A recent experiment involved testing seven fitness trackers during the New York City Marathon to evaluate their performance and usefulness in a demanding physical challenge. The devices tested included the Apple Watch Ultra 3, Garmin Forerunner 570, Whoop MG, and others. The goal was to assess their features, such as battery life, comfort, readability, and recovery metrics, in a real-world setting.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 proved to be a reliable choice for the actual marathon, despite its large size being a drawback in everyday use. Its bright display and ease of use made it ideal for receiving texts and checking notes during the race. The Whoop MG, on the other hand, was more useful for long-term training and tracking stress levels, rather than providing live training metrics.

During the marathon, the Whoop MG’s stress monitor showed a significant peak when the runner experienced a setback, including vomiting on the Queensboro Bridge. The device’s data provided valuable insights into the runner’s physical state and helped identify patterns in their training. Although it was not the most useful device during the actual race, it was helpful in preparing for and recovering from the event.

The experiment involved wearing multiple fitness trackers during 508 miles of running, 30 weightlifting sessions, 110 miles of biking, and regular yoga or Pilates practice. The results highlighted the importance of choosing the right device for specific needs and activities. The Garmin Forerunner 570 and Suunto Run were found to be suitable for training, while the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Whoop MG were preferred for the actual marathon.

The use of fitness trackers in marathons and other endurance events is becoming increasingly popular, as they provide valuable data and insights to help athletes optimize their performance. As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see even more advanced features and devices designed specifically for endurance sports. For now, runners and athletes can choose from a range of options to suit their needs and goals, from basic tracking devices to more advanced smartwatches with specialized features.