Garmin VS. Apple Watch
I have 3 different watches for training: A basic Timex, an iWatch (that’s what I like to call the apple watch!) and a Garmin Forerunner 220.
When I’m not sure what the workout will be.
Here are my recommendations on which watch is most appropriate for road intervals, steady runs, track workouts and races.
Road Workouts: the Garmin Wins (updated 10/28/20)
The Garmin forerunner 220 is the best of my watches for road workouts. The 220 is about middle of the road (in terms of features) in the range of GPS watch options available. This watch is very accurate in measuring distance, and the actual buttons start/stop/split are great. Real buttons matter!
Programming Workouts on the Garmin
Custom programmed workouts is one of the best features of the 220 and something I would look for in any “smart” watch.
With programmed workouts, the watch beeps to indicate the start and end of each interval. If you set pace or HR goal ranges, the watch will alert you if you’re no longer in the range. The watch will also separate the data with every beep, and records the pace for each interval. Manually pressing the split button will also separate the data, but workouts with time-based intervals (minutes or seconds) require constantly checking elapsed time, which is not ideal.
The images below show the data from 2 runners I coach who did the Ladder Down interval workout:
The runner on the LEFT programmed the workout into their Garmin, and the runner on the RIGHT did not.
The pace graphs show both runners executed the Ladder Down very well - they both increased the pace as the intervals got shorter. I can also see the pace Runner 1 ran for each individual interval. Runner 2’s data has been lost in the average pace over the default interval of 1 mile.
The Garmin also provides data like elevation, cadence and HR (chest strap).
Apple Watch is BAD for workouts!
The touch screen on the iWatch is a nightmare for quick starts and stops, during a road workout or even at a traffic light - the number of times I have accidentally touched stop (ending the activity) instead of pause are more than I can count.
You can take splits by double tapping the touch screen, however the screen only shows the split for a couple seconds and you can’t review your splits until after your workout.
While running fast and hard (ie doing a workout) the touch screen interface is quite frustrating. It’s very easy to tap the wrong place, or accidentally swipe slightly, and mess up the clock.
Stopping the timer
STOPPING: The clock can be stopped by simultaneously pressing the two buttons on the watch as well. Unfortunately, these two buttons are on the same side of the watch and are very different in shape and size. While running, I accidentally didn’t press hard enough on the lower profile button, so the clock didn’t stop and I was taken to the home screen with time still running. This is not an issue with a single button meant for stopping.
Steady Runs: Apple Watch is my Favourite (updated 10/28/20)
The iWatch is great for or steady runs where I don’t intend to stop at all, and for music and podcasts! Sometimes I wear both my apple watch and Garmin when I want the data and tunes. (There are fancier Garmin models with music, but the forerunner 220 doesn’t have music.)
Apple watch shows splits per mile (less accurate than Garmin), wrist HR (notoriously inaccurate!) and cadence, but it can’t program workouts (maybe it can, with a separate app?). The split functionality is terrible but that’s not something I ever need in a steady run.
On the TRACK
My go-to watch is the basic Timex. It has a stopwatch and split function (and more, which I don’t need.) No frills, no hassle. A basic, inexpensive digital watch (with split button) is a must for track workouts. I recommend a model with big buttons and big number display which make it easier to see and use while running fast.
The Garmin is okay for the track, it has a split button, but the GPS measured distance will never be as accurate as the track. (If using a Garmin on the track, I recommend turning off the GPS function while running laps.)
The iWatch is absolutely the worst for a track workout because the touch screen is awful for starting and stopping while running, and the default start involves a 3-second countdown rather than starting the clock the moment you touch start.
Races
For track races I recommend no watch at all - the focus should be on interacting with others in the race and beating people.
On the roads, a watch is a great tool, especially in the earlier miles when pacing is very important. A GPS watch can help us stick to the plan instead of getting caught up in the adrenaline of the crowds and starting too fast.
Keep in mind that all distances on a GPS watch are approximate. The longer the distance, the more accurate the approximation is. I encourage runners to trust a certified, measured race course distance as opposed to their watch.
I love data and find it so useful in coaching runners, but above all perceived effort should be prioritized!
Nicole Sifuentes is a full-time Running Coach for adults of all ages and abilities. She is a former professional runner and 2-time Olympian, and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Read more about her services, and schedule your free coaching consultation.
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