Apple Watch Ultra: A Marathon Runner's Impressions

[@mdsutcliffe5]

If you tap the screen, the workout will skip the 3 second countdown and start immediately.

[@ENDWARO7]

I have been surprised by how habits and professional level of workflows can overlook simple things like this all the time.

[@TimNguyen825]

Yeah surprised that someone that runs with the apple watch as much as he does hasn't realized that or tried it once

[@notJustCoding]

Still is a multiple actions not something you want to do when you are running.

[@georgiaagw1618]

Stop! I did not know that. Thanks ☺️

[@PradyumnVij]

Extra unnecessary step, it's worse UX and honestly dumb that it cannot be customised.

[@PhillyAnchor]

Hellah deserves more props on this…dude is a major force in the runners and fitness community. Y’all tossed him in like your average runner at the YMCA.

[@gourdzpaperco]

Yeah the intro was…honestly kind of minimizing. Not great.

[@chrisogrady28]

Yeah wtf was this, just because he isn’t a 100m sprinter, he’s just a recreational runner. These guys are so out of touch

[@frankalmanzar3492]

I only got that vibe from Marquees. The other 2 guys seemed more knowledgeable about him.

[@vigilant_1934]

@@chrisogrady28 They said he isn't in the Olympics running 100km not 100m.

[@francisdayon]

They don't know him, don't understand running, and don't care. They just want to sell the watch.

[@nickieplease]

Wow. The only thing I run from are my responsibilities.

[@TechOutAdam]

I first came across Hellah from Rich Roll a few years ago and HE is qualified to review an Apple Watch Ultra. Love it. He just did the Leadville 100 and that's a great test for this watch. The Leadville 100 is a MASSIVE accomplishment.

[@RyansRunningReviewsYT]

Running is such a HUGE use case for most people. Hellah is definitely a legit runner and I think your viewers would have benefited from a more proper introduction. Out of all the activities on the watch I would assume running would be used the most.

[@rgmALC]

No one runs as much a Hellah, and if he admits the watch is good enough for him, then it’s good enough for the rest of the population. I wear a Garmin and am very active, and this watch is overkill.

[@RickCorp]

I think the Ultra is overkill for most runners even Marathon runners. I have 30 marathons and have a 600+ day run streak. The only thing I need from the Ultra is the lap button. I really just want a series 9 with another button.

[@ChristianRunsNY]

@@RickCorp My opinion is the AW Ultra still isn't enough for most runners. The battery is still so far behind, and there is no transformation of the metrics into training readiness and other fitness monitoring the other giants have started to nail down. This is a smart watch, not a true fitness device at the level of others, so it's still a choice between one or the other.

[@rgmALC]

@@ChristianRunsNY oh I STRONGLY disagree with this statement. Battery is fine for runs under 100 milers - so that right there is good enough for most runners. To say its not good enough for most runners is just absurd. Even Ray from DC Rainmaker used his series 7 for triathlons....

[@RickCorp]

@@ChristianRunsNY most runners aren’t ultra runners and would be perfectly fine going on a run long or marathon race with a fully charged series 8, but if you are bad at charging you watch before a run then it doesn’t matter if you have a Garmin or an Apple Watch (I run with both) you are going to have occasional runs where you watch dies. There is also plenty of evidence that the advanced metrics don’t help most non-elite runners and I would say are marketing gimmicks. The ones that do matter aren’t very accurately measure by and wrist based sensors on any watch. Every city has a run club here in SoCal and judging by all the Fenix watches I see I’m sure I’m going to see Ultras in the wrist of these 40 mile a week runners who don’t need the advanced metrics, won’t ever dive or mountain climb.

[@peakproofuk]

Apple are missing the ability to upload gpx files (routes) - often ultra races provide these. And then mapping - they Really need to add mapping like the garmin Fenix (and it’s siblings).

[@frozencamellover]

I can't believe I haven't seen this mentioned anywhere!! It's SUCH a crucial feature and Apple don't support it at all. There's only one app that seems to do it: WorkOutdoors, and it's made/maintained by a single developer... just let that sink in, Apple relying on a single unaffiliated indie developer to bring one of the most important features to one of their brand new flagship products... insane

[@peakproofuk]

@@frozencamellover it's odd isn't it? Maybe a software update for global mapping and route loading? I assume it has the capacity for it.

