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andrewstirling

macrumors 6502a
May 19, 2015
715
425
The built in workout app doesn't give audible feedback (distance, time, pace, whatever) at set intervals does it? I couldn't get it to do so on my test run, and I don't see anything in the settings to add that feature, but maybe I missed something simple.

The strava app gives you all that
 

redsteeler

macrumors member
Dec 30, 2014
33
6
Nike vs Strava it seems Nike app have more accurate pace and Heart reading and also can show current pace (strava not) at least with my apple watch series Although Strava app start faster have more pleasant screen data etc
 

andrewstirling

macrumors 6502a
May 19, 2015
715
425
Nike vs Strava it seems Nike app have more accurate pace and Heart reading and also can show current pace (strava not) at least with my apple watch series Although Strava app start faster have more pleasant screen data etc

It also works with an external heart rate monitor which the Nike app doesn’t. And it’s incredibly stable.

Regarding heart rate readings from the in built sensor - I can’t see how there would be a difference between any apps. I’m sure the info is just pulled from a native Watch api
 

redsteeler

macrumors member
Dec 30, 2014
33
6
I was wondering the same. I export data after workout to connectStats and in case of Strava Heart-rate graph have a lot of ups and downs when i run steadily also pace is jumping weirdly (graph is very jigged) Nike data produce very steady graph of heart rate and pace. I also notice that when i use strava and lift hand to see data sometimes i trigger auto-pause which is not the case with Nike app
 

andrewstirling

macrumors 6502a
May 19, 2015
715
425
I was wondering the same. I export data after workout to connectStats and in case of Strava Heart-rate graph have a lot of ups and downs when i run steadily also pace is jumping weirdly (graph is very jigged) Nike data produce very steady graph of heart rate and pace. I also notice that when i use strava and lift hand to see data sometimes i trigger auto-pause which is not the case with Nike app

Yeah auto-pause is essentially broken on strava. It’s way too sensitive. Regarding the heart rate graphs, I think it’s just that Nike smooths the data when displaying the graph. I don’t think the numbers behind the data are any different. I run with the in-built app and export to strava and runkeeper using RunGap. I see differences in pace and heart rate graphs across all apps with the same set of data. I even see a difference between the strava phone app and the strava website with regards to how the graphs are displayed.
 

xDKP

macrumors 68020
Feb 27, 2011
2,485
2,629
Denmark
Gave my Nike app a last try this afternoon. Had dog and daughter with me so no speed run but yet again the Nike app failed on me. Gave it some seconds before pressing start to let it get GPS but take a look - I started and stopped the same place and my route is the exact same roast to a big lake so it’s WAY off at the start and spot on in the end.

Don’t know if it’s because I’m on 4.1 Beta but I’m giving up until it’s been fixed (again)
 

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satchmo

macrumors 603
Aug 6, 2008
5,219
6,092
Canada
On a somewhat related note, is the Strava app completely free or does it need in-app purchases to work with the watch?

Also, is the Strava premium upgrade worth it on iOS or overkill?
 

andrewstirling

macrumors 6502a
May 19, 2015
715
425
It’s free.....and I think the strava premium is overkill. I suppose it depends how much you like all the additional stats. I did for a while...but now I tend not to look at them
 
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Bob190

macrumors 6502
May 21, 2015
447
163
Yeah auto-pause is essentially broken on strava.

Actually, I think the auto-pause sensitivity is it's best feature. I can always count on the Strava app to pause immediately once I stop moving. Most of the other apps take anywhere from 3 to 10 seconds at times to actually pause once you stop.

I think Strava uses the accelerometer to engage the auto pause, whereas some other use GPS.

