Sounds like neither Runmeter or ismoothrun are fully functional. Atleast Runmeter was able to start and stop my run from the watch and accurately tracked the run even if it stops updating the information on the watch screen. Strava is still the best I've seen even if it is simple. I am really looking forward to what apps come up with for running in the future but it sounds like for now the options are somewhat limited.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
iSmoothRun with AW. Experiences?
- Thread starter meeebee
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Sounds like neither Runmeter or ismoothrun are fully functional. Atleast Runmeter was able to start and stop my run from the watch and accurately tracked the run even if it stops updating the information on the watch screen. Strava is still the best I've seen even if it is simple. I am really looking forward to what apps come up with for running in the future but it sounds like for now the options are somewhat limited.
With the recent updates (in March) to iSmoothRun, the integration between the Apple watch and the iPhone seems rather solid, I have been using it for multiple runs with occasional pauses, phone call interruptions, a photo opportunity on the trail, etc with the ability to resume from the watch without an issue. It is still the case that to completely end the run one needs to use the iPhone. The Strava options on both the iPhone and Apple Watch remain relatively basic and without the ability to customize to your style. Also, I appreciate that iSmoothRun can export to both Strava and Runkeeper as well as select music playlists from my phone and initiate them at the beginning of a run...
I've given up on it. Tried it again today and it didn't record my HR during my run. I'm going to stick with Strava only for now. I wish there were more display options on the watch during the run/ride, but at least I know it's working.
that's great! this was a fresh install and oh well, and yeah, I flipped the switch for it to measure HR. Whattayagonnado? Strava works, I'm good. Just hope you can adjust what you can display soon (going to miss that Pace Avg 60 Secs)
I have noticed that setting switch does sometimes seem to get flipped to the opposite state on me. I mostly use it with an external strap though so I rarely touch it anymore. One thing I do wish is that you could modify more settings once an activity is started. On my Garmin I can modify nearly every setting even mid-run.
I was a big proponent of iSmoothRun on the AW initially, but development of the app seems to have stalled. I can't get the HR integration to work, and the screen is just too difficult to read while running. For example, the choice of a blue font for the data is poor. White, or even a light gray, would be easier to read outside.
I'll likely try the alternatives again once marathon training is done next week. Although I typically run with a Garmin, I'd like the option to use an app on the AW while traveling. But iSmoothRun doesn't cut it for me.
I'll likely try the alternatives again once marathon training is done next week. Although I typically run with a Garmin, I'd like the option to use an app on the AW while traveling. But iSmoothRun doesn't cut it for me.
In September 2016, iSmoothRun improved the Watch functionality and currently they do use the Watch heartbeat measurements.
Correct. It can use the watch HR in the app.
I think the watch app still needs the phone nearby to function. I asked the developer if he planned on making the Apple Watch app function without the phone (using the watch GPS) late last year. Said it was coming soon, but I doubt it's going to happen at this point.
I think the watch app still needs the phone nearby to function. I asked the developer if he planned on making the Apple Watch app function without the phone (using the watch GPS) late last year. Said it was coming soon, but I doubt it's going to happen at this point.
iSmoothRun is my favourite running app by far. I use it to give me audio feedback on pace as I run, and I used to use it to upload data to Strava, Nike, RunKeeper among other sites. However, I've given up on the AW app. It's too fiddly.
Since getting a Garmin, I'm using the app less and less. It's a great all-in-one, and I still use it, including to track mileage on my running shoes and for my in-run audio feedback, but now that Garmin uploads to Nike and Strava, it's usefulness is diminished.
I could never get the running intervals feature to work, though.
Since getting a Garmin, I'm using the app less and less. It's a great all-in-one, and I still use it, including to track mileage on my running shoes and for my in-run audio feedback, but now that Garmin uploads to Nike and Strava, it's usefulness is diminished.
I could never get the running intervals feature to work, though.
I use ismoothrun too. For me, it works the best. Like you said, being able to export data to whichever service you want is awesome. The AW app is fine for what it is. It's a display for the phone app, which is good, but I really want to be able to run without the phone and have all the features work. Seeing how long the watch has been out for, I don't think the app is going to ever do that.
I had a Garmin, 235, but sold it. Too many issues for me. Wanted the Apple Watch plus an app (wish it was ismoothrun) to be what the Garmin should be. Guess it's close enough.
Did you have issues with the Garmin intervals or ismoothrun? Ismoothrun intervals are great, but Garmin intervals where one of many things that did not work for me. One of several issues I had with it.
I had a Garmin, 235, but sold it. Too many issues for me. Wanted the Apple Watch plus an app (wish it was ismoothrun) to be what the Garmin should be. Guess it's close enough.
Did you have issues with the Garmin intervals or ismoothrun? Ismoothrun intervals are great, but Garmin intervals where one of many things that did not work for me. One of several issues I had with it.
@goat5570 My difficulty was with iSmoothRun's intervals. I was surprised to see you say they worked for you. I've just tried to set some up on the app, and they are working now. They weren't when I last tried, which was probably 3+ years ago.
I've found the Garmin to be fantastic. I have the 735XT. I wish I'd got one sooner. Setting up simple intervals such as '12 x 400m with 90seconds rest interval', are easy on the watch. Setting up irregular ones requires using the website. But once you've created the workout it's saved for repeated use.
I love that I can see the count down to the end of the interval on my wrist, as I run. 40+ minutes into my training, I need that feedback to help me keep pushing myself to the end of the interval. I also love being able to see current heart rate data. Important for checking recovery between intervals.
Another critical feature for me, is the accuracy of Garmin's GPS versus that of the iPhone. The Garmin's is definitely superior (I have it use GPS and GLONASS). Unfortunately this means I'm not as fast as I thought I was. But on the plus side, my half-marathons are now half-marathon length, rather than the 14+ miles the iPhone seemed to think they were.
Although I am a big fan of my Garmin for running, and swimming, I don't wear it every day. Compared to my Apple Watch, it looks cheap, chunky and ugly. It is the master of the one thing it was designed to do, but not that great at anything else. In short, I have become one of those people you see out there running, with my apple watch on one wrist, and my Garmin on the other.
I've found the Garmin to be fantastic. I have the 735XT. I wish I'd got one sooner. Setting up simple intervals such as '12 x 400m with 90seconds rest interval', are easy on the watch. Setting up irregular ones requires using the website. But once you've created the workout it's saved for repeated use.
I love that I can see the count down to the end of the interval on my wrist, as I run. 40+ minutes into my training, I need that feedback to help me keep pushing myself to the end of the interval. I also love being able to see current heart rate data. Important for checking recovery between intervals.
Another critical feature for me, is the accuracy of Garmin's GPS versus that of the iPhone. The Garmin's is definitely superior (I have it use GPS and GLONASS). Unfortunately this means I'm not as fast as I thought I was. But on the plus side, my half-marathons are now half-marathon length, rather than the 14+ miles the iPhone seemed to think they were.
Although I am a big fan of my Garmin for running, and swimming, I don't wear it every day. Compared to my Apple Watch, it looks cheap, chunky and ugly. It is the master of the one thing it was designed to do, but not that great at anything else. In short, I have become one of those people you see out there running, with my apple watch on one wrist, and my Garmin on the other.