Right after Thailand Game Show 2023 and exploring a bit of Bangkok, I went back to Manila to prepare myself for a sudden invite: Running a 10K race.

I hadn’t joined a race in a while, which made me hesitate for a bit. However, I have also learned that Xiaomi is hosting its first-ever Pop Run, coinciding with month-long Xiaomi Pop Runs across different regions all over the world.

Knowing that it was a milestone event, I knew I had to be there. Luckily, my body’s in good condition so I know, I can take on a 10K race even if I just got back from an out-of-country trip.

Getting ready

The night before the event, I received the race kit containing my bib number, Xiaomi accessories, and a surprise device: Xiaomi Smart Band 8.

@gadgetmatch Is this your new fitness tracker? #XiaomiSmartBand8 #Xiaomi #SmartBand8 #sportmeetsstyle #fyp ♬ original sound – GadgetMatch

Though I’ve registered for the Professional 10KM race, I was under the Media/KOL category. I was literally there to document my experience wearing the Xiaomi Smart Band 8.

Luckily, it looked elegant. The sleek, slim profile didn’t clash with my race outfit comprised of a white compression shirt and black compression shorts.

To further accessorize it, I wore an Orange multi-purpose band so I have something Orange. After all, the Xiaomi Pop Run was inspired by China’s Xiaomi Orange Run.

Ready, Set, Go!

 

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The Xiaomi Pop Run 2023 was held at Bridgetowne Destination Estate. I’m familiar with the area since the Obstacle Park I’ve always been training on is also situated near the event site.

As I cruised my way towards the starting line, I thought about my goals for the run. I’ve wanted to break a new personal record, but I know I’ve been lacking preparations for my upcoming Spartan races.

I decided right there and then to use the run as part of my training regimen. Using my coach’s strategy, I decided my pace would be based on my heart rate zone.

I swiped up on the Xiaomi Smart Band 8’s 1.62-inch AMOLED display, tapped on the Workout widget, and clicked Outdoor Running. Through the screen, I was able to preview the time, distance ran, heart rate, current pace, cadence, the average pace I’m making, calories I’m burning, and the number of steps I’ve taken.

Seems too much? Nope, that’s the basic data you need when you’re running.

Hitting an obstacle

During the 10K race, I was trying to make sure that my heart rate didn’t go past 175 bpm for the first two kilometers. I was maintaining a good, conversational pace with my running mate, Alex Dichoso. Upon reaching the third kilometer, I had to slow down since a side stitch occurred.

In case you didn’t know, side stitches are abdominal pains that are also a kind of muscle cramps that occur during repetitive activities on the torso. I realized that maintaining a 6 min/km pace while having a conversation would be detrimental to my breathing pattern and rhythm.

My mate asked me to walk instead for a few meters so that the side stitch would go away, but your boy didn’t listen. Instead, I slowed down, improved my breathing, endured the pain, and decided to run the whole race with stomach cramps.

Checking the accuracy

I never wanted to stop running even with a side stitch since I’ve been following my coach’s strategy. I found out I was great at maintaining the pace based on the suggested heart rate zone.

To make sure the statistics I see are correct, I cross-checked the Xiaomi Smart Band 8’s running data with another tracker on my other wrist.

Sadly, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8’s distance didn’t measure correctly which is a GPS problem. The entire course was around 10.3 kilometers on my tracker and the smart band measured only 8.56 kilometers.

On the good side, it matches most of the data when tracking it live. While running, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8’s heart rate matches my other tracker but shows up correctly a few seconds late.

However, the outcome isn’t as accurate as my tracker — which is what professional athletes use — making the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 not an ideal tool to bring in my training and workouts.

So, who is it for?

My needs can’t be fulfilled by a smart band. But it looks so sleek and stylish that I want to wear it all the time. It’s lightweight, and I barely feel I’m wearing one on my wrist even when I was running the 10K. I think that’s a good start on who might be the right person to strap the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 on their wrist.

If you’re just getting into fitness, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 is packed with all the relevant data on a crystal clear display, housed inside a compact, lightweight device. It comes with functions needed to monitor your health and fitness level, without being invasive when it comes to fashion.

Trust me: Most smartwatches look so hideous that you don’t want to wear them in your everyday lives. But you have to, right? You made a promise to track your steps and calories burned so you can achieve your dream body by next summer.

Now, this is one wearable you’d be excited to use. And it’ll certainly match your aesthetics, outfits, and any lifestyle you have.

Price, availability

The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 retails for PhP 1,999. It comes in yummy colors: Black, Yellow, Olive Green, Green, Gray, and White.

It’s available for purchase in Shopee, Lazada, TikTok, or any physical stores near you.