It does very occasionally pause when I lift my wrist to read the screen, but it usually restarts almost immediately.
 

redsteeler

macrumors member
Dec 30, 2014
33
6
But this is the problem it shouldn’t auto-pause when you are actually running and you raise hand as i like to see more often what is my heart pulse during the training. On the other hand Nike app stops exactly in when i stop or maybe with 0,50 sec delay... i duuno why is impossible to make fast responsive app with auto stop function, voice guided and back to start simple navigation as garmin watch have it i would pay immediately for such functions
 

mk313

macrumors 68020
Feb 6, 2012
2,079
1,152
Thanks for all the advice on running apps posted here. My last 4 runs with Nike run club have been: 2 didn’t start correctly, 1 didn’t end correctly and today’s run started timing and stopped timing correctly but counted zero mileage over a 32 Minute run. All of this after working flawlessly since January. I’m starting testing new apps starting tomorrow so the Recommendations made here have been useful.
 

andrewstirling

macrumors 6502a
May 19, 2015
715
425
They’re all free to try and, with the exception of the Nike app, you can move data across them all using RunGap. So, even if you don’t like one when you try it, you can take the data with you.
 

markl9

macrumors member
Jul 22, 2008
84
34
London, UK
Just had my first run with Strava this morning and pleased to say it worked flawlessly which is more than can be said for the crummy Nike app. I can also report Rungap managed to extract all my runs from Nike and I've now imported them into Strava, I know Rungap warns you about Nike not being supported but it's worth giving it a go, it worked for me.
 
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dallison13

macrumors regular
Original poster
Sep 10, 2014
176
146
Hello All, Original Poster here. It's great to see the community of runners here still commenting on things. I've stepped away a bit (buying a house is consuming my time) but still very interested in this topic as I now have a Series 3.

So far Ive had great results with the built in App using either RUNGAP or Healthfit to export. Which do you like best and why? I'm still leaning Run GAP for it's flexibility and power but Healthkit is a one time fee. Personally I don't mind paying devs for their hard work so its a non issue for me.

Also, there are some cool new apps you should all check out.

  • WorkOutDoors - @cfc is a regular poster here and the dev. Great app, and written for the Series 3/2. Definitely worth checking out.
  • Up High - Yes, I'm here in Portland and this UP HIGH isn't what is sounds like (LOL). It's a quick measurement of your altitude and pressure, using the built in barometer in the Series 3.
  • Healthfit - Of course as mentioned above, is the app that allows you to upload your workouts to Strava, Training Peaks, email, iCloud, etc.

Anyway, I haven't used the new Nike, Runkeeper or other apps. Im fairly happy with the built in Workout app for most of my needs although I don't like how Apple smooths out the GPS track too much. I'd also love a GPS enabled Hiking option.

Lastly, if youre looking for some good reading, try "The Apple Watch Triathlete" https://theapplewatchtriathlete.com/blog-1/
Nice site with how this user is using his Apple Watch to train for a triathlon.
 

mk313

macrumors 68020
Feb 6, 2012
2,079
1,152
I’m wonderInt if the problem is with my watch, not the Nike app. I ran with the apple workout app today and at the end of my workout, I paused the run and then saved it. I saw the final stats pop up, then scrolled done to the ‘done’ button and hit done. The watch went back to the main screen but then the run disappeared. It doesn’t show up in the activity app on my phone, even though the exercise and calorie trackers show the additional activity.
 

saninl

macrumors newbie
Oct 26, 2017
5
0
Good to see a community with runners on the AW side :)

I ordered a AW 3 (GPS) and I am planning to change my Tomtom watch with the AW, also for running. For storing my data, I am using Runkeeper at this moment with the Tomtom. And for the fun, I also export the data to Smashrun. So after a run, the Tomtom syncs and I have the data on my Runkeeper account (and Smashrun).

After reading some posts in this thread, I rarely read someone using Runkeeper. Why is this, and is there a better alternative for me?
 

musicpenguy

macrumors 68000
Oct 29, 2006
1,851
761
Good to see a community with runners on the AW side :)

I ordered a AW 3 (GPS) and I am planning to change my Tomtom watch with the AW, also for running. For storing my data, I am using Runkeeper at this moment with the Tomtom. And for the fun, I also export the data to Smashrun. So after a run, the Tomtom syncs and I have the data on my Runkeeper account (and Smashrun).

