular function but irunsmooth claims to be able to do just that (from their website):

Challenge yourself on a Ghost Run
Race against one of your previous workouts and try to beat your personal best! Bring out the best of yourself and evaluate your training. There is no easier way to get motivated.

That being said most serious runners are probably still better off going with something like the garmin forerunner series. Personally, I use the original Apple Watch with irunsmooth then export the data to Strava but I don't really do a lot of data crunching so it works well for me (and I use this setup to do a combination of interval workouts, tempo runs and steady distance runs).

Another vote for iSmoothRun, I love that app. It was designed by a triathlete.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ismoothrun-pro-gps-pedometer/id410965399?mt=8

 

[TxWatch]

I run 6 days/week, and while I've only had my AW for a short time, it does everything I need. Now mind you, I'm not training for the Boston Marathon, and my runs are casual (and often s l o w), but all of the information I desire is on the AW. Plus it's a functional "watch" that can be both casual and formal enough. Not to mention all of the other tech functions it provides.

With respect to the post I quoted above, I ran for many years with a Garmin Forerunner that was, at its core, a true runner's watch. It gave a wealth of information that the basic AW software doesn't (with the caveat that some 3rd party apps give a lot more running-specific info). But again, I'm just a casual runner who is not interested in breaking down intervals or analyzing specific heart rate zones, etc., so the AW is just fine for my needs. Plus, I could never wear my Garmin for anything other than running. It was, shall we say, rather ugly and bulbous, whereas the AW can function quite adequately for both exercise and as a wearable timepiece while dressed in non-running attire.

+1 on all points

I consider myself an "avid" runner who runs 3-4 times a week at a 7-8 mph pace for at least 100 miles a month. I just picked up a SB AW S2 and it fits my running needs perfectly. It records my distance, average pace, split times, heart rate, weather and shows me my GPS route, plus it does so much more for me the "rest" of the day.

I ran for a year with my AW Sport S0, but it had so many issues tracking my distance correctly, that I used it mainly for a step counter and stopwatch during my runs. (Expensive stopwatch which is now my sleep tracker...)

I have owned a Garmin Forerunner 201 since the days when I was running marathons and while it was much more suited for running, I would never wear it any other time due to its bulk and outright unattractiveness.

My SB SS with the Black leather loop is a beautiful time piece, it works perfectly during my Workouts and it keeps me on track the rest of the day with my calendar, weather, text messages, heart rate, step count and an occasional phone call. Oh yea, it also keeps track of the time for me.

 

[BarracksSi]

Quick thing I discovered the other day --

During a workout, if you turn the crown, you can highlight different metrics. So, instead of only the top number being highlighted, you can do it for whichever one you want that's on your list.

 

[Phil A.]

After yet another issue with using apps to track my runs this morning (I switched from Runtastic to Strava due to repeate issues with Runtastic, and it worked great for a few days but today just froze up half way through my run and I lost a kilometre of data and distance), I've given up on trying to use the Apple watch for my runs and bought a Forerunner 235.

My intention is to just use it when exercising and keep the AW for normal use but I'll see how the Garmin works as an all day device for a few days

 

[Bob190]

After yet another issue with using apps to track my runs this morning (I switched from Runtastic to Strava due to repeate issues with Runtastic, and it worked great for a few days but today just froze up half way through my run and I lost a kilometre of data and distance), I've given up on trying to use the Apple watch for my runs and bought a Forerunner 235.

My intention is to just use it when exercising and keep the AW for normal use but I'll see how the Garmin works as an all day device for a few days

I looked back in my data and I have done 24 runs using my Series 2 and the Nike Run Club app without my phone. I only had an issue on one run where the data didn't sync properly. After the run, I have been able to sync every run to Strava using RunGap. So I am pretty happy with the S2.

I just really like running with one device that does it all .. music, GPS tracking ang heart rate. And now that it has turned cold and the watch is buried under long sleeves, it is great to get the voice feedback from the NRC watch app.

I also have a Garmin watch but haven't used it in a few months.

 

[Long Run Nick]

