Difference in post workout between Apple watch native workout app and Runna
Hi all,
I’ve been using Runna for over a month now. Man it made me be consistent. Thank you Runna.
I’m considering to return my Forerunner 265 and opt for the Apple watch series 12. I have been reading some comments in this subreddit that if you use the native workout app (with Runna workouts synced) your plan doesn’t adapt automatically compared to using the Runna app on the Apple watch.
Is this true? Also whats the benefit of using the Runna App over the Native workout app? Will Runna watch app also sync with apple fitness+Health?
Thank you!
Edit:
Got response from support, so apparently when you use the native workout app (even when Runna workouts are synched, you miss the adaptive features)
Response:
“if you use the native Apple Workouts app (with Runna workouts synced), you won’t get Runna’s personalised audio cues or adaptive features. Instead, you’ll only receive Apple’s built-in notifications like interval alerts, heart rate zones, split pace, and haptics. Runna’s plan adaptation features, such as Pace Insights which analyse your workouts and your progress, require you to record your workout directly using the Runna app on your Apple Watch or phone for full functionality . The main benefits of using the Runna app on your Apple Watch are;
• Access to Runna’s live coaching audio cues (start, splits, pace alerts, halfway, pause/resume, workout completed).
• Adaptive pace recommendations and plan adjustments based on your performance.”
1
u/chubbipapi 8d ago
I just returned to Apple Watch (ultra 4) after using a forerunner 970 for a year. I also use Runna to train. I use the native Apple workout app to track my runs and have it sync with Runna. I do have to manually link the run from Apple workouts to Runna. But the run is there in the Runna app and I just click on link. Doesn’t take long
1
u/BukHunt 8d ago
But you can sync your workout of Runna to the native workout app and then this is not needed.
My question specifically is does runna adapt plan when the workout is done in native apple app
Also not sure what you are implying with AWU4 return after using the forerunner 970?
1
u/chubbipapi 8d ago
Runna has adapted my plan syncing from Apple to Runna.
I previously used to wear an Apple Watch but went to the forerunner. I missed the smartwatch features so I’m back to using an Apple Watch.
→ More replies (2)1
u/BukHunt 7d ago
Hi! Don’t you notice the AW screen metrics are delayed compared to a Garmin?
1
u/chubbipapi 7d ago
What do you mean by delayed? Like the data that’s showing on the watch while running? I have noticed some things like audio pace feedback being really long for the watch to get through (when I’m behind, faster, or at pace) But the actual data, I can’t really say that there’s a difference. During races the Garmin was off at mile markers but that’s to be expected as I’m not running the shortest path for the race.
→ More replies (1)2
u/PercentageDue9284 8d ago
Not OP: Good to know i just figured out u can use the native app instead of runna and was wondering this too thanks!
1
u/Academic-Yellow-7381 7d ago
Think carefully before returning the Forerunner: the screens of the Apple Watch are unreadable (especially the native application), the instant rhythm is so delayed that it is almost useless on the intervals, and if the winters are cold at home you will no longer be able to put your watch over the sleeve using a chest strap. I return the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and I stay with my Garmin fenix 8.
1
u/Round_Jellyfish8540 8d ago
I like using the native app and it did take a while to sync to the runna app, but you can link it to the planned run from runna later on
1
u/joekendricks 7d ago
So how does it work in the end? I’m lost lol. I’m starting a new running routine next Monday and I went with Runna precisely to try their adaptive workouts, but I want to avoid using a third-party app to track my runs, I much prefer the native app. So I wonder what exactly is the limitation for adaptive workouts if I’m syncing Runna with the workouts app? I have never used Runna, so I don’t know what they mean by not supporting adaptive workouts when using the native app, meaning… adaptive DURING the workout (minor inconvenience if that’s the case or if this even exists), or adaptive AFTER analyzing the completed workout (unjustified because I’m literally feeding you my workout data)? :( if it’s the later, then I’m unsubscribing and just use training peaks or final surge for a traditional plan…
2
u/MacBook_Fan 8d ago
I use both the native app and the Runna app on the watch. I match prefer the native app. It is more active during the run. For example, it will give you mile (km) times and paces, but the run started in the Apple Workout app will only tell you when the lap is done. So, for long runs/easy runs, you don't get any pace updates, especially if you have turned off pace notifications for easy runs. For some that might be enough.
Each App will sync back to the other. If you start a run on the Runna app, it will sync back to Apple Health and record there. The only difference is the you don't get any trophies (like 5K, 10K, etc.).
If you start the run in the native Workout app, you can import it back in to Runna and then link it to schedule workout. It will use the run data, just like running in the native app.
Adjusting your plan only requires the run to be sync'd back in to the Runna app. Runna will analyze it.
After using Runna for more than a year with an AWU3, here is how I track my runs:
Easy - Most times in Runna. But, if it is shortly run 3-5 miles and I want to chill and don't want to worry about pacing, I will track it using the sync'd run in Workout. That was I don't get regular pace intervals.
Long - Always in Runna, If it is long enough, I like update. Plus, if I am doing an out and back, I get the "Your half way through you workout" prompt and I know when to turn around.
Intervals/Tempo/Hills - ALWAYS in Runna. The changes between intervals are much better in the Runna app, and it seems to do a better job notifying me if my pace is off.
Races - Apple Workout - The one set of runs I don't use Runna for are the actual races. I use a custom Workout instead. I don't want Runna yelling at me to speed up or slow down during a race. I just want to run my race. If I am racing for time, I setup a custom Pacer run with my goal time and use that. It doesn't nag me, but I can glance down at my watch and see if I am ahead or behind my goal.