I tried a running watch for a month after years of running without one – here are 5 things I've learned

Coros Apex 4 on athlete's wrist, they are setting off for an outdoor run.

I've been running regularly for several years (since reluctantly hanging up my soccer boots), generally hitting the trails around me every other day. And while I've kitted myself out with some of the best running shoes to enhance that experience, I've never fully embraced a running watch.

Instead, I have relied on my phone to track my runs, using the Strava app. I don't need to track my runs, but I do enjoy the stats – I find competing against myself is a big motivator.