The Apple Watch has continuously enhanced its fitness capabilities over the years, introducing new running metrics, Training Load, and third-party app integrations like TrainingPeaks. Despite these advanced tools, I, as a tech reviewer testing the latest Apple Watches, struggle to maintain a consistent running routine.

After a busy day at work, juggling life as a mid-thirties individual with an active six-year-old, the idea of gearing up for a run can feel daunting, even with appealing running routes nearby.

While tracking my workouts is beneficial, I often find myself lacking the motivation to lace up my shoes and hit the pavement. Apple's new AI Workout Buddy feature might just be the solution I need.

Unlike my reluctance towards running, I have no trouble making it to the gym. Apple's Workout Buddy, unveiled at WWDC 25, promises a personalized fitness experience powered by Apple Intelligence. This feature leverages workout data and fitness history to offer tailored motivational insights during exercise sessions, considering factors like heart rate, pace, distance, Activity rings, and personal fitness achievements.

The concept of receiving motivational prompts during my runs intrigues me. While I approach AI cautiously, a few encouraging words from my Apple Watch as I tackle a 5K could be the push I need.

Having recently completed a 10k race after dealing with heart health issues, having an AI assistant analyze my heart rate data and provide guidance on pacing could have alleviated my concerns during the event. Questions like 'am I going too fast?' or 'am I pushing too hard?' could have been addressed in real-time.

During my runs, I consciously avoid checking my Apple Watch Ultra for my pace, as I prefer focusing on the physical act of running rather than fixating on speed. If I can customize the AI's motivational messages to suit my preferences, I believe it could enhance my performance without overwhelming me with data.

While I've experimented with AI coaching apps like Zing in the past, they sometimes feel overly complex for simple tracking purposes. Having Workout Buddy seamlessly integrated into my devices, ready to offer support when needed and fade into the background when not, seems like the ideal solution for fitness enthusiasts like myself. September can't come soon enough!