I tried the new Apple Fitness Plus Time to Run feature - and I was really surprised

I tried the new Apple Fitness Plus Time to Run feature - and I was really surprised

It was a morning when I really didn't want to run when I tried the new "Time to Run" feature in Apple Fitness Plus. It was gray and chilly outside, and it was a Monday. [But thanks to Running Coach Cory Wharton-Malcolm giving me the energy I needed to complete my 35-minute run, I was able to fully enjoy my workout and feel the positive endorphins that runners crave every time they race up. Here's what you need to know about the new Time to Run feature and where you can try it out.

Similar to the Time to Walk feature on the Apple Watch, Apple Fitness Plus subscribers can try audio running workouts from their wrists with the Time to Run feature. This running experience is designed to make Apple users more consistent and features popular running routes in well-known cities around the world.

The feature is a counterpoint to the likes of Peloton, which offers voice coaching to subscribers as they run outside, and was launched with three episodes: London, coached by Corey Wharton-Malcolm; Emily Fayette Brooklyn, and Miami Beach, coached by Sam Sanchez.Time to Run will release one new episode each Monday. The runs are designed to be suitable for runners of all fitness levels.

In addition to providing coaching tips along the way, Running includes a music playlist supervised by each Fitness Plus trainer, which runners can save and listen to on subsequent runs. During a Time to Run session, runners also have access to photos taken along the route by the trainer.

To find Time to Run workouts on the Apple Watch, Fitness Plus subscribers can click on Workouts at the top of the workout menu to browse the Time to Run library.

If you are new to Apple Fitness Plus, read about my favorite Apple Fitness Plus features or read my review of Apple Fitness Plus. If you're new to running, be sure to check out my summary of the best running shoes and my guide to the best Apple Watch.

I've been lucky enough to run with my new Fitness Plus coach, Cory Wharton-Malcolm (Nike running coach and founder of Track Mafia, a running crew in West London), several times. Cory's energy is contagious, as is his and my passion for my hometown of London.

Corey's coaching style of being in the moment and enjoying running was exactly what I needed on a gray Monday when I didn't want to run. I plugged my Powerbeats Pro headphones into my watch, pressed start, and off we went.

As I ran, my watch displayed pictures of iconic London landmarks, including the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, and the Houses of Parliament. Coach Cory's playlist included some of the biggest names in British music, including Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, The Beatles, The Spice Girls, Elton John, and Coldplay.

Cory's encouraging coaching in between each track helped me focus on enjoying the run rather than worrying about my pace, my to-do list, or the distance remaining. He said, "On a routine run like this, you're not racing, you're not trying to set a personal best, you're just trying to get out there and enjoy the run. You have to relax your shoulders, release the tension, and put a smile on your face. [I usually listen to podcasts and audiobooks while I run, and the music was a great motivator for me. Like many runners, I had been ticking off the miles alone for hours during the pandemic, so even though I was running alone, I really enjoyed the feeling of being back in the company of others who had done the group sessions and were running together.

Of course, there are many audio coaching options available to runners, such as Peloton and the Nike Training App, but the playlists, photos, and the fact that you can do this from your watch without extra apps or hassle make it a It is a convenient option.

To be honest, I've always found running with my Apple Watch a bit uncomfortable and usually only use it for commuter runs or on days when I'm doing an easy run and don't want to switch to my Garmin. For me, Time to Run is one of the best running updates the Apple Watch has made in a while, and I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next with the audio coaching feature.

On Monday, January 10, Apple also released Apple Fitness Plus Collections, workouts organized to help users reach their goals, with a platform that scrolls to help users reach their goals. The six collections available today are 30-Day Core Challenge, Improving Posture with Pilates, Perfecting Yoga Balance Pose, Running Your First 5K, Strengthening Your Back, Stretching Your Hips, and Wind Down for a Better Bedtime.

Apple also announced the third season of Time to Walk, featuring actor, writer, and producer Rebel Wilson. Apple is also expanding its Artist Spotlight series with new workouts featuring the music of Ed Sheeran, Pharrell Williams, Shakira, and The Beatles.

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