[@njsfer]

Yes, that's a big letdown. Many MTB long races are done on your own and you need to upload the track to your watch. If Apple watch doesn't do that it's very bad.

[@peterairs]

I can’t imagine any type of runner that would use apples workout app. WorkOutDoors is superior in every possible way. Turns Apple Watch into a Garmin killer.

[@TheOnlyAllain]

I clicked mainly because I thought that was Marques running on the thumbnail

[@kofuzi]

what people don't misunderstand about battery life is that it's not about 36 hour battery life or whatever. what's important is that, when it gets cold outside, battery performance drops. I run in winter (and need buttons because of gloves). but Apple Watch batteries just surrender once it gets below freezing. the watch will just die in the middle of a normal run. starting with a bigger battery helps, but we just don't see this problem in Coros, polar, or garmin.

[@OneTouch1980]

"he's not in the Olympics sprinting" they have all distances in the Olympics from 100m sprint up to the marathon. He's not professional because to be professional in the marathon you would not be running every day like he does. He's is just an incredible person that people should know about. Just so you guys know dcrainmaker did a great test on the ultra by going out and doing a 70k run.

[@Rickles]

Glad to see Hella. The guy is such a source of positive energy.

[@tylerdurden6882]

if you start a workout you can skip the countdown by simply touching the screen. no idea how this panel doesn't know this

[@BrandonCarson]

Just got my Ultra in yesterday. So far the battery life is amazing. I'm in the Ozarks, so I'll be hiking trails and I do some running -- but I'm not an ultra-athlete. I wanted it frankly for the bigger size and longer battery life. So far, so good.

[@PoetWithPace]

What watch did you have before?

[@BrandonCarson]

@@PoetWithPace The Apple Watch Series 7. I also have the Samsung Watch 5 Pro.

[@PoetWithPace]

@@BrandonCarson quite a collection. For what you want, sounds like the Ultra is perfect?

[@olivierafflatet5287]

Tanks for your video ! I disagree a lot. I m an ultra runner biker and when you get a Garmin (or coros) you not only get crazy battery life you get software, metrics, lot of algorithm (like stamina for exemple). You can choose over literally a 100 different metrics. I had 2 Apple Watch. You also have powerful training tools to “beat yesterday” like they say. In conclusion I think it’s an Apple Watch plus. And can’t beat a Garmin Fenix/enduro (same price tag) or a coros apex pro for TRAINNING even for a local race of ten km up to westerner state. I heard Garmin recently bought “the company” (I forget the name) who make ALL algorithm base on large laboratory test and outdoor data (obviously your pace per mile is a simple one but other one are pretty complex). All Brand pay to get the algorithm. So Garmin in my opinion will get the best one at list for a decade because you can’t start a company like that from scratch even if you’re Apple. As a Apple user I love the Apple Watch but I don’t think the outdoor enthusiast will get one over dedicated one. Oh I forget Navigation seem’s a lot far head in coros/Garmin. The feature that Apple is advertising are cool but at the level of what you get with a 250/300€ Garmin. Not even at 30% of you get of the top one in other brand! I get the diving side but i don’t think people that are diving 1 time a year in Holliday will pay double for this. And active diver’s will get a dedicated one. It’s cool because it better than an Apple Watch and you re in the Apple écosystem. That’s why my dad ordered one…😅

[@PoetWithPace]

Agreed 👍🏼

[@8610803eternal]

Hellah x MKBHD is the collab I didn’t know I needed

[@pilot876]

i thought i was the only one who had that compass direction issue from start point with GPS lol. great share !

[@chopshop523]

Please show this man some respect! Please… he deserves it!!

[@emirgokcen1906]

I love how you picked Hellah for this review. Guy is a great example for all amateur runners out there whether they run 5K 10K or an Ultra Marathon. I was just laughing at the 100 meter comment, but it is all good 😀I am a fanatical Garmin user for a while and running has been part of my life since college (quite older now). I think Hellah covered it quite well too but I love Garmin because of 1-Battery life 2-GPS accuracy 3-Durability 4-Physical Buttons (also have touch screen models but most of their moders are not). My fenix 6S Pro right now lasts for almost a week, where in a week I drop around 50K run and plus regular daily usage. GPS is quite accurate especially in a non-forest areas. Durability is amazing, for some reason Apple Watches seem to be too delicate for me like a phone perhaps. No need to talk about how important physical buttons are as Hellah mentioned. If Apple wants to be a big player in sport watches market, I think they need to improve on these 4 metrics. Once they do, they can kill the market for sure.

