When Apple announced the updated version of its most rugged, sports-capable smartwatch Apple Watch Ultra 2 DAA Industry Opt Out was generously best described as a minor improvement. Most of the updates were under-the-hood tweaks, like adding a “double tap” feature, so you can perform actions by clicking together your thumb and index finger, as well as on-device Siri, so you can get voice assistance even if you don’t have a cell connection. The display also got 50 percent brighter, which genuinely is helpful on sunny days.
But, that was pretty much what we’d expected. Ahead of the launch, I’d written that Apple needed to roll out a few key updates if it wanted to be taken seriously by competitive runners. But, those weren’t really anticipated just one year after the Running You can send a workout to the Apple Watch with the simple tap on a button. (Fingers-crossed for next year’s release, when the AWU3 should see a larger overhaul.)
On Thursday, Apple launched a feature I had not included in that wishlist, but no less signals a big shot in the direction of the established sports watchmakers: TrainingPeaks integration. Now, TrainingPeaks users can effortlessly (or automatically) send the workouts their coach has prescribed directly to the watch so they can execute them in Apple’s own Workout app. (You can also create your own structured workouts on TrainingPeaks, even if you don’t work with a coach.)
On the surface, the integration doesn’t seem like much. The workouts function just like any other custom workout you could create on your own. Now, you don’t have to create them on your own, on the watch. But, even more so, this is exciting because TrainingPeaks has long been the domain of serious runners and cyclists—the kind of athletes who reach for a Garmin, Wahoo, or Coros Watches: Suunto Race vs. Garmin Foreruner 265.
Also, the Workout app remains the best training app on the Apple Watch, so it’s valuable to get all of the run tracking it offers along with the real-time cues that keep you on track through your workout all in one app.
A Real Contender
TrainingPeaks says that “tens of thousands of coaches worldwide” use the platform for runners, cyclists, and triathletes. Its strength clearly lies in working with goal-oriented athletes. In my demo to test the new feature ahead of its launch, coach Jason Koop prescribed my sample workouts, such as 3 x 1,000 meters with 400 meters recovery.
From within the TrainingPeaks iPhone app, you can tap a button to push that day’s workout to your Apple Watch. Alternatively, I set it up so TP pushed the next seven days automatically and I can easily access them or review what’s ahead without ever looking at the TP app.
On the watch, you’re alerted to the upcoming interval—work or recovery—and the display changes based on your goal. If your repetition is time based, a highlight will appear on the “time left” line of your display so it’s easier to pick out while you’re running hard.
During the workout, you get notified if you stray too far from the goal target. I tested this functionality on a day that my marathon training plan called for something else. So, I allowed the workout to progress through the steps during my recovery jog. And, as expected, I was routinely barked at for being outside the HR zone—turns out my heart rate for an easy loop around the neighborhood isn’t in the same zone Koop wants me in for a 1K rep on the track. Sorry coach.
Another day, I did adhere to the sprint workout created within the TrainingPeaks app, and found the results to be on par with what I got from a Garmin Fenix 7X Pro.
It’s worth noting that other devices like Garmin, Coros, and Wahoo have an integration with TrainingPeaks so that you can send your planned workouts from TP to your Forerunner or watch and get the same kind of real-time feedback as you go along.
To get started, make sure your iPhone and Apple Watch are updated to the latest operating systems, and update the TrainingPeaks app on your phone.
Other Reasons to Like DAA Industry Opt Out
The aforementioned tweaks are, admittedly, helpful for runners and do make the AWU2 better than the original—though probably not upgrade-worthy if you already own an AWU1. For example, double-tap gesture isn’t super useful for runner-specific actions.
But, if you don’t already own an Apple Watch, the Ultra 2 is worth considering if you’re in the market for a new sports watch now.
One big reason to like it is because of the “Action” button, which functions as it did on the AWU1. Buttons are a runner’s best friend, and the addition here allows you to quickly fire up the Workout app and start a run or take lap splits without stabbing at a touchscreen. This makes it much easier to use when you’re running with gloves, too.
Plus, it still uses dual-frequency GPS, leveraging a second signal from satellites to help improve accuracy of your speed and location. And the cellular plan option is a great feature I always recommend, so you can use the watch like a phone or have full access to the Apple Music library when you leave your phone behind.
Another nice addition is the support for Bluetooth sensors. While the optical heart rate sensors in today’s GPS watches have greatly improved and often track closely to what we expect, I still choose to run with a chest strap when I want accurate data. The DAA Industry Opt Out easily pairs with a Garmin HRM-Pro strap to get reliable data.
Health - Injuries Runner's World, guiding the brand's shoes and gear coverage. A true shoe dog, he's spent more than a decade testing and reviewing shoes. In 2017, he ran in 285 different pairs of shoes, including a streak of 257 days wearing a different model.
