Could this smartwatch motivate me to get back into running?
I acknowledge that I am not a natural runner. Far from being an elegant antelope on the plains, my running style resembles more of an inflatable doll caught in a gale, with my limbs moving awkwardly, sweating profusely, and struggling to catch my breath. However, even the least skilled runners want to know their stats, and in my case, that has meant [...]
I am not a born runner, not at all. My running style resembles more of a tube doll being buffeted by the wind, with my arms flailing awkwardly while I sweat profusely and gasp for air. However, even the least skilled person in this activity feels curious about their statistics, so I have tried several fitness watches and smartwatches over the years. These little technological devices have been essential in maintaining some of my running habit, and I appreciate them for that.
In recent years, I have experienced a considerable shift in my personal life with the arrival of two new family members. All parents know that personal time diminishes drastically as the little ones require more attention. Thus, lately, I have been neglecting my exercise, which is not ideal as I approach middle age. It was then that the OnePlus Watch 3 came into my hands, and I decided it was a good excuse to hit the streets again and start running once more. Did it succeed? Did the OnePlus Watch 3 keep my motivation? After using it for a few weeks, I can share my impressions.
From the outset, the OnePlus Watch 3 surprised me. I have used several fitness watches and smartwatches, and the user interface varies significantly among them. This watch shines with vibrant colors and strong contrasts that make information easy to read during a run. Switching between the different statistics pages is simple with a swipe or the watch's dial. Each of the four pages features an outer ring that is key to its metric, whether it's a progress meter, heart rate used, or even if I'm distributing weight well between my feet. This focus on visualization makes interpreting the data much easier.
One aspect that caught my attention was the stride analysis, labeled as "GCT balance," which measures how much time each foot spends on the ground. The goal is to have the difference between both feet as close to zero as possible. An inefficient stride means more energy expenditure and can increase the chances of injury! At first, I didn’t think that seeing my stride was deficient would affect me, but I was wrong. That information ignited a motivation in me that did not fade until I corrected it. This type of analysis is an underrated feature in smartwatches, as the way information is presented can significantly impact user motivation.
However, there is room for improvement. I observed several interesting metrics, such as vertical oscillation, which measures how much you move up and down while running. However, I could only see this data after finishing the run, which limits my ability to make adjustments on the fly. The OHealth app should allow for an average vertical oscillation to be included in my outdoor running profile, but for some reason, it has not been implemented yet.
Additionally, I would like to have a training feature that helps me correct my statistics in real-time. Another aspect lacking in the OnePlus Watch 3 is personalized training plans, which are common in watches from brands like Polar or Garmin, capable of tailoring proposals to the user’s needs. Although the OnePlus does not have this function, it has the advantage of being compatible with apps like Runna, which allow for the establishment of personalized running plans.
The important question is: Did the OnePlus Watch 3 help me find time to run regularly? The answer is no, but not due to the watch's failure, rather due to my lack of time. I simply cannot dedicate half an hour every other day to running. Nevertheless, I am impressed with the OnePlus Watch 3's capabilities for both casual and serious runners. It offers a variety of metrics, and even though it lacks training plans, the available apps can complement its functions.
In summary, no device can force you to run or maintain a routine. Following a plan like C25K or joining a group is often more effective for those struggling to maintain a habit. Willpower and time are essential, and that is not usually something a smartwatch can offer on its own. However, the OnePlus Watch 3 provided me with great motivation through its statistics, and I know it will be the watch I choose when I have the opportunity to run again.