As a runner, I have always been looking for ways to improve my performance and reach my goals. With the latest Apple Watch and watchOS 9, I am able to do just that.
The new features introduced in the latest update have made it easier than ever to measure my performance, get accurate data during my workouts, and access training experiences to help me get the most out of my runs.
One of the most exciting additions to the Apple Watch is the inclusion of more running form metrics. With vertical oscillation, I can measure how much energy I am wasting going up versus propelling me forward.
Stride length lets me measure the length of my running stride and make adjustments to my form to increase my speed. Ground contact time helps me to monitor how long my feet are on the ground and adjust my form to improve my efficiency.
And with the new power metric, I can train with a running power target to keep my effort at a level that I can reasonably sustain.
Workout Views provide more accurate and actionable data during a workout. I love being able to see how my workouts are contributing to my Activity Rings, and the Elevation metric lets me see my elevation gain and current elevation in real-time.
With Segments and Splits, I can monitor my pacing and keep track of different sections of my workout. These familiar metrics now have an individual Workout View, making it easy to glance at during my run using the Digital Crown.
Training experiences are a great addition to helping me get the most out of my workouts. I love being able to race against my last or best time on a familiar route with the Race Route feature.
Creating a Custom Workout adds structure to my run with work and rest intervals, and new alerts guide me with haptics and voice feedback. Selecting Pacer and choosing a distance with a target finish time gives me pace alerts during my run, helping me meet my goal.
And with Heart Rate Zones, I can monitor the intensity of my workout and stay within a certain zone that aligns with my training goals.
For those looking to take their endurance training to the next level, the Apple Watch Ultra is the perfect companion.
With precision dual-frequency GPS, I get amazing accuracy in even the most difficult environments to better measure my actual workout route and distance.
The longest battery life of any Apple Watch yet, Ultra has up to 36 hours of battery life on a single charge for everyday use. And with specific low-power modes,
Ultra can achieve up to 60 hours on a single charge. The customizable Action button gives me quick physical control for a range of functions including starting a Workout, setting a Compass Waypoint, starting a Backtrack path, turning on a flashlight, starting a stopwatch, and more.
And the biggest, brightest Always-On Retina display ever on an Apple Watch makes it easy to read even in the harshest bright light.
For those looking to take their workouts to the next level, Apple Fitness+ offers audio experiences directly from the Apple Watch. When paired with AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones, I can access experiences like Time to Run, designed to help me become a more consistent and better runner.
Overall, the latest Apple Watch and watchOS 9 offer a powerful and convenient way to improve my running performance and reach my goals.
With more running form metrics, accurate and actionable data during workouts, and powerful training experiences, I am able to get the most out of my runs and take my endurance training to the next level.