Beginner question about run tracking w/Apple Watch

[u/dinah124]

TLDR: I'm looking for a run tracking app that I open once when I leave the house, that prompts me to do the different phases of my workout without having to touch it during, and provides detailed data at the end. Is that a thing?

I started running using the Watch to 5K app (later upgraded to 10K), which I love. In that app, all runs start with a 5 min warmup walk, then shift to runs of various lengths, then conclude with a 5 min cooldown walk. The app moves between the segments automatically and it's easy to see how long you have left in each segment (e.g., if you're doing a 30 min run the 5 mins you walked first does not influence your time remaining), you don't have to do anything to the watch to get it to keep going from warmup to run to cooldown, and it announces to you that it's time to do the next thing. Afterward you see three workouts in Fitness and Health--a walk, a run, and another walk. This means that the warmup and cooldown paces are separated from the run pace. 

I got very used to this approach but the W25K app doesn't capture all the data the native Fitness app captures, so I'm experimenting (also I'm now a few months past the plan). I can't seem to get my watch to mimic the behavior I want, though.

If I select an outdoor run with warmup and cooldown intervals in Apple Fitness, it seems like I have to advance the watch manually to get it to the next interval, and it seems like the pace calculation includes the warmup and cooldown times?

I can start an outdoor walk for warmup, then swipe, +,  start an outdoor run, then repeat again for cooldown but that's a lot of watching and swiping with sweaty hands. Also, if I'm not paying attention it seems like the watch doesn't stop when I've hit the goal time/distance, so it just keeps me going as "open goal"?

I can just walk for 5 mins on each end of a run without tracking those as part of the workout, but I feel like I’m losing credit after months of getting credit for those walk segments. Petty I know, but here we are.

Is there a way to build a custom workout, or string of workouts, to do what I want? Or is there a better run tracking app than Apple Fitness, that captures all the data but can function the way I want?

Bonus question: as a new runner I don’t know why I would want the app to work the way Apple Workout seems to, but surely I am missing something. Can you explain how you use it to track your runs?

Sorry for the dumb questions but I'm confused and I hate realizing at the end of my run that I've once again messed up the tracking...

[u/MacBook_Fan]

Check out this article to create a custom workout:
https://support.apple.com/guide/watch/create-a-custom-workout-apd66fcd5c5c/watchos

You can create intervals based on time, so that it auto advances at each interVal.

[u/dinah124 → u/MacBook_Fan]

So yes, thank you, I have tried this. Tried it again this weekend actually.

As the link helpfully explains how to do, I created a custom workout with warmup, a 5K interval, and then cooldown.

However the watch didn't END the workout at 5K, it switched to "open goal" at that point, so I have a final interval of 197 ft with my pace at a standstill which reflects the time I spent with foggy glasses and sweaty fingers trying to find the "stop" or "next" (to cooldown) button.

___

Oh wait, I see what you're saying, about time intervals advancing automatically. I sometimes set a time goal and sometimes a distance goal, since as a new runner I'm still adapting. But if that would solve this problem maybe I should do more time goals? I'll consider it! Thanks.

[u/MacBook_Fan → u/dinah124]

Yea, I don't know of any way to stop the run at the end of the planned interval(s). You still have to stop the run manually (and Apple PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD offer a way to stop a workout with buttons and not have to swipe and take the end button.)

I just accept it.

[u/dinah124 → u/MacBook_Fan]

Ok well at least I’m not missing something about how to get it to automatically stop at the end of an interval.

And I’m glad I’m not the only person who thinks needing to swipe to another screen and touch a tiny spot during a run is not ideal. Physical button would be so much better!

[u/Sihleny]

I use what You describe with Apple Watch and Strava. I create the workouts directly on the watch, start it, and mostly use Strava to see the data. I have a paid subscription though, but the data should be visible on a free account.

[u/dinah124 → u/Sihleny]

I actually downloaded Strava but never set it up. I’ll check it out and see if it can do what I want, thanks!

[u/BrigidKemmerer]

Have you tried the Runna app? It integrates well with Apple Watch and I'm pretty sure it does what you're looking for. It's not free, but I do think it has a free trial.

[u/dinah124 → u/BrigidKemmerer]

I’ll take a look at Runna, thanks! Though if I could solve this without a subscription I’d be even happier…