UPDATE, August 21, 2022: Updated to add more tags for easier searching, as this is one that features my late Tom Tom Runner Cardio watch.
Run 429
Average pace: 5:23/km
Location: Brunette River trail
Distance: 5.03 km
Time: 27:10
Weather: Cloudy
Temp: 17ºC
Wind: light to moderate
BPM: 156
Stride: 182
Weight: 164.1 pounds
Total distance to date: 3452
Device used: Apple Watch and iPhone 6 and TomTom Runner Cardio
Tonight I headed out for a cautious run, with clouds overhead but otherwise unseasonably mild and with a nice breeze to keep things from getting too warm, which is not something you normally worry about here on May 3rd.
I also did my first Apple Watch vs. TomTom Runner Cardio test, wearing the Watch on my left wrist as per usual and the TomTom on my right wrist. I probably looked like a dork but that’s okay. Also, anyone who thinks the Apple Watch is bulky should really compare it to something like the TomTom because the Apple Watch looks downright petite next to it.
The results between the two devices were not outlandishly different but they were different. The actual timing of the run on each device is slightly shifted because I bobbled the start time on the Watch when Siri wouldn’t cooperate but the TomTom had already started tracking.
Stats:
| Apple Watch | TomTom Runner Cardio | |
| Time | 27:10 | 26:42 |
| Average pace | 5:23/km | 5:18/km |
| BPM | 156 | 154 |
| Distance | 5:03 km | 5:03 km |
| Calories | 331 | 367 |
The biggest difference for me is pace. I haven’t looked into it but I suspect the Apple Watch is doing some kind of manipulation of the data where the TomTom simply presents it raw, as it was recorded (and is more accurate from that perspective). The TomTom is also hooked into my Strava and Nike+ accounts and each of those also interpreted the pace differently:
| TomTom Runner Cardio | 5:18/km |
| Apple Watch | 5:23/km |
| Strava | 5:27/km |
| Nike+ | 5:31/km |
I’m officially™ going with the Apple Watch since I’ve been using it regularly and it still makes me look reasonably zippy.
As for the actual run, I set out a relatively gentle pace and this is reflected by the TomTom’s stride stat of 182. This is steps per minute and the ideal zone for most runners is between 160 and 190. Being at the upper end reflects the cautious approach I took, minimizing how much I stretched out as I ran. Surprisingly my pace was still essentially tied with my previous best 5K this year.
The right leg still felt a bit sore, especially around the upper area, but not enough to make running painful. By comparison, tonight’s run felt a lot more comfortable than Sunday’s.
I may try the dual-wielding watches again on Thursday if I run the Langara trail, as I’m curious to see the pace breakdown on a map. If Apple adds maps to the Fitness app, I would probably never switch away from it.
For tonight’s run, I’m pleased that I was able to get through without the right leg feeling worse and, in fact, feeling a bit better. I am guardedly hopeful that the muscles will heal up as I continue to run not like a cheetah.
