Using the AW as a running Watch?

[MajkJaro]

If you believe in the Garmin training/recovery metrics, it’s nice having all of that data with your workouts stored in Garmin Connect. I’ve also loosely followed the suggested workouts for one marathon and two half marathons with moderate success (but not close to the times I ran with a coach). I race using manual laps (so the lap button helps).

But I think you can make it work with an AW. When I take breaks from the Garmin data overload and run with just an Apple Watch I think it's totally fine. I primarily use the Workout app and run based on "rolling mile" and heart rate. With music and LTE on the watch it's an overall more enjoyable experience TBH.

Does AW have any recovery stats?

 

[MarkX]

Does AW have any recovery stats?

Not built in. You have to use a third party app if you want recovery stats.

 

[Zelegorm]

The data in the garmin is much more worse than on the Apple Watch. **** in. **** out. Sorry. From my point of you I will never trust Garmins data. The sensors are much more worse than on the Apple Watch

 

[quarq]

The data in the garmin is much more worse than on the Apple Watch. **** in. **** out. Sorry. From my point of you I will never trust Garmins data. The sensors are much more worse than on the Apple Watch

There are several reviews done on YouTube and the Web that show this.

Garmin does have more built in features in regards to recovery and "readiness" etc.. But if they are all built on faulty data, what's the point ? You will hear this over and over that the Apple Ultra is not a true "sports watch" as it doesn't have these above features..

When you factor in cost, the Garmins seem very pricey for a watch that doesn't do much when compared to the Apple Ultra.. And the things it apparently does that the Ultra doesn't do natively, aren't even that accurate. So ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[firstcellosuite]

I am about to run my first marathon in Philly and I have a AW S7. I am on the fence to upgrade to S10 or get a Garmin Forerunner 265.

I use my AW7 daily as normal extension of the phone, but that has reduced as I need reading glasses to read the watch screen. I can't use reading glasses during a run, so it's makes it hard for me to use the watch, I can make use the WOD screen and get an idea of the distance, time and pace. But I cannot see the other smaller metrics on the watch.

Going forward, I am going to be running for the foreseeable future, so I am not sure if I should get a Garmin as my primary watch. I don't like the idea of having two or multiple watches, but could warm up to if I can make the case for it. All my running friends have a Garmin, I am the only one with a AW. So that also plays into it. I don't like the no lap button on AW for interval workouts.

And I don't like heavy watches, so AW Ultra is out for me. Hence the inclination towards S10 and I carry my phone with me, so cellular on a watch is not a necessity.

Any advice or suggestions are welcome.

I went with the two watch route for a couple of years - Garmin Fenix and Apple Watch. The Apple Watch was meant for daily use with the Garmin for running workouts and camping trips on weekends. I would not recommend it. After a little while you'll find yourself gravitating towards one watch while the other gathers dust.

If a fitness tracking watch is important than stick with Garmin. That watch was fantastic for data and metrics. I only bluetooth paired the Garmin with my phone after a workout. Otherwise for me it was a "dumb" watch for the most part.

If a smartwatch with fitness tracking features is important than go with the AW. The recent watch os added training metrics and data Garmin has had for some time. For my needs the AW Ultra has been fantastic. Due to knee issues i don't run like i used so the Ultra battery easily lasts me a full day and then some, even with a 45 minute walking workout. I like the LTE feature on my Ultra. Being able to go on a workout (run or walk) with only my watch and airpods is great. I find my motivation is better with the AW thanks to the rings and badges you can earn.

One option is to purchase both through Best Buy. Test them out during the marathon, see which one you like and then return the other. I did that a few times over the years at Best Buy with other smartwatch brands.

 

[Zelegorm]

If you to go with a two watch path then you should use a Suunto. Then you have real battery life. Nice features. The health stuff is much better on the Apple Watch. The Suunto is way cheaper and much better for that use case

 

[quarq]

Went for my last real long run before the marathon. I never bring a phone just my AWU v1. 25km in and 6km from home and my wife calls saying she’s in crazy pain and wants to go to the hospital. Oh ****. Picked up the pace made it home swapped clothes quickly and spent 7hrs in the hospital. She’s ok now. Nothing serious but the doctor said my wife was not far from passing out from the pain where I would have casually walked into house and found her if it was not for the fact she called to say she needed help.
All this to say that given that I hate bringing a phone with me I’m very happy I had the Apple Watch Ultra today.