3 Apple Watch operating features I wish I knew sooner

Like a long time Apple watch As a wearer and runner, I thought I knew everything there was to know about the operating features of a watch. It turns out that there are still a lot of things I have yet to discover, some of which could have made training much easier.

With the San Francisco Marathon taking place this weekend, I’ve gotten a crash course in Apple’s Apple Watch operating features. Most of these features work on every model running the latest version of WatchOS, while others are exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra series. These are the features I add to my training routine.

Read more: The future of Apple Watch AI isn’t a chatbot, it’s a coach

@cnetdotcom

I took a crash course in Apple Watch operating features from the pros, and these are the features I’m adding to my training routine: 1. Custom Workouts Build your own training plan in the Fitness app based on time, distance, or heart rate zones. Your watch tracks each segment and taps your wrist when it’s time to move on. 2. Pacemaker Set your target pace before you run, and Apple Watch will help keep you on track so you don’t start too fast or fall behind. 3. Race Track Turn a regular running route into your own personal race. Compare with your best or most recent time and see if you can beat it. I also share some additional tips (including some Apple Watch Ultra exclusives) in the full guide linked in our bio. #Apple_Watch #San Francisco Marathon #marathon training #allthingsmobile #Fitness

♬ Cliff Volt – Guitar Whisperer

1. Customized workouts

Instead of trying to remember every interval or warm-up, let your Apple Watch guide you through your workout.

To create your own workout, open Fitness app on your iPhone, then tap Exercises Unpaid invoice. Find the exercise of your choice (running, in my case), then tap Timer iconHe chooses Custom workoutthen scroll to the bottom and tap + button.

Name your workout so it’s easy to find later on your watch (try adding an emoji or three), then build your routine. I start my workouts with a two-minute warm-up, but you can also create segments based on distance, time, or heart rate zones. You can also repeat an entire sequence so you don’t have to recreate each interval individually, and then end it with a cooldown if that’s what you prefer.

Once you’re done, your workout automatically syncs to your Apple Watch. The next time you start running, tap the timer icon, select your custom workout, and go. The watch tracks each segment and alerts your wrist when it’s time to move on, so you can focus on your run instead of watching the watch.

2. Bayer

If you’re the type of person who gets a little excited at the start of a race and ends up burned out halfway through (that’s me!), the Pacer can help.

From a running workout on your watch, tap Timer iconscroll down to Pacerpress + buttonChoose your race distance and enter your target finish time. The watch calculates the pace you will need to maintain.

Next, go back to the timer icon in the top right corner of your running workout on the watch, and scroll down to find the Pacer plan you just created. The interface will now display a progress bar on the screen instead of your usual stats, which moves to show whether you’re ahead or behind your target pace. Red means you’re falling behind, green means you’re moving faster than your target, and the sweet spot is right in the middle. You can also swipe between screens to see your usual workout stats throughout your run.

3. Raceway

If you always run the same loop or track in the neighborhood, you may be able to use it to compete against yourself.

Open Running Workout, then tap Timer iconscroll down to Racing road And choose one of your own Saved routes. Then choose whether you want to race against your personal record or your last run.

I’m still recovering from the injury, so I’ll make the best of it.

Additional features for Apple Watch Ultra

Ultra models in Apple’s smartwatch line, like the latest Apple Watch Ultra 3add some playback features you won’t find in the standard Apple Watch.

The exact beginning

If you’ve ever started a workout with an Apple Watch, you’re familiar with the three-second countdown after pressing the start button. This, among other things, gives the watch time to find the GPS signal. But this isn’t great for race day if you just want to get up and go.

To get rid of it and enable precise startup, open Settings On your watch, scroll down to work out And run The exact beginning.

Now when you start your workout, the timer starts immediately. It may not be GPS locked to begin with, but you’ll know if it is when the compass icon in the top left corner turns blue.

The action button works on the shortcut

If you want to go faster, you can set the action button to start your favorite workout.

Go to Settings > Action buttonHe chooses work outthen under First press He chooses Run outdoors. You can also set it to start one of the custom workouts you just did.

Quick pause shortcut

Instead of relying on automatic pausing, the Apple Watch Ultra model also lets you pause and resume your workout instantly by pressing any two buttons at the same time (no sweaty screen scrolling for me).

More AI powered features in your future

If you have an Apple Intelligence compatible iPhone (iPhone 15 Pro or later) paired with a running Apple Watch WatchOS 26You will also be able to use Workout Buddy.

Workout buddy It is an AI-powered audio companion that uses your workout history, pace, heart rate, and fitness data to give you real-time personalized encouragement while you run.

Instead of generic prompts, it could say things like, “This is the fastest mile you’ve run yet,” or remind you that you’ve already run 40 miles this month. With the coming WatchOS 27 Workout Buddy is scheduled to launch in September, and will also be available in Spanish.

Whether you’re running the San Francisco Marathon this weekend, training for your next race, or just trying to get back to your best, I hope some of these tips help make your next run a little smoother.