Timex Ironman Global Trainer GPS with HRM

Comments about Timex Ironman Global Trainer GPS with HRM Monitors:

I'm a runner that averages 35 miles a week. I needed a device that would help me take my training to the next level. I needed more data than just split times etc. I needed pace, HR and more. I started looking at the iron man global trainer and made some comparisons to other GPS trainers out there. I settled on the iron man, simply because I like the Timex brand. Only one thought concerned me about the trainers' capabilities: would I retain my GPS signal while on the trails, in the deep woods of central PA.. I would like to report that while running the Appalachian Trail, under a dense canopy, I have yet to lose my GPS connection. It's a great training device, at a great price. The data that you receive after a training session using this device is fantastic. It's easy to upload to training peaks, and you can see so much data. I then build my next training session from this data... look to keep my HR here, maybe decrease my pace there.. etc.. once you can look at the graphs, and see your actual performance, it's amazing the decisions you can make to adjust your training sessions to increase your performance.

Comments about Timex Ironman Global Trainer GPS with HRM Monitors:

This is a great product. BUT.......
It is super easy to use. Great for triathlon and multisport. Very versatile. It's tough and well designed. Great display........
But - it's big. It's bigger than you think - much bigger than a Garmin 405 - about same size as a 305. It's not accurate - all GPS units aren't exact but this is the most innaccurate that I have owned. It's not bad - maybe 2% off - but there are more accurate units out there. Lastly - time to link to the GPS can take awhile. Again - the longest of any unit I've had - can take UP TO 8 minutes to link up to the satellites. Can be frustrating.....

Comments about Timex Ironman Global Trainer GPS with HRM Monitors:

I own Garmin's 305 and 405 GPS watches and both are great for running, however if you're going into Triathlons or Duathlons and even for those who only run but cross train by swimming or biking then this is the watch to own. The versatility allows various multisport workouts while giving you the ability to time your transitions from one sport to the next (if tri's and duathlons is your thing). It's a large watch but the Garmin 305 is as well and it's something you become accustomed too. I took time to research this watch and compare it to others and it was at the top of my wish list and I've used it in my training and overall I feel it's worth the investment.

Comments about Timex Ironman Global Trainer GPS with HRM Monitors:

I bought this unit before the Chicago marathon to replace my Garmin 305(my 3rd one) which no longer worked well. The size is the same. The screen is the same size but they cover the top and bottom with a black line, that has some information, but decreases the size of data fields that you are trying to see when you run. I'm 44 and have a harder time reading this screen. Also, the Indiglo does not light it up well at night to read it while running. When a lap passes, it does tell you the lap time but again it is in a very small font compared to Garmin and difficult to read while running. Most of this will hopefully be fixed with firmware upgrades. Also, it does not come with software. You are forced to use Training Peaks over the internet, and pay a subscription fee if you want the advanced features, unlike the included Garmin Training Center. I actually bought Sporttracks, but you have to download the run data to the computer and then transfer it there. My GPS is accurate and marks laps at exact points where the Garmin did. This unit has potential. I hope they update the firmware to fix some of this.

Comments about Timex Ironman Global Trainer GPS with HRM Monitors:

Saw this at the RnR expo, really nice - not as large as the picture makes it appear. Has all the functions of garmins.
I owned one of the orig. GPS Timex watches about 8 years ago, it was really reliable and you can wear it as a watch.

Comments about Timex Ironman Global Trainer GPS with HRM Monitors:

I'm a typical American: not interested in reading directions. For those reviewers whining about how difficult setting up or using the Timex Global Trainer must have eaten lead paint chips as children. IF YOU HAVE EVER USED A TIMEX WATCH, THIS WATCH IS NO DIFFERENT, EXCEPT FOR A LOT OF COOLER FUNCTIONS. I am amazed how simple this watch is to use. Out of the box, initial battery charge took a few hours, turned it on and it acquired satellite reception within a few minutes. Has been a flawless piece of equipment in TRI training and now marathon training. HRM works really well. Being a VIP with Road Runner got me a great deal, which no one could beat.

Comments about Timex Ironman Global Trainer GPS with HRM Monitors:

This is my first GPS and I am very happy with it. Yes is it a bit bulky but is easy to view with the large viewing area. I have found it to be very accurate and I love the versatility of it. I have only used it on runs and bikes but have yet to wear it swimming or during a race. I'm a little concerned about the size and getting my wetsuit off over it. Also not sure if it will have enough charge to last through an Ironman.

Comments about Timex Ironman Global Trainer GPS with HRM Monitors:

I bought 2 of these watches at the same time. One for my wife and one for myself. I am an instructor in the military. I have used a GPS watch in the past and was very pleased. I wanted my own to track all of my workout information until the watch breaks. I run on average 15-20 miles a week. I have used the watch for the past 3 weeks and have had no issues with it. It is a great watch and GPS for running. That is the only item i have used it for. I hope to use it on some hikes and possibly some swims in the near future. My wife is an aerobics instructor and does a 2 mile run twice a week and a Long distance on Saturdays. She has had a few issues working the watch. I recommend reading the manual and doing a google search on the watch to make sure you understand how to use it. I showed her how i have been using it and she has had no problems since she has figured out the buttons and menus.

Comments about Timex Ironman Global Trainer GPS with HRM Monitors:

I have used the HRM and GPS during casual jogs and interval running. Am going to test it out during kayaking (let's hope it's really water resistant).I love how light weight it is compared to other GPS watches and like the more functional design-it doesn't look like a rubber stamp on my wrist.VERY functional and highly recommended. I could not have thought of a better gift to receive.