I’m using my Series 5 watch as a running watch and it gives me inconsistent and unreliable GPS results. I can run the same route on two different days and I get different - 7-10% different - distance totals. I could live with 1 or 2 %, but that’s a big variance. Is that typical?
Apple Watch Sport
Workout map route colors explanations:
Yellow is the average pace.
Green is the fastest pace.
Red and orange are the slowest paces.
All sections are based on averages for that section and length of time to complete.
If there are grey dots on the route this is a weak or non existent GPS signal.
The dots are where the watch is filling in the gaps.
So, if you are seeing a lot of grey dots, that might explain it.
You should also make sure your watch is calibrated:
Calibrating your Apple Watch for improved Workout and Activity accuracy - Apple Support
Workout map route colors explanations:
Yellow is the average pace.
Green is the fastest pace.
Red and orange are the slowest paces.
All sections are based on averages for that section and length of time to complete.
If there are grey dots on the route this is a weak or non existent GPS signal.
The dots are where the watch is filling in the gaps.
So, if you are seeing a lot of grey dots, that might explain it.
You should also make sure your watch is calibrated:
Calibrating your Apple Watch for improved Workout and Activity accuracy - Apple Support
Inconsistent GPS performance
