I’ve been using the watchOS 11 beta for a week. As an avid runner, my new favorite feature is the ability to see my weekly distance stats at a glance. The watchOS updates have consistently improved the sports functionalities of the Apple Watch.
This year is no exception. While the headline feature – training load, which helps judge workout intensity and its effects on the body – is a significant addition, the smaller updates have caught my attention. One of these smaller but impactful updates is the introduction of new widgets and complications.
They show weekly or monthly distance covered in various workout types, including running, swimming, cycling, and walking. I’ve been using the weekly distance run as a complication on my watch face. It displays the distance covered each day on a bar chart, with the total weekly distance listed above.
Similarly, I use a monthly distance run widget in my smart stack. It showcases the distance incrementally over the course of a month. This new feature helps me stay motivated.
It ensures I manage my weekly mileage to avoid injury. Previously, Garmin, Suunto, and Polar offered similar features. But Apple has taken it a step further by providing detailed weekly mileage information at a glance.
New weekly distance complication introduced
These complications integrate smoothly with various sports tracking apps. For example, I use WorkOutDoors for its customizable data fields and routing maps.
However, it’s important to ensure that activities are not duplicated in Apple Health. I had to disable Strava import to avoid double-counting my runs. This feature is also valuable for triathletes or anyone engaged in swimming and cycling.
It tracks weekly distances for these activities too. Additionally, it offers a general view of your activity levels by monitoring weekly walking distances. The training load feature, although needing 10 days of workouts to establish a baseline, promises to be a beneficial addition for long-term runners.
However, the new complications offer an immediate upgrade that will appeal to many. To add the new complication to your watch, hold your finger on the watch face you wish to edit. Swipe to complications, and select the appropriate slot for the long complication.
For adding distance to your smart stack, swipe down from the home screen. Hold your finger on any existing widget, and add more from there. In conclusion, watchOS 11 brings several exciting updates for runners and sports enthusiasts.
Whether you’re planning your next marathon or just tracking daily activities, these new features are sure to enhance your experience.
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