With WatchOS 3 released, there’s plenty more happening with Apple Watch activity. I have always enjoyed the badges earned for activity and breaking personal records. There’s always a badge to focus on and attempt to set a new record for.

Technology was always going to inform the progress that I make in running. It’s not just a part of my teaching where I benefits to learning styles, personalisation, workflow and motivation. Technology has enabled me to make gains in my personal life, manage challenges with more independence  and motivate me to become better at something. Running is a great case study for this and shows that technology has enabled me to coach myself to achieve and make gains towards outcomes I never thought I’d be able to do.

I’m using my devices to track my progress, set new goals and push myself forwards. And the data is presented to me in easy, accessible ways so I can make the most of it.

What’s more, is that these awards are extending now. There are new challenges popping up in months where exercise might be difficult, or there should be a focus on something new to add variety.

In January 2017 we had ‘Ring in the New Year Challenge’ on Apple Watch to kick start those resolutions: the goal is to close the move, exercise and stand ring (red, green, blue) every day for a week.

In April 2017 we had Earth Day Challenge to complete a work out for 30 minutes or more.

In July 2017 we had National Park Challenge to complete a 3.5 mile workout (the length of the Old Faithful to Mallard Lake hike in Yellowstone National Park).

I’ve been using my Apple Watch since the day it was released on 25th April 2015. I’ve worked my way through all of the achievements apart from ‘Perfect Month’, 500 Moves Goals and 1000 Move Goals. I’ve broken records on achievements I’ve unlocked already too. It’s just a small gesture that a device can give you but sometimes it’s that small drive that makes all the difference. The Earth Day challenge came on a day when I hadn’t scheduled a run, but it was an incentive to go out and get it even when it wasn’t convenient to me. These awards help to fill in the gaps when other aspects of life gets in the way. And as a teacher, we know we like rewards and positive praise. This is an effective strategy for me!