Apple WatchOS 9: The Latest Updates for Running Metrics
Apple WatchOS 9 is now available for download. The new operating system has a ton of new features, but the focus of this article is on the running metrics. These metrics are designed to help you improve your running form and track your progress over time. The data appears in the Fitness app summary or Health app, where users can see trends over time and learn from patterns. This information can be invaluable for runners who want to improve their performance. So what are these new running metrics? Keep reading to find out!
The New Running Metrics is Added to Improve Your Running Form.
From todays press release, there were so many updates released for the Apple watch operating system WatchOS now at it’s 9th version. Todays focus is on the running metrics and in my opinion is a welcome addition.
The current running metrics are not too bad. Tracking is very good, with a reliable heart rate sensor (probably the best on the smart watch market). It’s GPS tracking is very reliable too.
All was required is to give the user another perspective on it’s metrics, which is your running form. It will definitely offer a great user experience, as this was one of the main feedbacks.
The new running metrics will be available in the Fitness app summary or Health app. It will give users the ability to see trends over time and learn from patterns.
The data is very detailed and can be used to improve your running form. I think this is a great addition to the WatchOS and I’m sure many Apple watch user’s will look forward to using it.
There are 3 New Key Running Metrics To Improve Your Running Form
It’s great that Apple are offering these new metrics to help improve your running form. The three key metrics are:
- Stride length
- Ground contact time
- Vertical oscillation
Just so we are clear these 3 metrics are not exactly “new”. In fact these 3 metrics are in fact a proven running science that has been around for a while. It’s great to see Apple taking running form seriously and giving users the ability to track and improve their running form.
Not to mention Apples competitors do offer these features. However, they don’t have the same level of detail or accuracy. I think this is a great move by Apple and I’m looking forward to using these new features.
What is Stride Length and How Does It Improve Your Form?
Stride length is the distance between one footfall and the next. It’s measured from heel strike to heel strike and is a good indicator of how efficiently you are running.
A longer stride length means you’re covering more ground with each step, which can be helpful if you’re trying to run faster. Conversely, a shorter stride length can help you run with more efficiency and less effort.
There are a few things you can do to improve your stride length. First, make sure you’re not overstriding. This means that your feet are landing too far in front of your body, which can lead to inefficient running and an increased risk of injury.
Second, focus on driving your knees forward and keeping your feet close to the ground. This will help you generate more power and improve your stride length.
Improving your stride length can be helpful if you’re trying to run faster. However, it’s important to strike a balance between speed and efficiency. If you try to increase your stride length too much, you may sacrifice efficiency and end up running slower.
What is Ground Contact Time And How Does It Improve Your Running Form?
If you’re a runner, you know that GCT is important because it impacts your speed, endurance, and form. And if you’re not a runner, GCT is still important because it can help you understand how your body moves when running.
GCT is the amount of time your feet are in contact with the ground while running. This may seem like a small detail, but it can actually have a big impact on your running form and performance.
For example, if you have a low GCT, that means you’re spending less time on the ground, which means you’re spending more time in the air. This can lead to a more efficient running form and better performance.
Conversely, if you have a high GCT, that means you’re spending more time on the ground, which can lead to less efficiency and poorer performance.
What is Vertical Oscillation And How Does It Improve Your Running Form?
The main new addition to watchOS is the ability to track your vertical oscillation. This is the up-and-down movement of your body as you run, and it’s a key metric for understanding your form. By tracking this data, you can work on improving your efficiency and reducing impact on your joints.
There are two main benefits to tracking your vertical oscillation. The first is that it can help you identify issues with your form. If you’re bouncing up and down too much, it’s a sign that you’re not running as efficiently as you could be. This can lead to injuries over time, so it’s important to work on reducing your oscillation.
The second benefit is that it can help you improve your running economy. This is the amount of energy you expend per unit of distance. By reducing your vertical oscillation, you can run more efficiently and thus save energy over long distances.
This is especially important for marathon runners or other endurance athletes who need to conserve their energy over long periods of time.
The New Pacer Experience Will Allow You To Test Your Running Form.
People can choose to race against their best or last result on frequently used routes. They will also get alerts during the workout for being ahead or behind their pace, and when going off route.
Additionally, people can use a new pacer experience to choose a distance and goal for the time in which they want to complete a run. The pacer calculates the pace required to achieve the goal, and then provides alerts and metrics during the workout.
This feature will no doubt be welcomed by runners who want to improve their performance and form.
By being able to see your pace in real-time, you can make adjustments on the fly to ensure you’re running as efficiently as possible. Additionally, the ability to race against your previous best times will provide motivation to push yourself harder.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just getting started, the new pacer experience in watchOS can help you run better. So be sure to update your Apple Watch and give it a try the next time you hit the pavement.
Final Conclusion
The new WatchOS is a game-changer for fitness fanatics and those who like to stay active. With the new running metrics, you can get feedback on your form and performance, something that was previously unavailable on the Apple Watch.
Whether you’re a casual runner or training for a marathon, these features can help you improve your times and technique. So go ahead and update your WatchOS today, and let us know how you like the new running metrics!
