I haven’t been using my Apple Watch 7 for running in a long time. I’ve written many articles about the Apple Watch’s lack of a physical button, and compared to other watches, the metrics just weren’t as good.
The watchOS 9 update has some new and improved metrics. I downloaded the update and headed out for a 5 mile run to see if they worked. I think these updates have turned a “Meh” running watch into a decent one.
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watchOS 9: Can the Apple Watch compete with Garmin now?
Taking a look at what has changed is the first thing we should do. You can see the new workout screens on the watch when you are in the run workout mode. The first shows you which heart rate zone you are in, not like the heart rate colors on some of the best watches. You can see how hard you work with heart rate training.
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I try to follow the 80/20 method when training as a runner. I do 80% of my miles at an easy pace and 20% at a harder effort. My heart rate is the most convenient way for me to measure this. My goal is to keep my easy miles in zone two or three.
Apple took its first steps into more serious workout tracking with the addition of heart rate zones on the Apple watch. The health data can be used to monitor the intensity of a workout. You can see them in the heart rate section of the workout if you don’t want to watch them on the run.
The Apple Watch gives you deeper workout metrics such as stride length, ground contact time, and average power. These have all been available on a lot of the best running watches for a long time.
None of these metrics are useful on the run. Runners who overstride are more likely to get injured and that’s one of the ways to check in on your running form. Runners with a shorter stride are more likely to run fast. If you want to train for a marathon PR, these aren’t worth getting too hung up on.
You can see the data when you click on the Show More option next to the workout details in the fitness app. The metrics can be rearranged at the bottom of the page.
It has been a long time since I have been able to create my own workouts on the Apple watch. Keeping the repeats in my head or writing on my hand isn’t ideal if I’m heading out to do a speed session If you click the three dots in the corner you can create a custom workout on the watch. Apple isn’t reinventing the wheel, but they are signalling that the Apple watch is more of a training companion than it has been before.
There are different types of run workouts, such as time-based, distance-based, or racing against yourself. I will be able to take all of these in the next few weeks.
watchOS 9: Time to switch running watches?
Is this watchOS 9 update enough to keep me from hanging up my Fenix 7? It’s not yet. Even with the new low-power mode, the battery life of my Apple Watch 7 cannot compare to my Garmin, and if I were headed out for a long run or a race, I would be worried about it giving up halfway around.
It’s not clear whether the Apple Watch Ultra will be able to compete with the Fenix 7. The improvements of watchOS9 have made a big difference.
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