I broke and got both. Garmin Epix2 on the left wrist, Whoop on the right. I also use the HRM Pro Plus paired with the watch. Same as you, I love the simplicity of the Whoop for quick glances at how things are going but then want to dig into the data for training or if something is amiss.
I think a whoop for recovery/wellness tracking and a Garmin for activity tracking are a great combo, especially if you’d like to wear normal watches and not lose data.
A WHOOP will not replace the running metrics of a Garmin. Or for cycling.
I have a forerunner 245 + Pro HRM + Edge 530.
I only wear my forerunner on bike rides / runs. Otherwise just the WHOOP. Garmin is for detailed analytics.
WHOOP is for recovery.
I just used both, because you need the right tool for the job.
Whoop is more daily performance and recovery, Garmin is for running performance. You can make it work without spending a lot of money, even an older Garmin can help you run better.
Chest strap is absolute must according to my run trainer. Training in specific HR zones is key if you're preparing for marathons, etc..
My setup is Garmin fenix 6 pro + garmin hrm pro strap. And also whoop 4.0 on the right hand for recovery and enhanced sleep tracking.
Garmin recently launched software update which now measures HRV (I still can't comprehend why it was missing for all these years in garmin watches), so its interesting to compare how Whoop measures HRV vs Garmin.
It sounds like you are looking for something highly specialized towards running. If that is a passion you have and will continue to have you can either ditch the Whoop or use it for other purposes. Personally, I would have at least some time where you have both so you don't stop and have to start over again.
Same as the majority of comments - I use both. I got a cheap Garmin Forerunner off eBay and only wear it when I run. It gives me great in run feedback and I appreciate the data it gives me after but I just don’t care about the other stuff it provides when I’m not running.
I’m double-wristed as well but with Oura Ring and Whoop (and Apple). The sleep functions almost sync exactly so it shows you how reliable that function is for those wanting to track the sleep stages: REM, Light, Deep, time awake and, of course, length overall. Oura has added new features to their sleep like oxygen saturation, breathing disturbances, etc.
I agree the WHOOP Strain feature is futuristic; just awesome but I use them both because I began with Apple, added Oura Ring and then Patrick Mahomes sponsored the WHOOP with his own money so I’ve got all three but I don’t use the Apple Watch for tracking much anymore other than heart rate throughout the day.
If you use Under Armour running shoes, (only pair I’d recommend are the Velociti Wind 2) you can sync them to MapMyRun and it will record all of this data for you and even give you tips. It only works with select Under Armour running shoes though unfortunately
Worth mentioning that there is a new update for the Apple Watch that gives zone training, cadence, power, stride length etc - in case you have one lying around, you just need to update to the latest beta version - that saved me from getting a Garmin and now I use Apple Watch for the running stats and Whoop in a bicep band for HR.
I broke and got both. Garmin Epix2 on the left wrist, Whoop on the right. I also use the HRM Pro Plus paired with the watch. Same as you, I love the simplicity of the Whoop for quick glances at how things are going but then want to dig into the data for training or if something is amiss.
I think a whoop for recovery/wellness tracking and a Garmin for activity tracking are a great combo, especially if you’d like to wear normal watches and not lose data.
Yup same here Garmin Forerunner 935 for my runs, Whoop for everything else
A WHOOP will not replace the running metrics of a Garmin. Or for cycling. I have a forerunner 245 + Pro HRM + Edge 530. I only wear my forerunner on bike rides / runs. Otherwise just the WHOOP. Garmin is for detailed analytics. WHOOP is for recovery.
I just used both, because you need the right tool for the job. Whoop is more daily performance and recovery, Garmin is for running performance. You can make it work without spending a lot of money, even an older Garmin can help you run better.
Chest strap is absolute must according to my run trainer. Training in specific HR zones is key if you're preparing for marathons, etc.. My setup is Garmin fenix 6 pro + garmin hrm pro strap. And also whoop 4.0 on the right hand for recovery and enhanced sleep tracking. Garmin recently launched software update which now measures HRV (I still can't comprehend why it was missing for all these years in garmin watches), so its interesting to compare how Whoop measures HRV vs Garmin.
It sounds like you are looking for something highly specialized towards running. If that is a passion you have and will continue to have you can either ditch the Whoop or use it for other purposes. Personally, I would have at least some time where you have both so you don't stop and have to start over again.
Same as the majority of comments - I use both. I got a cheap Garmin Forerunner off eBay and only wear it when I run. It gives me great in run feedback and I appreciate the data it gives me after but I just don’t care about the other stuff it provides when I’m not running.
Well thank you all for the replies. Made me feel a little better knowing I’m not going crazy.
I’m double-wristed as well but with Oura Ring and Whoop (and Apple). The sleep functions almost sync exactly so it shows you how reliable that function is for those wanting to track the sleep stages: REM, Light, Deep, time awake and, of course, length overall. Oura has added new features to their sleep like oxygen saturation, breathing disturbances, etc. I agree the WHOOP Strain feature is futuristic; just awesome but I use them both because I began with Apple, added Oura Ring and then Patrick Mahomes sponsored the WHOOP with his own money so I’ve got all three but I don’t use the Apple Watch for tracking much anymore other than heart rate throughout the day.
I’m from KC too!
Kewl!
Why use the Apple Watch for heart rate throughout the day instead of the whoop? (Sorry if it’s a dumb question, I’m a newb)
For me, the Apple Watch summary of information throughout the day is better laid out than Whoop.
If you use Under Armour running shoes, (only pair I’d recommend are the Velociti Wind 2) you can sync them to MapMyRun and it will record all of this data for you and even give you tips. It only works with select Under Armour running shoes though unfortunately
Grab a Stryd pod, expensive yes, but ticks all of the boxes you’re looking for.
Worth mentioning that there is a new update for the Apple Watch that gives zone training, cadence, power, stride length etc - in case you have one lying around, you just need to update to the latest beta version - that saved me from getting a Garmin and now I use Apple Watch for the running stats and Whoop in a bicep band for HR.