Runner & Cyclist FAQ
Everything you need to know about optimizing your training
Training Smarter, Not Just Harder
MyBodyWatch™ helps athletes make data-driven decisions about when to push hard and when to prioritize recovery. Here are the most common questions from our running and cycling community.
🏃♀️ Getting Started
How quickly will I see results?
MyBodyWatch™ needs 7-14 days to establish your personal baseline. During this period, the app learns your unique patterns. After that, you'll get increasingly accurate readiness scores that adapt to your training load and recovery patterns.
Do I need to manually track anything?
No! MyBodyWatch™ automatically pulls data from your Apple Watch and Health app. Just wear your watch while sleeping and during activities. The app does all the analysis for you.
What if I don't have perfect data every day?
The app is designed to work with real life. Missed a night of sleep tracking? Forgot your watch during a run? MyBodyWatch™ adapts and continues providing useful insights with whatever data is available.
📊 Understanding Your Score
What do the scores mean for training?
Athletes often use these days for hard workouts, tempo runs, interval training, or races
Common for steady-state runs, base training, or moderate cycling sessions
May indicate need for easy pace, rest day, or light cross-training
Why is my score low after a rest day?
Several factors affect your score beyond just yesterday's training: sleep quality, stress levels, illness fighting, or accumulated fatigue. A low score after rest often indicates your body needs more recovery time—which is valuable information!
Can I override a low score if I feel good?
You know your body best! Use the score as guidance, not gospel. However, consistently ignoring low scores may lead to overtraining or injury. Consider the score as additional data to inform your decisions.
🎯 Training Optimization
How does this help me understand my recovery needs?
MyBodyWatch™ visualizes your wellness trends and recovery patterns over time. This data can help inform your training decisions, showing when your metrics suggest your body may benefit from additional recovery.
Will this help me PR (Personal Record)?
Absolutely! By training hard when your body is ready and recovering when it needs rest, you'll arrive at race day in optimal condition. Many users report better performance and fewer training setbacks.
What about race day strategies?
A high score on race day (8-10) suggests you're primed for peak performance. A moderate score (5-7) means you can still race well but may want to adjust expectations. The app helps you make confident race-day decisions.
How does it work with training plans?
Use MyBodyWatch™ alongside your training plan. When your score suggests recovery but your plan calls for hard training, consider adjusting the intensity or swapping workout days. Smart training plans are flexible.
⌚ Technical Questions
Which Apple Watch models work best?
Any Apple Watch with heart rate monitoring works with MyBodyWatch™. Newer models (Series 4+) provide more accurate HRV data, but the app is designed to work well across all generations.
How accurate is heart rate variability on Apple Watch?
Apple Watch HRV is very reliable for trend analysis, which is what matters for readiness scores. While absolute values may vary slightly from chest straps, the relative changes that inform your score are highly accurate.
Does this drain my watch battery?
No additional battery drain! MyBodyWatch™ uses data your Apple Watch already collects. There's no impact on your watch's battery life.