Gear Review: Timex Run Trainer

Other Features

While many endurance athletes run for mileage and will typically use the "chrono" mode for this, there are other ways to track your training, such as:

  • Intervals
  • Timed Workouts
  • Recovery Mode, where you can see how your heart rate recovers from workout to workout. This helps gauge fitness improvements over time.

The watch can even be set watch to display different values for different types of workouts. So you can set your screen to show time, distance, heart rate and pace for a chrono workout (as I do), then choose different settings for an interval workout.

Another cool feature is that it's water resistant for up to 50 meters, so the watch can be used for swimming without any threat of damage—not to mention it can be worn in the rain, or even in the shower, without consequences. That's a rarity for a GPS watch in the price range this one is in.

In addition, the Timex Run Trainer has other features sports watches are known for, like the time and date, an alarm, and an Indiglo light for nighttime viewing.

More: Interval Training Tips for Runners

Logging Workouts

Up to 15 workouts can be saved on the watch itself. But you can also use Timex's partnership with Training Peaks (trainingpeaks.com) to keep an accurate log of your workouts.

It takes some time to get accustomed to all the gadgets that come on Training Peaks, but among the more simple features offered is a calendar view of your workouts and the relevant stats of your individual sessions (including total time, lap times, distance, elevation change, heart-rate range, even a map of your route).

More: 5 Reasons Why You Should Keep a Fitness Journal

The Bottom Line

The Timex Ironman Run Trainer packs a lot of functions into a GPS watch without overwhelming you. Like any new technology, it will take a little time—maybe a couple weeks of use—to get really comfortable with the features and customize it to be everything you want it to be.

Overall, Timex did a solid job of leaving few stones unturned. And for a suggested price of $189 (without a heart rate monitor) to $229 (with a heart rate monitor), it's an option that's competitive with other GPS watches while offering customization and the Timex reputation athletes have come to rely on.

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About the Author

Ryan Wood

Ryan Wood is an editor for Active.com. He enjoys a good ride and loves participating in endurance events throughout the year. Follow him on Google+.
Ryan Wood is an editor for Active.com. He enjoys a good ride and loves participating in endurance events throughout the year. Follow him on Google+.

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