After reading some posts in this thread, I rarely read someone using Runkeeper. Why is this, and is there a better alternative for me?
Their watch app isn’t the best, I think the consensus is that the Strava app or the built-in Workout app is the most polished and good experience out there. I’m a former RunKeeper user and now happily use the built in Workouts app and use RunGap to send my data to various services to do different analytics on my data.
 

andrewstirling

macrumors 6502a
May 19, 2015
715
425
Good to see a community with runners on the AW side :)

I ordered a AW 3 (GPS) and I am planning to change my Tomtom watch with the AW, also for running. For storing my data, I am using Runkeeper at this moment with the Tomtom. And for the fun, I also export the data to Smashrun. So after a run, the Tomtom syncs and I have the data on my Runkeeper account (and Smashrun).

After reading some posts in this thread, I rarely read someone using Runkeeper. Why is this, and is there a better alternative for me?

I’ve tried the runkeeper app recently and I quite like it. I find it to be stable and reliable these days. It’s also one of the few apps which allow you to program interval runs to it.
 

MJ22

macrumors 6502a
Oct 3, 2017
597
764
Are there any apps that let you track a run while wearing the watch over a sleeve? I’ve read that the Workout app won’t recognize the run if you do this. In the dead of winter, I run outside, and just strap my Garmin over my long sleeved shirt so I can still check my distance, time, and pace.
 

mk313

macrumors 68020
Feb 6, 2012
2,079
1,152
Hmm. I'd be surprised if any of the apps didn't allow this. They won't capture your heart rate, but they should still track the miles.
[doublepost=1509059068][/doublepost]I just tried it with my apple watch and the built in workouts app. I put the watch over my dress shirt, and started a run. It started, then paused after 3 seconds. then I swiped left and hit resume and it kept working for the next 60 seconds until I turned it off. It appears as though it will work as you described.
 

saninl

macrumors newbie
Oct 26, 2017
5
0
Their watch app isn’t the best, I think the consensus is that the Strava app or the built-in Workout app is the most polished and good experience out there. I’m a former RunKeeper user and now happily use the built in Workouts app and use RunGap to send my data to various services to do different analytics on my data.
Thanks for your reply and the option to go with the build-in workout app :)

I’ve tried the runkeeper app recently and I quite like it. I find it to be stable and reliable these days. It’s also one of the few apps which allow you to program interval runs to it.
Hmm, this sounds even better! That means I do not have to export with the app RunGap or something like that... :)
 

andrewstirling

macrumors 6502a
May 19, 2015
715
425
Hmm. I'd be surprised if any of the apps didn't allow this. They won't capture your heart rate, but they should still track the miles.
[doublepost=1509059068][/doublepost]I just tried it with my apple watch and the built in workouts app. I put the watch over my dress shirt, and started a run. It started, then paused after 3 seconds. then I swiped left and hit resume and it kept working for the next 60 seconds until I turned it off. It appears as though it will work as you described.

That’s not an app issue as such though is it? Doesn’t the Apple Watch need contact with your skin to keep it unlocked. If it doesn’t have that, it assumes you’ve taken it off and locks itself. Occasionally my watch locks itself while I’m wearing it and that’s usually my prompt to give the sensors on the back a bit of a wipe.
 

john991

macrumors 68040
Sep 30, 2014
3,925
2,560
Great White North - aka Canada
I'm trying to find an app that will track your indoor runs. (treadmill).

I tried runkeeper, runtastic both require you enter the mileage from the treadmill! The only one so far that can track the mileage automatically is the nike run club.

But I'm not keen on the nike run club coaching for my training of a half marathon.

Anyone know of a decent app that will track your milage automatically when on the tread mill?
 

xDKP

macrumors 68020
Feb 27, 2011
2,485
2,629
Denmark
Just finished a half marathon where I switched from the Nike I’ve used lately to the build in today. It’s just an amazing difference and it was dead on with distance and way faster to respond than Nike’s and .. IT DIDN’T CRASH! Nike I’m gonna be back when you have worked out your ****
 
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