The training is nearly done, your kit is ready and the start line is approaching. But have you explored the features on your smartwatch that could support your final preparations?

Ahead of the Royal Parks Half Marathon, Samsung shares tips from UK Product Specialist Lee Dinham to help runners make more of their Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2.

Galaxy Watch’s Daily Cardio Load feature provides insights into your activity levels, helping you consider when to ease off¹. As race day approaches, use those insights alongside how you feel when planning your remaining sessions.

“I think we’re all guilty of not getting enough rest and recovery time,” says Lee.  “The Daily Cardio Load feature gives a great indication of if I’m doing too much – or not enough – and will give me a nudge to take it easy every so often.”

Lee also recommends exploring the broader health insights available on Galaxy Watch, including Sleep Score in Samsung Health².

During your final preparations, make time to review your sleep alongside your activity, rather than focusing solely on the miles you’ve covered.

One of Lee’s favourite hands-free shortcuts is Galaxy Watch’s “knock knock” gesture, which can launch an exercise or a favourite app.

His advice is to assign the gesture to a function you regularly use, so you can access it with a movement of your hand.

With Raise to Talk, lift your Galaxy Watch towards your mouth to speak to Google Gemini³. Whether you want to check the weather before setting off or ask a last-minute question while carrying your race bag, you can get a quick answers on the go.

Lee names Raise to Talk as his favourite feature on Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2, finding it useful for quick answers on the move, “especially without having to reach for my smartphone”.

Whether you’re taking on your first half marathon or returning for another race, spending a few minutes exploring your watch before the weekend can help you feel more familiar with the features you’ll use.

1. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment of any medical condition or sleep disorder. The measurements are for your personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice. ↩︎
2. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment of any medical condition or sleep disorder. The measurements are for your personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice. ↩︎
3. Requires compatible Wear OS watch to be connected to a compatible device. Check responses for accuracy. Internet connection and set up may be required. Google and Gemini are trademarks of Google LLC. ↩︎