Can you use an Apple Watch to Run with Power?

Can you use an Apple Watch to Run with Power?

Yes, with some caveats based on your power meter and the Which Watch? criteria.

Apple Watch with a Stryd footpod

Stryd’s Workout app is the obvious choice – it’s fully compatible with the Apple Watch Ultra, SE or series 3 or later. The Stryd Workout app:
⌚ Downloads workouts planned in the Stryd Ecosystem
⌚ Can show various power numbers while running
⌚ Records power (second-by-second) into your workout file
⌚ Uploads completed runs into the Stryd Ecosystem (and from there into other review apps)
⚡ Supports Structured Workouts
⚡ Provides 3s, 10s, and 30s Power Smoothing
⚡ Provides current and last Lap Averages.

There is another choice – Watchletic (see below) can be used in place of the Stryd Workout app, for example if you want to use another planning or review app than the Stryd PowerCenter.

Apple Watch with Wrist-based Power

The Apple Workout app isn’t the best choice for Running with Power, as it doesn’t:
❌ record second-by-second data into your workout file
❌ display lap power
❌ offer power smoothing
❌ upload completed workouts into a power-based reviewing app

Instead, I’d recommend the Watchletic app, which:
⌚ Downloads workouts planned in the IOS Watchletic app or in a number of other planning apps (TrainingPeaks, Final Surge, Stryd, Intervals.icu etc.)
⌚ Can show real-time and lap power numbers while running
⌚ Records power (second-by-second) into your workout file
⌚ Uploads completed runs into Apple Health or into a number of other reviewing apps (TrainingPeaks, Final Surge, Stryd, Intervals.icu etc.)
⚡ Supports Structured Workouts
⚡ Provides 3s and 10s Power Smoothing
⚡ Provides current Lap Average – it doesn’t (yet) provide last lap average.

Note that the downloads from and uploads to the apps listed above are a premium feature, available with a paid monthly subscription.

In summary

You can use an Apple Watch to Run with Power.

If you’re using a Stryd footpod, the Stryd Workout app is the obvious choice. You might also consider Watchletic.

If you’re using wrist-based power, Watchletic is a better choice than the Apple Workout app.