The anticipation was unbearable. Just mere seconds after I unwrapped the packaging, I strapped the chronological beauty on. The set up was a breeze! Initially, I was plagued by an incessant beeping. Though it took me a couple of minutes to resolve the problem, I did so without much difficulty.
A few quick switches and the heart rate monitor synchronized with the watch as twin purveyors of beat. The Ironman Road Trainer fits nicely and allowed me an unrestricted range of motion. With a large display, performance was always an easy read. Using it as a wristwatch did not do the “Timex Ironman Road Trainer Heart Rate Monitor (HRM) Watch” justice, given the advanced features possessed by this conduit of pain.
Kick ass features of the Ironman Road Trainer
- 100m water resistant watch and 30m chest sensor
- Chrono start/split – 100 hours, 50 lap recall
- Various modes: countdown, alarm, review and recovery
- 5 training modes and 1 custom
- INDIGLO® night-light with NIGHT-MODE® feature
Splash me a hundred!
Thriving through torrents of sweat and rain, this measuring monster transits seamlessly from 20km runs to open water swims. The pair works perfectly picking up my heart rate just seconds after emerging from the water. The reliable reads allowed for an even pace and an appreciation of intensity, both key to high performance.
Smart buddy – 50 lap memory chronograph!
Intensity is core to fitness. Knowing this, Timex shot an impressive fifty-lap memory into the standard chrono start/split function. This gives athletes of every level all the tracking data they need to train stronger, faster and better. Personally, I found that the 50-lap recall function was useful to keep track of my splits during training and races so I could easily identify the time cost of transitions from swim to bike and bike to race.
Tracking your recovery!
The amazing recovery mode tracks heart rate for one/two minute(s). This allows me to gauge my training intensity. The rule of thumb being that the slower my heart rate declines, the more I trained at a higher intensity. With this fantastic insight, I can now be sure that my training plan is allowing me to garner the results I desire. It also helps me to tweak my training intensity and duration for maximum gains in the next session.
Five training modes and one custom
Not only does the watch keep track of recovery and account for calorie expenditure. It also calculates the my maximum heart rate zone, and uses the data to automatically set five training zones and one custom zone. This serves as a gauge of intensity and always keeps the training honest. There are, in total, six different heart rate target zones to choose from, allowing you to keep track of your own goals and view personal averages, peaks, and lows. The Ironman Road Trainer also provides the user with critical feedback and information that includes time spent in the goal heart rate zone, time spent below it and above it, and it will notify you should you exit your ideal heart rate zone. Like that pleasant beep when your car goes over the speed limit, this metric master’s beep keeps your engines hot when they need to be!
INDIGLO® night-light
Finally my favourite feature is the Indigo night-light. Perfectly lit, it’s pleasing to the eye and the read is always crystal clear. Both genders will be extremely pleased with the fit and aesthetics as it comes in two makes, catering to the sex’s needs.
With enough functions to quell the needs of the beginner and the hardcore race enthusiast, it is no wonder that the “Timex Ironman Road Trainer Heart Rate Monitor Watch” is so popular with the public. Retailing at $269 (inclusive of GST), it is currently available in all Stadium stores, selected Royal Sporting House outlets and authorized dealers. Get it today because Timex got it right with this HRM imbuing it with great form, smart functions, and flaming hot fire!
Runners’ Boon
- Responsive and reliable tracking
- Smart features that keep training sharp and focused
- Sturdy and looks brilliant
Runners’ Bane
- Heart rate monitor strap only works to a depth of 30 meters
For more information about Timex and their products, visit: https://www.facebook.com/TimexSG
