A necessary training tool - the Timex Bodylink

[Synpax]

Hi,

I wanted to point out a very useful tool - the Timex Bodylink System. It consists of a watch, a heart rate sensor you wear over your chest and a GPS transciever you wear on your arm or clip to your belt.

The utility of the GPS is knowing the accuracy of how far and fast you are running. This means that you don't need to measure out what you planned to run - just run as you please until you go a certain distance, and then turn around.

The watch has some nice GPS-driven features, like alarms that go off if your pace drops too low or goes to high.

The HRM is a vital training tool for anyone who is looking to be competitive. An important variable in developing and monitoring your training routine is your heart-rate. It is what tells you if you are slacking off and not really pushing yourself, and is a guide for getting into the zones that develop your endurance (lower HR) and builds your VO2Max capacity (higher HR).

Additionally, there is a third component that is sold seperatly - the Data Recorder. This records all of the data from both devices in a precise way that can be loaded onto your computer for analysis. Timex is still a little on the buggy side with it, but there are workarounds that may make it useful.

Usually this device sells for $220-300. Since I had to buy a new one recently, I did a lot of looking and found it for only $175 - FedEx shipping included (they shipped it today, FedEx says it will be here tomorrow).
http://www.heartratemonitorsusa.com/Pages/TZ-2004-Pages/HRM/HRM-model/timex/timex-all.html

(I will update this if/when I find it cheaper elsewhere).

Anyone who is serious about improving their running or biking (or skiing?, etc.) times, I strongly recommend picking this up.

 

[sawastea]

That looks pretty tight. I will hit you up with some K soon. Thanks for the heads up

 

[marqui77]

This watch sounds awesome, but is the gps accurate??? Have you ran laps on a track or something to measure it?

 

[Synpax]

I tested it this morning; works fine. With my unsteady circling of the track it measured 395 meters.

 

[marqui77]

I tested it this morning; works fine. With my unsteady circling of the track it measured 395 meters.

395 you say...close enough for me.

 

[MikeMartial]

Damn I just bought my wife a Garmin Forerunner for Christmas. I didn't know Timex made these.

 

[Synpax]

This is better than the Garmin. Smarter.

And the fourth version just came out with a 3D feature that calculates altitude along with speed/distance/HR.

 

[cwc73]

hmmm a new version? With Altitude? This could be useful for me since Im a pilot.

I have this watch. I got it when in highschool. That was about 3 years ago. IT really is a must have. I dont always wear the gps because I run on the track often, but today was my last "track day." Pavement for here on till camp anyway.

Anway. yes, this watch is very nice. It has a lot of gadgets and whistles built in that make it worth it. My only complaint: hard to see at night. It is reverse backlight ingiglo. Mine is almost nonfunctional now, but if I just wave my watch at the smallest hint of light i can see the display great. But to be fair, I have beat it up supremely. It had been banged up and scratched past the point I would think it would continue to work. GREAT WATCH!