Hello EndGameBlog,
To help us get a better understanding of the issue, we’d like to ask a few questions.
You mentioned that Auto-Pause is off; just to confirm, was the setting recently changed? Did you confirm that Auto-Pause is turned off by going to the Settings app on your Apple Watch > Workout > Auto-Pause? If so, when the issue occurs, does the setting appear to be turned back on?
The above information will help us get a better understanding of the issue.
Please check out this link, which has some good information on how to review and adjust the workout settings on your Apple Watch, and may help: Adjust the workout settings on Apple Watch
Pause running and cycling workouts automatically
1. Open the Settings app
on your Apple Watch.
2. Tap Workout, then turn on Auto-Pause.
Your Apple Watch automatically pauses and resumes your outdoor running and cycling workouts—for example, if you stop to cross the street or get a drink of water. You can manually pause your workouts by pressing the side button and Digital Crown at the same time.
If the settings remain correct, but workouts are still being paused automatically, we'd like to get you in touch with Apple Support, so they can assist further. You may be able to contact Apple Support here: Contact Apple Support
Thank you!