Walk or Run? How about Walk/Run?

Question

Level 1

19 points

Walk or Run? How about Walk/Run?

When I do my 30+ minutes of exercise each day I usually do a run/walk combination. For example, I WALK 3 minutes, RUN 2 or 3 minutes, WALK 2 or 3 minutes, RUN 3 or 4 minutes, etc., continuing to alternate until I reach 30+ minutes. I simply cannot run non-stop for very long, so I interval train. So, my question is which workout do I choose? Walk or Run? According to Apple Support I must choose (and perform) only one or the other - the software does not support a combination of both and I find that if I use the Indoor Run workout while on treadmill, the distance is exorbitant. I was told that I need to start/stop a new workout for each interval - totally inconvenient! Does anyone else think this is odd? I believe interval training is highly recommended among fitness experts. I think the Nike+ Running app accounts for interval training. I used to use it on treadmill and it was accurate using iPhone. I see it is now available on Watch. I guess I will test it out. Does anyone know anything about walk/run workouts for interval training with Apple Watch?

iPhone 6, iOS 8

Posted on May 9, 2015 1:14 PM

Reply

Answer 1

May 9, 2015 1:27 PM in response to ittybittyd

I'm no expert on this, but what many seem to be missing is that the watch needs calibrating.

I'm thinking that since you can't run that if you use run and that the calibration process calculates an average condition for your walk/run routine as run, it wouldn't matter that it this used up the run setting because you wouldn't miss it anyway. You could then use the walk setting for walking which I assume you can do.

As I say I'm no expert, but I suspect if you're run/walk ratio is fairly consistent, it may all work reasonably well.

To calibrate go on a couple of 30 minute run/walk sessions outside with your phone in a good position to receive GPS.

Reply

Answer 2

May 9, 2015 1:57 PM in response to ittybittyd

I do a lot of run/walk workouts. I just always chose running on whatever device I'm using. I find that, as long as I'm consistent in what I chose, my data remains fairly consistent. I'm not trying to qualify for Boston so, I'm more concerned about improvement that that the number be absolutely accurate.

As Winston indicates, do some outdoor calibration. Hopefully, that will solve your treadmill distance issue.

Reply