Fitness trackers, running watches, activity bands - they’re all only as good as the functions you use them for. By that I mean, what’s handy for one woman could be damn useless to another.

Take swimming. I’m never, ever going to need to - nor want to - track this activity as sadly, I didn’t graduate beyond beginners’ group at Swim School. Therefore, a watch that’s designed primarily with pool workouts in mind isn’t that useful to my dryland lifestyle.

But, take a watch that can run on one charge from AM to PM, while reporting on my half marathon training, mindful miles and movement competition with friends and I’m happy to lend a wrist to test it out.

Cut to my Apple Watch Series 4 review.

A HEALTH ED'S APPLE WATCH SERIES 4 REVIEW

The new running functions

Earlier incarnations of Apple Watch provided some pacing functionality, but Apple Watch Series 4 sprints ahead in the running watch category. Namely thanks to new functions including rolling mile, cadence and pace alert.

1. Rolling mile pace for real-time results

Clocking current pace and average pace is more than helpful, but actually, what’s better in a race – or when training for a consistent pace – is knowing precisely how long the last mile took you to run. That’s what rolling mile does. For example, if you’re 3.5 miles into a 5-mile run then your rolling mile pace is measured from 2.5 miles. I’ve used this to keep on track on tempo runs.

Read more: 6 best running watches to try ASAP

2. Clocking cadence for cranking up the speed

Unlike the rolling mile function, which is very forward-thinking, the notion of tracking cadence isn’t. However, it’s a much welcome inclusion if you’re trying to get faster. Why? Because cadence is simple, how many steps you take in a minute, which for everyday runners is approximated to be between 160-170 steps per minute. Elite runners can hit 180 steps per minute or higher. To shave minutes from a 5 or 10KM time you’ll want to become a more efficient runner and that’s when tracking your improvement in cadence can help. The more strides you take, the faster you’re likely to be.

3. Pace Alert to keep you on track

Ever been on a run and been surprised—elated even—to clock that you’re running an eight-minute mile, only to be crushed (read: freak out) 1 minute later when your watch reads 11-minute mile, or slower? I know I have.

This deviating pace report – when you’re running consistently – is often due to patchy GPS signal caused by high rise buildings or cloud. The new Pace Alert function helps solve this. Simply plug in your desired pace before heading out on a run and let Apple Watch notify you when you speed ahead or lag behind. I’ve found it a really useful tool in helping me spend less time clock watching and more time connecting with how the run actually feels.

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Read: 8 best running jackets to save you from winter running conditions

4. Bigger screen, better experience

Not just for runners but trust me, on dark mornings or when you’re feeling so tired that you need cocktail sticks to prop open your eyelids, the 30 per cent larger screen is a welcome addition.

5. Podcasts app for helping with pace

Music is a notable distraction from the monotony of miles but streaming a podcast could yield even bigger benefits. Let me explain. When running to a pumped-up playlist, it’s common for your brain to try and sync your stride to the beat, which is great if you’re into high tempo music and your goal is to speed up. But it's not so good if you’re on an 'easy run' and simply want to stick with your natural stride. This is where health podcasts come in. Most self-help shows are void of music and feature a conversation between host and guest. It's unlikely then that a chat about adrenal fatigue or adaptogens will spike your speed. It's more likely that you'll stick to a speed that feels good. Hence, my joy over the new podcast app. It's easy to use and downloads episodes from 'listen now' on your iPhone to your watch when it’s connected to power. I’ll never be without an episode of Happier with Gretchen Rubin on #SundayRunday again.

Read more: If you're unsure on the benefits of running, read this

6. Auto-workout detection for forgetful days

Never forget to track a run thanks to a new handy reminder to 'start workout'. And if you do this, you’ll receive retroactive credit for the work you’d done but had forgotten to track.

That said, I do feel this is the least impressive of the new features and needs some work. My watch kept asking me to start an elliptical workout when striding along city streets. No Apple Watch, I’m not on a cardio machine, I’m just simply happy to have escaped the office and be outdoors.

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7. New workouts for rest days

Hiking has got cool (again), fact. And now, you can receive more accurate credit for weekend rambles using Hiking Workout. It’s all thanks to the device taking elevation, heart rate and GPS into account when doing the movement maths. Simply put, you’ll get more kudos for conquering hills and steep steps. I put it to the test on Vancouver’s famous Grouse Grind hike and although my pace lacked, my credit banked didn’t.

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8. Walkie talkie for mid-workout comms

There’s nothing more annoying than reaching your first mile of 10 only to remember that you’ve left the hob on – easily done when prepping pre-run porridge at 6 am. But rather than turn back, if your watch has cellular you can now use Walkie-Talkie to quickly plead with your partner or housemate to rectify the issue while you run. You could also ask them to run a bath at mile nine too. Don’t tell them I said that.

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Apple Watch, £399, apple.com

Healthy Apps to Download on Apple Watch Series 4

There are new apps aplenty for fitness enthusiasts. Here are the ones that excite me the most:

1. Carrot Weather

I’m brilliant at getting caught out by the rain so the idea of asking my wrist (read: Siri) for the latest ‘Rain forecast’, or simply ‘weather’, is a gamechanger. No more rain-soaked runs, hopefully.

2. SmartGym

Runners, you know how important strength training is for your stride but how many of you actually do it? Well, this app solves that. Allowing you to create, manage and track gym workouts, it takes the faff out of indoor fitness. Consider me sold.

3. Nike+ Run Club

Doing the same run week after week is boring and probably won’t get you much closer to a PR if that’s your goal. The answer? Audio coaching from the experts at Nike. Use this to learn when to push your pace, when to ease back and when you should run again by signing up to one of their plans. I found it particularly useful for improving speed.

Whilst we're on the topic, read the WH guide to how to run faster and check out our pick of the best running watches.