Dynamic Run Sets are coming very soon, Apple Watch X, and Coaches Tip of the Week

Our dynamic running training sets based on your RTT will be available soon, plus Ian's big 3 wishes for the next Apple Watch, and Ade's running tip of the week.

We are doing the last testing of build 2.5 which will include the new framework for our dynamic training.

This has been an enormous undertaking for us as a small team - not just technically, but Ade and Fran have also done a ton of work developing professional training sets that can adapt based on your daily RTT.

This first release includes running sets - individual runs you can select and adapt based on your RTT. We have included guidance within the app on choosing your runs throughout the week, which you can also view here: https://trainingtodayapp.com/dynamictraining. In the future, we will make this sort of guidance automatic.

These aren’t full plans as yet - that will be coming soon, together with sets for cycling and other sports, so stay tuned.

We have marked this feature as beta because we want your feedback so please let us know using comments on this post, or via support@trainingtodayapp.com - we hope you are as excited about them as we are!

Apple Watch microLED screen delayed

Photo by Ricardo Resende on Unsplash

Rumours are swirling that the next Apple Watch Ultra - which is meant to be a major release, will not have the MicroLED screen that many were hoping for.

But honestly, I’m not sure I care!

I have no issues with the current screen or battery life on the Ultra. The big three things (software, hardware, and related tech) I want from a next-gen Apple Watch are:

• Ability to load GPX maps directly to Apple Maps. I currently use the excellent WorkoutDoors app to load routes I have carefully planned for my rides, but I want that to be integrated directly into watchOS. With this I am not sure I would need a cycling head unit on a lot of training rides, I could use the workout app (which now has decent power meter integration too of course), and one less thing to charge, sync, and worry about is a win in my book.

• Better integration to gym/home equipment. I am talking of the ability to load a cycling set on the watch and have it control your smart trainer, much like apps such as Zwift or Garmin watches do. And how about some updates to GymKit? I can tap my watch on my treadmill and start a run or walk, and it will exchange data like HR and Pace with Apple Watch, so it all makes sense, but if I want to follow a custom set I have created on Apple Watch (like the Training Today dynamic runs sets), then this all falls apart, and you are back to the treadmill and watch not talking to each other (you can still follow your dynamic run set on Apple Watch alone)

• Swimming workouts - this is a tough one. I expect Apple could create custom workouts in the workout app today, but how do you communicate it during a swim? Looking at your watch at each turn is not ideal or great for your technique. I am a massive fan of Form Goggles, which gives you a head-up display and live data. I don’t see Apple creating something along those lines, but how about “Sport AirPods” that are waterproof, stay put, and could have Siri guide you through the session? I have heard zero rumors about such a thing, but it makes sense to me and doesn’t seem beyond the realms of possibility (until we get an Apple Vision Pro sport version I suppose!)

Anyway, I am still excited to see what Apple Watch X unveils after the pretty minor upgrades over the last few years…

Coaches Tip of the Week

Ade’s running trip for this week:

Keep easy runs easy!

Low-intensity recovery runs are a critical element of adaptation if you want to become a faster runner.

Variation is the key - so if an easy run is planned don’t be tempted to run moderate or tempo as this will reduce the benefit of the session and also the speed or speed endurance session done at a different time.

Try not to fall into the trap of running all your runs at the same pace and then wondering why you can’t go faster in a race.