It's not great if you have to worry about robbery. You could hide a phone on you or just use a cheap one you don't mind losing. Even basic ones have GPS now. I do love my Garmin though.
Having a running routine helps motivate you. I mix it up a bit too, but may try going slower on my long runs. I would like to go further.
Yes it sux, it already happen once and I dont want to go through the process of setting up a new phone, its not the phone its the setup, the apps, the credentials, recover data, I hate it so I just leave my phone at home, I live 1.5km from the park I go so its fine for now, thats why I want to get a smartwatch, small, can hide easy