Heart Rate and distance run error

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Level 1

9 points

Heart Rate and distance run error

I have been a runner for over 55 years and I always begin a run at a slow pace for the first mile or so as a warmup. I have been monitoring my HR for many years using Garmin devices using a chest strap. My resting AM heart rate continues to be between 48 and 52 BPM. When I got my AW3 I was curious to compare it's activity measurements with my Garmin Forerunner 220. I have been running with my AW3 on one wrist and the FR220 on the other. Results from a 9+ mile run last Friday are typical: mile 1 HR: AW3 166 & FR220 112, mile time AW3 9:23 FR220 9:28, by mile 4 HR: AW3 154 & FR220 139, mile time AW3 9:02 FR220 9:19. By the end of the run average pace was AW3 9:00/mile and 9:10 for the Garmin. Heart rate average was 158 on the AW3 and 144 for the Garmin. The distance discrepancy for the run was 0.2 miles, 9.3 miles according to the FR220 but 9.5 miles by the AW3. A 0.2 error for 9.3 miles would be 0.6 miles for a Marathon. I have raced over certified on USATF certified courses from 5k to the marathon with the Forerunner 220 and found it to be never off by more than a few 100rds of a mile. For me the HR rate errors is bigger issue especially if someone is using heart rate to determine a training zone.

I do not consider the Apple Watch to be accurate enough to be a serious training tool for runners. Other wise I am enjoying the other features of the watch and hope that Apple will make some software updates to address the HR and GPS issues as mentioned in a great review by DC Rainmaker: https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2017/11/apple-watch-series3-cellular-fitness-sport-r eview.html

Posted on Nov 19, 2017 6:16 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Jonathan UK

Level 10

164,015 points

Nov 19, 2017 8:09 AM in response to murrellt

Hi

If you would like to submit feedback to Apple, then you can do so here:

Feedback - Apple Watch - Apple

(This is a user-based technical support community).

You may find some of the following information helpful in improving the accuracy of activity and heart rate tracking.

Heart rate

Apple advises that, even under ideal conditions, Apple Watch may not be able to record a reliable heart rate reading every time for everybody.

For the best performance from the heart rate sensor during workouts, be sure to wear your watch snugly (but not too tightly) on the top of your wrist. Apple suggests tightening the band before starting a workout and loosening it again afterwards:

Wearing your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Other issues that can impact sensor performance include skin perfusion and wrist tattoos:

Your heart rate. What it means, and where on Apple Watch you’ll find it. - Apple Support

It may also help to check that the back of your Apple Watch is clean (along with your wrist, which I'm sure is the case):

Cleaning your Apple Watch - Apple Support

If you continue to experience issues with recording your heart rate during workouts, then, for more consistent readings, you may wish to consider pairing an external heart rate monitor / Bluetooth chest strap to your Apple Watch:

Use Bluetooth accessories with your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Distance estimations

The following steps may help to improve the accuracy of distance and other activity-related estimations, including during outdoor runs when GPS reception is unavailable during any parts of your route:

Check your personal information:

Actiivity-related estimations depend, in part, on your personal information. To check that this is accurate:
- On your iPhone, in the Watch app, go to: My Watch (tab) > Health > Edit - tap and adjust items, then tap on Done.

Check your Location Services settings:

On your iPhone, go to: Settings > Privacy > Location Services:
- Check that Location Services (the main setting at the top) is turned on.
- In the list of apps beneath, check that Apple Watch Workout is set to While Using.
- Also enable options under System Services including Motion Calibration & Distance, Wi-Fi Networking and Mobile Network Search.

Reset your existing calibration data and recalibrate your Apple Watch:

Calibration can improve the accuracy of estimations made by Activity app and Workout app.
More information and instructions are available via the link below:
- Calibrating your Apple Watch for improved Workout and Activity accuracy - Apple Support
Resetting your calibration data can be equally as helpful for Series 2 & 3 models and will not erase your Activity history.

More information:

Get the most accurate measurements using your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Both

If you are concerned about a possible hardware defect with your Apple Watch, then I suggest that you contact Apple Support (remote diagnostics and/or mail-in service may be available, if required), make a Genius Bar reservation or visit an Apple Authorised Service Provider for assistance:

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Answer 2

lllaass

Level 10

210,513 points

Nov 19, 2017 8:26 AM in response to murrellt

If you want more accurate HR then get a external HR transmitter that connects to the watch via Blue Tooth. Polar makes a good one that uses a chest strap. I use a Rhythm that uses a led sensor similar to that used on the watch but is better since it uses infrared light and has a neoprene strap that provides better contact with the forearm than the rigid strap on the wrist.

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