[@ketle369]

Finally someone who actually does sports to review the watch and not all these coach potato’s.

[@RAM335D]

Why don’t they just show the runner talking instead of telling us what he says and then showing what he says ffs

[@tarnesh88]

Marques won the like button challenge lol

[@HenleyBailey]

Not even close to a Garmin Epix 2 in functionality or usefulness let alone the battery life. I'm glad Apple have entered this area as I know they'll progress rapidly but this first iteration is more for casual users. I get this guy running across America is not casual but his use case is very specific so basically any basic GPS sports watch would cover his needs. Anyone interested in this kind of thing, watch DC Rainmaker's review of the Epix 2 to see the kind of things the Apple watch doesn't have (yet). In a few years I'm hoping I can switch to the Apple Ultra 4 or something as Apple does some nice stuff but no way for this revision and unlikely for the second/third either.

[@chrisogrady28]

Just got my EPIX 2, more expensive than the Ultra and 10x more capable

[@ctodisco]

For me, Garmin/Corros still has a major advantage. Like other people are saying, battery life is still much better on a Fenix or 945, there’s way more metrics tracked on each run, but the main two things for me are 1) Heart Rate monitor compatibility. There’s no way to pair a HR monitor to an Apple Watch which is one of the main reasons I switched. Chest based has been tested to be significantly more accurate than wrist based monitors, and as someone that loves accurate data, this is a huge issue for me 2) the screen when wet being unusable is a way bigger issue than I’ve seen people make it out to be. Running laps on a track and needing quick access to different screens is next to impossible when you’re sweaty or it’s raining out. A fully touched based UI is awful for running in general, and add any moisture and it becomes unusable. Until those two issues are addressed, the watch will be the only major non apple tech product I use in my day to day.

[@PoetWithPace]

Agreed 👍🏼

[@jamesbourne1521]

Apple Watch has HR monitor compatibility. I run with a chest HR monitor connected to my Apple Watch EVERYDAY (because same reason I you, I need the data to track progress plus plan my future runs better.) note: I’ve been using a chest monitor since BEFORE you made this comment. Plus I know a few other ultra marathoners that use HR monitors with their Apple Watches. 2) has been address as far as I’m aware. My watch lets me switch between screens via knob while I’m running to check my hr zones and laps etc.

[@papaqlitabriz.]

bro as a runner i have to say comparing smart watch with professional sport watch specially runner edition watch is not fair .

[@rajmadhure]

why a discussion about a discussion they had with a runner? just get Hellah on your show.

[@fitbylena]

Seriously or maybe the schedules didn’t work

[@scoti5]

If you start an exercise on Apple Watch, you can press on the Watch screen when it counts down, and it cancels the countdown.

[@claudiugardelli6302]

No, you don't have to wait! You just need to touch the 3 2 1 timer, and it will start registering the time.

[@HabitualFixation]

When running across the USA you’d think the Garmin Enduro would be the only way to go?

[@YouTubeUserLol]

The watch is absolutely insane.

[@sarhan_]

@Günther Lütjens because?

[@njsfer]

This guy talks about Garmin's accuraccy when running in cities with tall buildings but he's using the Fenix 6 Pro but the çatest Fenix 7 and FR955 also have dual-band GPS and the accuraccy is much better. If you want to see the best reviews from running watches check out DC Rainmaker's page or YT channel if you don't want to read very detailed reviews.

[@Tharrenx]

I feel like unfortunately for most mountain go-ers, ultra trail runners, skimo, skii touring etc apple missed the mark on these completely. Its kind of frustrating listening to this group of people talk about things they have absolutely no idea about. It is so easy to go beyond 13-14 hours of exercising. So many people rely on their GPS watches for multi-day hikes, traverses, even simple out and back overnight trips. The use cases are so vast and with no route planning its going to be very hard for these people to switch to a whole new eco-system while simultaneously give up battery life. For me personally if I'm planning a multi-day hike I cannot take this apple ultra because it will not make it there's not enough room for comfort should I have to stay an extra night or need to find an alternate exit.

