Photo credit: Samsung

Samsung has released a user guide detailing the capabilities of the Galaxy Watch8 series' Running Coach feature, positioning it as a tool to help runners of all levels move past plateaus and achieve distance goals, from a first 5K to a half marathon.

Running remains a widely popular sport, yet creating and adhering to a structured training plan can be challenging for solo runners. The Running Coach feature, accessible through the Samsung Health app on the Galaxy Watch8, offers personalized training programs aimed at addressing this hurdle.

Personalized Training Begins with a Test

The system initiates training with a running level test, requiring the user to run as far as possible in 12 minutes. Based on the distance covered and the user’s self-reported rating of perceived exertion (RPE), the Watch8 assigns one of 10 ability levels and recommends a three-to-five-week program.

Korean fitness influencer Narae Kim (@healthy_naraekim) used the feature to overcome a running plateau. After her 12-minute test, she was placed at Level 6—for runners targeting a half marathon—and was assigned a five-week plan consisting of 19 customized sessions designed to meet her goal.

Customized Programs and Real-Time Coaching
The Running Coach eliminates the guesswork from daily training by providing clear, structured sessions. Each level features 15 to 19 sessions, typically requiring three to four runs per week with recovery built in. The programs are designed to gradually adjust difficulty using various training methods, including high-intensity intervals and long slow distance runs, to minimize injury risk and build lasting habits.

During a run, the Galaxy Watch8 provides real-time audio feedback—such as “Slow down” or “Keep it up”—based on the user's pace and heart rate data, essentially acting as a personal coach. Post-session reports detail key metrics like split pace and left-right balance, culminating in a scored feedback system that makes progress easily quantifiable.

Integrated Wellness and Smart Assistance

Beyond the run itself, the Watch8 encourages consistency by integrating other wellness features. Kim noted that she checks her Energy Score and Sleep Score each morning to select a running session that aligns with her physical and mental condition, preventing overexertion.

Furthermore, the Google Gemini integration on the smartwatch enhances the experience. Users can ask their watch for information such as "Show me nearby flat running routes," or perform quick conversions, like turning a minute-per-kilometer pace into a treadmill speed.

After completing her five-week program, Kim successfully advanced to the next level. "Before using Running Coach, I often felt uncertain about pacing and adjusting intensity. But with its tailored programs and data-driven feedback, the quality and efficiency of my runs have clearly improved," Kim stated. Samsung is positioning the Running Coach as a reliable partner for runners hoping to build consistent habits and sharpen their skills.