I'm a fitness editor who's been reviewing smartwatches for years, but when it came to choosing a running watch for my half-marathon, I made a surprising decision. Despite my daily reliance on my Apple Watch, I opted for the Garmin Forerunner 570 over the Apple Watch Ultra 3. Here's why: Physical Buttons vs. Touchscreen - In the face of a terrible forecast, I chose the Garmin Forerunner 570 for its physical buttons. Rain and touchscreens don't mix well, and I needed a watch I could easily lap with, even in the freezing cold. Weather Conditions - The forecast for my half-marathon was relentless rain and temperatures of 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Standing at the start line, I was already soaked and freezing. Apple Watch's Limitations - While the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a great watch, it falls short in rainy conditions. Double-tapping the screen to lap the watch becomes a hassle in the rain, and I prefer to keep the Action Button as a shortcut to pause running workouts. Garmin's Reliability - Despite the Garmin Forerunner 570's limitations as a smartwatch, it proved reliable on race day. The physical buttons and automatically disabled AMOLED touchscreen helped me stay on pace, even in the harsh weather. Controversy & Comment Hooks - The choice between the Apple Watch and Garmin Forerunner 570 is a matter of personal preference. Some runners might prefer the convenience of the Apple Watch, while others might prioritize the reliability of physical buttons in harsh weather. What do you think? Do you have a running watch that you trust in all conditions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