I am a serious runner and have to chime in. Been running just over 40 years(85,814 miles and counting- 526 races), is that serious enough?
Have run more than 400 miles with the AW2. Initially had the AW2 but grabbed the Nike Edition when it showed up. Hey, I am a serious runner and have to dress the part
I am serious enough that most days I run with both the AW and my Garmin235. I have found the AW wrist HR to be within a beat or 2 of the Garmin. Impressive. Actual pace is a joke, as it is on most watches. Distance is pretty close between the 2. On a 10 mile run the AW may show 10.05-8. Impressive. Average pace is close. I like the Nike app, though as mentioned, pretty wonky. Hearing the audio report of the mile and average pace for the run is a new experience for me. I have never run with a phone.
I like the data from the Garmin, yet, after all my running I glance at the stuff from time to time.
I actually bought the AW as a smart watch. I have been impressed with the AW.
Back in 1976 whenI got serious about running I ran with a stop watch that was the size of an alarm clock.
Amazingly, without all the data- never knew my cadence/HR/VO2 max I got down to sub 18 minute 5K's after smoking cigarettes for over 10 years. Don't get too wrapped up in all the data. Just get out and run, learn to listen intuitively to your body. You will find it less stressful, and your race times may improve!
I add this as I anxiously await the delivery of my new Stryd, so I can measure my power/ efficiency.
Hey, have fun, keep running- closing in on 74, it works. Nick

 

[PatrickNSF]

I looked back in my data and I have done 24 runs using my Series 2 and the Nike Run Club app without my phone. I only had an issue on one run where the data didn't sync properly. After the run, I have been able to sync every run to Strava using RunGap. So I am pretty happy with the S2.

I just really like running with one device that does it all .. music, GPS tracking ang heart rate. And now that it has turned cold and the watch is buried under long sleeves, it is great to get the voice feedback from the NRC watch app.

I also have a Garmin watch but haven't used it in a few months.

A few questions re the Nike+ app –

– Have you found a way to lock the screen? I like using the Nike app when I'm not paying attention to my pace or cadence, but I've found that when running with long sleeves it's easy for me to inadvertently pause the run with the sleeves.

– Is there any way when you set the app to for a distance run to have it stop exactly at that distance? I've found that the app keeps going past the distance I've set. It usually takes a few seconds to get the app stopped and saved – sometimes longer if I'm sweaty.

– Do your splits show up in the Nike app? Mine don't when I use the Nike app, but they do show up if I run with my Garmin and have the run imported into Nike. Kind of strange...

 

[Bob190]

PatrickNSF ...

I don't know if you can lock the screen, but I have never run into the problem of sleeves pausing the run.

No, I don't think there is a way to stop the app at the set distance.

I export all of my runs to Strava and splits show there just fine. I just use the Nike app as a conduit to Strava. I did see a post on the Nike support app that said splits are coming in the next release however.

 

[PatrickNSF]

PatrickNSF ...

I don't know if you can lock the screen, but I have never run into the problem of sleeves pausing the run.

No, I don't think there is a way to stop the app at the set distance.

I export all of my runs to Strava and splits show there just fine. I just use the Nike app as a conduit to Strava. I did see a post on the Nike support app that said splits are coming in the next release however.

Thanks! What do you use to export Nike+ runs to Strava? I've used RunGap, but I saw a recent warning that the developer is ceasing future support.

 

[TxWatch]

Quick thing I discovered the other day --

During a workout, if you turn the crown, you can highlight different metrics. So, instead of only the top number being highlighted, you can do it for whichever one you want that's on your list.

I noticed the same thing accidently about a month ago. I was checking my pace one day and I touched the crown enough for it to move the highlight to a different metric. It took me a bit to figure out it was the crown that made the change, but now I go back and forth depending on what I want highlighted for a particular run.

A few questions re the Nike+ app –

– Have you found a way to lock the screen? I like using the Nike app when I'm not paying attention to my pace or cadence, but I've found that when running with long sleeves it's easy for me to inadvertently pause the run with the sleeves.

I do not use the Nike App, but if you have the S2, you should be able to go to the main Watch face, swipe up and press the water droplet to lock the screen. I use the Workout App and it has the lock screen on a left-swipe screen. I use teh lock every time I wear long sleeves to avoid unwanted screen changes.

 

[Bob190]

Thanks! What do you use to export Nike+ runs to Strava? I've used RunGap, but I saw a recent warning that the developer is ceasing future support.

I still use RunGap. It should work unless/until Nike makes a change. Maybe even after that if the developer reconsiders has stance on Nike.

If not, you can always import into SmashRun then use Tapirik to sync to Strava.

All of this is really stupid anyway as you should be able to do whatever you like with your data. Companies like Nike and Apple for that matter need to wise up.

 

[PatrickNSF]

I do not use the Nike App, but if you have the S2, you should be able to go to the main Watch face, swipe up and press the water droplet to lock the screen. I use the Workout App and it has the lock screen on a left-swipe screen.

Unfortunately, when you're using the Nike+ running app, swiping up doesn't bring up the control panel (or lock function). I think Nike+ would need to add a lock function as part of their app (unless there's a way to provide universal locking that I' not finding).

All of this is really stupid anyway as you should be able to do whatever you like with your data. Companies like Nike and Apple for that matter need to wise up.

Agreed. I'll continue to use RunGap for the time being. I also set up SmashRun, but it's a bit of a hassle going through those steps.