Perfect setup for running with AW

[aleksiz]

I was an avid Garmin user for years (since Forerunner 305, go figure). During several years I never considered the Apple Watch as a decent alternative (I tried with the S3 but I was never convinced, especially after experiencing trouble to end a workout in wet conditions). That changed (totally) when the AWU came out.

Now, especially after my frustrations with Garmin's behaviour, I use my black AWU2 almost exclusively during training (I still wear the Garmin for screen readability during exercise).

Big plusses are LTE and constant HR monitoring on irregularities.

Thought sharing my set-up, as it would have helped me when I was a newbie:

• Athlytic app: fantastic overview of all essentials as HRV, exertion, sleep (quality), training load, recovery, etc. - no brainer
• Trenara app: I am aiming for a marathon PR - best training app I have ever used. Insert a goal time, get the appropriate training plan and keep track of your progress towards your goal. No brainer. Subscription based, but I intent to pay subscription only when I have a race goal.
• Watchletic: necessary to upload the training plan to the AWU.

For me that is it. I am aware that probably there a re a lot of other apps that offer the same functionality but with this combo I do not miss any of the functions of Garmin. I also prefer the look of the AWU hardware + software (even over my "fancy" Marq Gen 2 watch), but that is very personal of course. FYI, external HR monitor is connected to my Garmin, but the HR data of my AWU (sensor only) is identical.

Hope this is helpful to anyone.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Hmm..

To each our own I guess

The post reads more like "a way to do this all with AW" and less like "the perfect setup for running"

I don't care at all for the latest moves from Garmin, but for now it's still a vastly preferable experience for me as it's all in one with the App, has dramatically better battery life and as you highlighted is still the best for screen readability during exercise.

I'd also add "usability during exercise" due to many real buttons and the OS being built for button interaction which I wildly prefer over touchscreens for my usages.

I would love for Apple to make a super fitness focused Watch, specifically one with a variety of buttons and specialized hardware and optimization around getting "amazing battery life".

I know some love the "smartphone on your wrist" sensibility of the Apple Watch -- but equally there are a ton of us that don't need or want any of that and are turned off by the drawbacks that design decision entails for the product overall.

 

[aleksiz]

Hmm..

To each our own I guess

The post reads more like "a way to do this all with AW" and less like "the perfect setup for running"

I don't care at all for the latest moves from Garmin, but for now it's still a vastly preferable experience for me as it's all in one with the App, has dramatically better battery life and as you highlighted is still the best for screen readability during exercise.

I'd also add "usability during exercise" due to many real buttons and the OS being built for button interaction which I wildly prefer over touchscreens for my usages.

I would love for Apple to make a super fitness focused Watch, specifically one with a variety of buttons and specialized hardware and optimization around getting "amazing battery life".

I know some love the "smartphone on your wrist" sensibility of the Apple Watch -- but equally there are a ton of us that don't need or want any of that and are turned off by the drawbacks that design decision entails for the product overall.

See your point. Changed the title. When I run I do not want to touch my watch (not the Garmin, especially not the AWU). Lately I was struggling with the Garmin Spotify app so moved over to music on AWU and it works (if not, it is a hassle and then the buttons are a plus).

 

[turbineseaplane]

See your point. Changed the title. When I run I do not want to touch my watch (not the Garmin, especially not the AWU). Lately I was struggling with the Garmin Spotify app so moved over to music on AWU and it works (if not, it is a hassle and then the buttons are a plus).

Integrated music situation is absolutely a big advantage for AW

That's one I haven't been impacted by as I use my own fully offline/local music from either my iPod Shuffle + BT or sometimes off my iPhone (in my Camelback). When I run I use AP2's which still have my vastly preferred "tap" gestures to change tracks and I can bump up/down volume, if needed, either with Siri or via phone control on my Garmin.

I've started using that more as I enjoy the Garmin app progress callouts through my AirPods while running.

 

[PeteBurgh]

Integrated music situation is absolutely a big advantage for AW

Agreed. As well as better music options, being able to use my preferred podcast app (Overcast) and listen to Audible for long runs is a killer feature for me. Listening to my Audible book in the kitchen on my phone when I have my coffee, and then being able to pick up where I left off on my watch is a really good experience, and not one easily replicated on Garmin or Coros or whatever.

One of the things these Apple vs Garmin threads (like this whopper) suggests to me is the 'running' isn't really one use case but lots of diverse and often pretty different use cases. For example, hardware buttons that allow for precise timings aren't useful for the kind of training and longer distance runs I do, but I can absolutely see how they would critical for doing track sessions for instance.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I honestly just appreciate the ability to have a civil and constructive pro and con discussion on this topic.

For whatever reason, it too often devolves into “love” and “hate” on either side and the reality is very much in the middle, depending on what your needs and preferences are.

I would be able to exist with Apple Watch only just fine, but prefer the Garmin for what I’m looking for.

I have a feeling most people would be able to be just fine on either side. It’s just a matter of figuring out how to make it to work.

 

[Psdn]

I don’t know this guy, but a nice read…

Apple Watch Series 10: A Runner's Review

www.roadtrailrun.com

 

[PeteBurgh]

For whatever reason, it too often devolves into “love” and “hate” on either side and the reality is very much in the middle, depending on what your needs and preferences are.

Indeed. Platform wars are usually pretty silly. It reminds me of Nintendo vs Sega when I was school!

I prefer the Apple Watch for the reasons I've mentioned, but some of the Garmins are absolutely stunning. For example, this Fenix 8 is gorgeous in a chunky utilitarian sort of way. A long term goal of mine is to get into ultra running, and when I do I might treat myself!