workout app keeps pausing during workout

After the latest update to watchOS 9.3 the workout app keeps pausing the workout. Also, the watch keeps locking the screen, requiring you to use the passcode - which is really annoying, because when you work out, you want to be able to check your time, split, distance etc in a flash, not having to punch in the code.

I am not sure, but I thing maybe the two things are related. I think the workout pauses when the watch/screen locks.

Anyone?