[@tylerroberts7315]

Don’t know man it only takes 1 hr on fast charging to take it back to full power. Many reviews have confirmed normal battery life is easily 2 and a half days plus sleep tracking. I used a series 7 for several multi day hikes in the Alps before and simply took a breather to recharge it and keep going. Is it annoying? Sure buts it way more doable than people think. I still prefer garmin for my long runs, but if you are talking multi day hikes, I can personally speak that it’s doable.

[@commenter_1233]

u can turn on precision start on the ultra, then u can start a run instantly!

[@AztkSmooth]

Never though I would see Hellah on a Mkbh video! Been following him for the last 2 years when the pandemic started and I picked up running 😅

[@RickCorp]

It was only a matter of time after Hellah was in a Casey Neistat vlog.

[@sheva_sd]

Why apple watch is even in the conversation when there is Garmin Enduro 2? Its on a whole different league

[@wysland2210]

As a dive instructor, I give the dive part of the interview a terrible rating. Fact checking was none existing. Some of the most basic recreational dive computers/watches calculate dive profiles using mixed gasses up to 40% O2. The Suunto dive watch shown in the interview does this at a fraction of the cost of the Ultra. Newer dive computers/watches around the same price point as the Ultra can calculate multiple mixed gasses and can be used for both recreational and technical diving with mixed gasses that include helium and or 100% O2. Many recreational divers use “mixed gasses” specially during dive vacations instead of diving air. I know this is not necessarily a “tech” subject, but even a casual internet search would have yielded basic info to fact check. You guys are better than this!

[@HT_LBC]

Touch screen always bad for running watch...

[@nicolasmarkham9656]

Hellah seems like a cool dude and I love his name. What's his business model, how does he make money?

[@successfulstone]

Hellah is a great runner! But my critique would be that he's actually not really a running tech person, unlike DC Rainmaker or Desfit. He has many watches but his comparisons with the Apple watch Ultra was unfair, probably because he doesn't have the funds to keep up to date with the real competitors. The video was really about why runners should buy the Ultra, not really if it is better than other devices or if it works the best. It's basically doing Apple's marketing for them. Firstly, the battery life is clearly worse in the Ultra compared with the Garmin competitors, or Coros. Surviving 2 days before charging is better, but not good. Secondly, I was disappointed he praised the dual GPS feature on the Ultra, but compared it with an older Garmin without dual GPS. Looks like you guys may have edited it out if he did. No mention of Coros Veritx 2, Garmin Forerunner 255, 955, Fenix 7, Epix 2, Enduro 2. This setting will also drain battery like crazy. Thirdly. No comparison of the running dynamics or native running power. Which DC Rainmaker did on the beta software when it first came out, and found it occasionally dropped the ball. We need a new comparison. Fourthly, there is so much praise over the action button, but the reason why it's there is because touchscreen and crown is terrible for use during sports. This is a standard feature. Is it even the most optimal user interface? Fifthly, even if it's made of titanium and the latest glass, I still wouldn't treat it rough because it probably won't be able to survive. I see the Ultra in the same way I view Garmin's Instinct 2 Tactical/tactix delta series. It's not actually for the people that do the things they market. It's for people that like the idea of doing them. Which is a much larger number. It's a status symbol for people who already have apple watches and are slightly active. It doesn't really contribute to the current market of sports watches. But I guess I can say the same for their phones

[@francisdayon]

Funny how everybody is trying so hard to make the ultra a good watch. Nobody compares it features to features to Garmin because it will lose hands down. I bet you it'll all be fat apple fanboys wearing this watch 6 months from now. They will also be the loudest and will give it tons of praise. As a Garmin user, it's so funny that you will most likely have to charge this watch everyday. If you take it for a run in the evening, do you wait till it charges before you go to sleep?

[@romeoiipunzalan1079]

In Ultra trail races, like the UTMB there are people who tracks and counts what shoes people use. Apple should hire some of those people to know if ultra people use their watch. I think that is one way to know if they"ve got those people...

