TechSmartwatchesYour Apple Watch has a game-changer feature for recovery runsSay hello to a new you that can run comfortably at a slower paceWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechSmartwatchesYour Apple Watch has a game-changer feature for recovery runsSay hello to a new you that can run comfortably at a slower paceWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Say hello to a new you that can run comfortably at a slower pace
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
If you’re like me as a runner, you treat every run the same way: going as hard as you can for as long as possible. If I have an hour-long lunch break, I’ll cram in a 10k run, even though myApple Watchsays I should take it easy that day. At least, this was the case until I recently started using the Pacer feature to help me slow down when I really shouldn’t push myself.
Those who know me well know that I have one mode, especially when it comes to running. ‘Full send’ is the only mode I like to exist, which often puts me in a difficult situation, especially after arduous races/events like theMongol 100. I can’t make myself run slower, even though I really should.
I know that slow running is better for getting faster and that you should do most of your runs at a lower speed to improve your running form. But whenever I start running, I automatically go into Full Send mode and speed up. This puts a lot of pressure on my cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems, ultimately getting me injured – sad times.
Once you start thinking about it, using the Pacer function to help you run slower makes a lot of sense. The main I found with running slow is that my body and mind automatically start speeding up when I start running. I think, ‘Well, I can run faster than this, so I should run faster’.
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Obviously, this isn’t the right frame of mind for essential recovery runs or long runs when you want to keep a slow pace to ensure you’ll last until the end of the session. This is where the Pacer feature comes into play. It allows you to set your desired pace for the run – ideally, something less pacy.
Then, you stretch and get ready for the run, pop the running headphones in, and off you go. Via voice prompts, theApple Watchwill let you know if you start going too fast, which helps me tremendously in keeping my legs at bay. Now, I almost started enjoying slow-paced runs (!), something I thought was impossible.
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Best of all, setting up the Pacer on the Apple Watch is super simple. Go to your workout app on the watch, then find the Outdoor (or Indoor) Run option. Tap on the three-dot menu in the top right corner, then scroll to the bottom of the page to find the ‘Create workout’ option.
That’s it! Next time you head out for a slow run, make sure you set up your Apple Watch accordingly. I know I will! Haven’t got an Apple Watch yet? Check out T3’s roundup of thebest cheap Apple Watch deals. You might also want to get decent running trainers, of which there are many on thebest running shoesroundup.
Today’s best Apple Watch dealsApple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular$193.65ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Series 9$415.49ViewSee all pricesApple Watch SE (2022)$249$199ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Ultra$19.45ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Ultra 2$799$759ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Apple Watch dealsApple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular$193.65ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Series 9$415.49ViewSee all pricesApple Watch SE (2022)$249$199ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Ultra$19.45ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Ultra 2$799$759ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Apple Watch dealsApple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular$193.65ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Series 9$415.49ViewSee all pricesApple Watch SE (2022)$249$199ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Ultra$19.45ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Ultra 2$799$759ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Apple Watch deals
Apple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular$193.65ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Series 9$415.49ViewSee all pricesApple Watch SE (2022)$249$199ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Ultra$19.45ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Ultra 2$799$759ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular$193.65ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular$193.65ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular
Apple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular
$193.65View
$193.65
$193.65
See all prices
Apple Watch Series 9$415.49ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch Series 9$415.49ViewSee all prices
$415.49View
$415.49
$415.49
See all prices
Apple Watch SE (2022)$249$199ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch SE (2022)$249$199ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch SE (2022)
Apple Watch SE (2022)
$249$199View
$249$199
$199
See all prices
Apple Watch Ultra$19.45ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch Ultra$19.45ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch Ultra
Apple Watch Ultra
$19.45View
$19.45
$19.45
See all prices
Apple Watch Ultra 2$799$759ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch Ultra 2$799$759ViewSee all prices
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