Andreja Košir, a marathon runner with a clear goal, has shifted her approach to training away from long-distance running alone. Instead, she focuses on strength, stability, recovery, and understanding her body, aided by data from her HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2. This device helps transform training and recovery metrics into actionable insights that guide her more thoughtful training routine. Her perspective on marathon preparation differs significantly from the common assumption that it involves only long runs, early mornings, running shoes, and gradually increasing distances. Košir believes that a marathon is composed not just of kilometers but of all the decisions made well before the race day. These decisions have become central to her athletic routine. Living with multiple sclerosis has taught her to listen more carefully to her body's signals, a practice now complemented by the data collected through her smartwatch. Her goal remains the marathon, but she emphasizes being prepared rather than simply aiming to run it. Before each training session, Košir asks herself a crucial question: Am I ready for today’s workout? This self-reflection marks a shift from her previous belief that more training equated to more progress. She used to train whenever possible, even when tired. Now, she understands that fatigue isn't always a sign of laziness, it can indicate that her body needs rest. The HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 provides her with additional information beyond her own perception. It tracks heart rate variability (HRV) and other metrics using advanced algorithms and a neural processing unit (NPU). According to Huawei, these features offer users insight into their body's recovery and help adjust exercise intensity accordingly. For Košir, this data serves as supplementary information rather than directives. Her experience highlights one of the key values of a sports watch, not forcing daily records but helping understand the broader picture of training and recovery. Progress, she argues, is not solely measured by numbers on a stopwatch. It emerges from many small decisions, including acknowledging that sometimes the best training is the one you skip. Success, for Košir, does not necessarily mean completing the most workouts in a week. What matters more is the quality of training over months, half-years, or years. The HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 offers more than just distance tracking. It monitors lactate threshold, Running Ability Index (RAI), training intensity, and running power. Based on past achievements, RAI, training index, and personal physical data, it can even predict race times. This changes the perspective on a question many ask themselves: How do I know I'm progressing if I’m not running faster? Košir explains that focusing solely on pace could give the impression of standing still, while the body often progresses even when improvements aren’t immediately noticeable. Therefore, she pays attention to other indicators of running readiness, such as VO₂ max and RAI. Instead of relying on a single result, she tracks development over time. Sometimes, a training session might not feel particularly special, yet the data shows she has taken a step forward. At those moments, she knows she is on the right path. Her journey underscores the importance of patience and the value of comprehensive data in guiding athletic progress.
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