[@jaridekeijzer]

I normally don't think you miss anything on products when comparing them. But comparing the apple watch ultra to a garmin fenix 6 or 7 pro, there is just no way those compare in features. Garmin gives so much more information in any activity on the watch like, cadence, stride length, vert ratio, ground contact and so much more. That is just running, they have this for every kind of activity (sometimes with external sensors). Creating routes for you, tracking your fitness, your VO2 max, heart rate variability, etc. etc. etc. So I mean great improvement on apple's side, but in my opinion there is just no way to compare this new apple watch to a garmin in terms of sport capabilities. Just a completely different class.

[@PoetWithPace]

Totally agree. Like comparing apples and bananas 🤣

[@imnotajedi]

I am interested in the actual battery life in activity.

[@prakash_77]

After watching this, I'm just curious how do runners make money.

[@jaimel2037]

Someone should give David Goggins an ultra for review - if it can pass the “stay hard” test😎

[@pedallknife]

Big Fan of Hella what a beast

[@jeradhill]

Tip: Double tap on screen during workout to add a new segment on other Apple Watches such as Series 8, 7, etc.

[@Cryptopaja]

There is one big disadvantage of the native running app ……. It doesn’t share the informations with other apps like Nike run club or Garmin connect 😢

[@faizfrez2729]

At first i thought it's Marques on the right of the thumbnail😂 like since when he plays frisbee and an Ultrarunner

[@jamosmithlol]

I feel so bad for athletes who still use apples watches and salivate over features that other brands have had for years.

[@ThePhillyPharm]

Definitely HUGE progress for the AW. But unfortunately it doesn’t cover all my use cases as a runner. Interval sessions, suggested workouts, recovery and progress metrics are essential for me with my Garmin. On top of that, having off-line maps and being able to create routes for navigation without a secondary app are really useful. Hopefully Apple starts integrated more of these features.

[@hoshinkaaaa]

Interval is available on watchOS 9. You can also track your progress and change yourself with a workout app. “Users can choose to race against their best or last result on frequently used routes, and receive alerts during the workout for being ahead or behind their pace, as well as when going off route. Additionally, a new pacer experience lets users choose a distance and goal for the time in which they want to complete a run, and calculates the pace required to achieve the goal. During the workout, they can follow the pace alerts and metrics provided.”

[@ThePhillyPharm]

@@hoshinkaaaa that’s great but still missing too many features that Garmin does really well.

[@Ajajambo]

@@ThePhillyPharm totally agree, data like recovery, HRV and may more should be included in the AW. I don't get it why a company as accomplished as Apple don't do their homework propely and provide a complete article. It's silly really.

[@ardencassie5150]

Came here to say this. Garmins analytics are still miles ahead. Sure apple collects great data but they don’t do much with it to help me as a runner.

[@chadotis8416]

I had a Fenix 5X i was liking to upgrade amd also have a series 5 Apple watch for staying connected. I waited for the launch of the ultra to decide my next move. It didn't do enough as a serious runner /athlete. Got the Epix 2 and will keep my Apple watch for cellular. Haven't taken off my Epix 2. Love it.

[@kofuzi]

love Hellah

[@yevhensco]

Are those 3 seconds countdown actually important to someone who runs not 100 meters sprint? )

[@matthiassventoest6800]

Hellah is legit.. he is on the Hoka Flow team.., if I can use a skateboard team example. glad to see you reached out to him.

[@owenandkewell]

The apple watch still missing integration with external sensors?

[@collinhall4041]

I need to use the action button to start/stop, but I also need a physical button for splits. When I'm doing a track workout or even a tempo run with various pace breakdowns, I need a physical button. The double tap just isn't reliable. If this is possible, I'm all in on the Apple Watch Ultra.

[@DCCCarpentry]

Is that something they could incorporate with a software update?

[@chriswhetton3584]

Apple has a setting to turn off the countdown start. He just didn’t open the settings.

[@monarchista]

but yo ucant turn off this 3 seconds...

[@nyambe]

Such a positive spirit

[@DavidJeffreyOConnor]

MKBHD def had the best thumb, but only because the other two didn't look anything like the thumbs up button. Also, why did David draw a fingernail?

