Epic fail at 10K using Apple Watch and Runtastic

[mfm77]

After testing the Watch in a short practice run about 10 days ago (using Runtastic), I felt okay about using the Watch for my 10K today. Man, was I wrong. For starters (and I don't know if it's just me), I had such a hard time getting Runtastic to even open on my Watch. Once it finally did open (early in mile 1), it would not respond to my taps to start running. My hands weren't sweaty (it was 35 degrees at the start), so that couldn't have been an issue. Has anyone else had that problem? I finally gave up, uninstalled and reinstalled the app during a water break, but it still did not work. Thank God I brought my Microsoft Band 1 as a backup, but still - what a disappointment. Am I missing something?

Runners, have you used other running apps on the Watch? I had been using Map My Run with my Band, but since it doesn't have a native Watch app, I figured I could switch to Runtastic. Since I carry my phone with me, though, I think I'll go back to Map My Run. What other apps do runners use that have worked well? Even though I just got the Watch, I'm really hoping that Apple improves version 2 for running so I can sell this one. I like the other features a great deal, but if this keeps happening, I'll drive myself nuts!

 

[jonnysods]

I'm waiting to hear what others say about this. I've been hoping to use Runtastic with my bike and using an Apple Watch. You're making me nervous!

 

[sean000]

I have used both Runtastic and Strava for mapping and recording bike rides in the past, but not recently enough to say I was using the current versions of either app. Just that in the past they both worked fine for me. I would contact Runtastic support since we are talking about their app (it's not really Apple's fault that this third party app failed you). Did you use the workout app as a backup? You can use it simultaneously with another app like Runtastic.

 

[Vader2]

Runtastic is pretty hit and miss on AW. Every once in a while I try it and it works great and then the next time up its laggy. My biggest frustration is getting a run to finish on AW. Takes forever. I have also noticed that sometimes Runtastic reports steps per minute and stride length and other times does not.

Right now the stock workout app is working out best for me, but keep hoping Runtastic will get its act together.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

First thing I did when I bought my AW was to go running with both it (using the iSmoothRun app) and my Garmin 620 w/ chest strap. Second thing I did was to ditch any idea that the AW could serve as my go-to running watch and I could abandoned my chest strap.

I do still run w/ my iPhone though and have iSmoothRun app as a backup in case my Garmin craps out or vice versa. But I leave the AW at home. If you want a running watch get a running watch. I have the Garmin 630 now but kind of wish I kept the 620 as the new features are not all that helpful to me as I thought they would be. The 620 can be had pretty cheap now. I think it can be had for $200 w/o the strap or $240 w. Either is a great price for this watch.

 

[jbachandouris]

I have a Forerunner 225, but since I usually run on a treadmill, no watch is really that accurate.

Honestly, I'm starting to think there's no point keeping track. I'm not competing after all.

 

[exxxviii]

I have a Forerunner 225, but since I usually run on a treadmill, no watch is really that accurate.

I forget if the 225 uses its accelerometer to calculate step count. I think it does. I use a Garmin with a foot pod. If you calibrate the stride length on the watch, it is pretty freakin' accurate on a treadmill.

 

[jbachandouris]

I forget if the 225 uses its accelerometer to calculate step count. I think it does. I use a Garmin with a foot pod. If you calibrate the stride length on the watch, it is pretty freakin' accurate on a treadmill.

It does have an accelerometer, but the foot pod is $70 (rip off).

 

[Julien]

I have a Garmin 620 (my official running biking/cardio recorder - 2 watches then) and also use Nike+ on my iPhone as GPS backup recorder. I just use the Workout app on my Watch and consider it my overall health recorder. This also gives me 3 recordings of my run. 4 if you count Garmin Live Connect.

 

[meeebee]

When I saw the topic I thought you were in the same run as me, but when you said 35 at the start I knew it must be different (I'm in Austin).

Anyway, I used Runkeeper for my 10k yesterday with not much of a problem (it somewhat lagged about 5 seconds when I clicked on Start). I kept my iphone in the small of my back with a SPIbelt. I also had my FR305 on my other wrist -- my go to running watch.

Both came in fairly the same distance (off by about 0.1 miles). But I didn't wear my HR strap for the Garmin, so don't know about the HR difference.

I have iSmoothRun, Strava, and Runkeeper on my watch, and tend to use RK the most. Strava seems too basic, iSR sometimes did not begin recording, but RK has always worked. As someone else mentioned, whenever I have an issue, then I've gone back to the AW native app which has always worked.

 

[PatrickNSF]

I've had no luck using AW as a running watch. It's just not worth the effort. I use a Garmin 235 (and previously used a Garmin 620) for my runs, and the AW the rest of the day.

 

[menace3]

I have a question on these running apps for the watch. Do you use an app (runkeeper, Strava, etc etc) and start that up in addition to starting the running selection on the apple workout apps? Or do any of the running apps feed the activity rings. So then there are 2 apps running?

 

[zhenya]

I have used iSmoothrun pretty heavily with good luck. It takes a bit of work to get everything set up just the way you want it, but overall it's a solid app. Probably have run 400-500 miles with it this year. Mostly I run with my Garmin, but the AW/iPhone is pretty passable. You definitely want to test it ahead of time though (but this applies to everything you do on race day - rule #1 - don't do anything new!)

 

[exxxviii]

I have a question on these running apps for the watch. Do you use an app (runkeeper, Strava, etc etc) and start that up in addition to starting the running selection on the apple workout apps? Or do any of the running apps feed the activity rings. So then there are 2 apps running?

I used to use both Workout and Runkeeper simultaneously on my AW. Then, RK did an update and it would not work alongside the Workout app. So, I shifted to using only Runkeeper. In general, it is not necessary to use the Workout app. The watch will do a decent job of automatically detecting a workout and giving you the calorie and activity credit. In summary, if you are elevating your heart rate sufficiently (I do not know the AW's minimum threshold), you will fill the rings whether or not you actually select a workout.

 

[Mantistobogan300]

Yea the running apps running on iOS are great but in the AW they're all very laggy and buggy and just not reliable. I tried to use runtastic on the AW and it got stuck in the count down, once it started it didn't go past a mile. I switched to the native workout app and I basically use that now for every run/walk. I love it, it hasn't crashed for me once. When I run I have it set to see time, distance traveled, and HR. so yea for someone like me who runs about 3 miles daily, the workout app works great for me!
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I have a question on these running apps for the watch. Do you use an app (runkeeper, Strava, etc etc) and start that up in addition to starting the running selection on the apple workout apps? Or do any of the running apps feed the activity rings. So then there are 2 apps running?

I don't think you can run two running apps at the same time on the AW. I just use the workout to track my runs and it's great

 

[canvasback13]

i have been using MapMyRun and its been working well. I also use the activity app at the same time. I use map my run because i already have a ton of runs in it. The app is pretty limited. Once i start it, i use the activity app to track pace.

its hard to switch apps while running, but i can do it. the challenge is accurately taping on the correct app to open.

i would love to see the ability to export Activity from a run, details like Route map and stats to 3rd party apps. That would be great.

The activity app is pretty good. the issue is many of us are vested in other apps already lots of history and data we want to maintain that may include a social ecco system.