[@jumbleblue]

No words about power metrics?

[@raghulrs]

After the new Apple Watch makes everyone to run n do workouts to post the vlogs abt the iwatch 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ReeseWalters-y1l]

I wonder how long Whoop would last on a run that long.

[@manuelibarra9222]

Garmin has entered the chat

[@chewbster]

When apple watch is doing a countdown, you can tap to GO instead of waiting out the 3 seconds 😅

[@aravindlingesh5764]

just a recommendation, don't say 68 days somethingc 1:10 when every one has laptop connected to internet. - A fan of this channel

[@sb_hs988]

Apple is really suffering selling ULTRA watch as it is astronomically priced. That's why so many people are promoting this watch as they are getting paid. Don't fall for $1200 CAD Garbage.

[@TheBlueOwlX]

You actually don't need to wait for the countdown on an Apple watch. When you a number, you can just tap it again and it will start the workout immediately.

[@eranlanz6308]

Not true..No need to count down 3,2,1 you can double tap and it start immediately

[@nech060404]

Who else thought this would be Marques Brownlee running a marathon by the picture?

[@rharris6060]

He not quite David Goggins level, what David using????

[@JunkfoodJunction]

BUT THE FOURTH GUY IS JUST A VOICE

[@PoetWithPace]

Come run a marathon with me 🏆

[@christophermyers9427]

Not a game changer. Much more expensive for a slightly worse running watch.

[@GameCast222]

i subscribed

[@Canman99]

The disrespect. Holy cow, this was tough to listen to.

[@samchasingstarlight]

What's worse about the 3 sec countdown is if you want to track your actual race time when you cross over the start line, not the gun time, which is useless for runners.

[@mouahmong]

You can change the settings for it to start on press and it’ll skip the countdown.

[@cristinad7658]

does apple watch ultra have time alerts, distance alerts for run mode like garmin does?

[@jonathanmaccormick309]

Watch DC rainmakers video if you want to know how this watch will handle anything

[@mo-hammadabunaser1367]

Why is he saying what the guy is about to say, that was so repetitive

[@thecrowfliescrooked]

Garmin, we measure our battery by months, not hours.

[@davidsimons5764]

Is the Apple Watch ultra going to be going against the garmins.congrats on all the running

[@E.Carrillo]

On Apple Watch fitness you can press the screen after pressing fitness and it starts right away canceling the 3 seconds countdown.

[@qbinwu6187]

wonderful like burtton

[@phillipjames453]

Does it have an always on second hand? Other Apple Watches do not have that feature.

[@stemuganwa1626]

“Sprinting 100ks or whatever” 😂

[@sanra167]

Eyy! Guinean in the house!! 🇬🇳 🇬🇳

[@DiegoDeschain]

I saw Marques' drawing and thought it was pretty funny, then the other two came around and Marques' was actually the best one lmao xD

[@chucky1golf]

Apple Ultra is so difficult to read I’m over 50 I guessing Apples designers are no older than 40 as their default txt even at max on the watch faces is tiny 😢

[@jlutz63]

I remember Hella from Casey Neistat

[@oloidhexasphericon5349]

fat rabbit, tower of hanoi (profile view), snail

[@Thunderbolt1684]

nice, make a vid about Aptera!!!!

[@PLANETWATERMELON]

There will be nothing "sleeper" about the Ultra Apple-watch. Also the 60 extended battery mode always has a much less GPS accuracy because its reducing the amount of times per minute the watch taps for GPS.

[@davetonnwrites]

The workaround for the 321 start is to start a run and then immediately pause... then when the race starts or when you cross the official start line, press resume.

[@Jduchsnqkwiryrysbab]

There is now precision start too so it removes the count down and you start when you want.

[@brucefletcher3990]

Marquise has the best one 👍🏾

[@Hi_im_ai]

I’d like to see a triathlete

[@haitam6102]

Watch 5 pro be like I'm I a joke to you

[@Andy.mikhail137]

Garmin fenix 7x...lol

[@ahmedelzayady1724]

It is missing support for pre recorded way points so you follow a certain route, it is what hikers & trail runners would do

[@TJMartinek]

Any instance were I would need a compass, I wouldn't trust the apple watch.