Train hard and smart with Timex Ironman Race Trainer

200912Oct

by Grace

**This giveaway is now closed. Thank you very much for all your entries.**

**Congratulations to Stephanie!**

** Stay with me people this is a long post but have a surprise at the end!! **

I had the great opportunity to review the latest Timex Ironman Race Trainer courtesy of the good people at Timex.

At first I was overwhelmed when I opened the box. The trainer kit contained the sleek sports watch, a Timex Data Xchanger USB device, a chest strap and 2 small user’s manuals. It’s my first time using a sports watch cum heart rate monitor so I didn’t know what to do with it or what to expect.

So, what is an Ironman Race Trainer and what has it got to do with me, you say. The Timex Ironman Race Traineris an exercise heart rate monitor and full featured Ironman sports watch that helps me train smarter. It’s like having a personal coach on the wrist. Monitoring heart rate during exercise is a great way to know whether you are working out at the correct level. Didn’t you know that the heart rate monitors on every exercise machine is crap?

Timex Ironman Race Trainer Digital Heart Rate Monitor Features:

10-workout memory gathers elapsed time and heart rate data when you run the watch’s chronograph or interval timer so you can track progress
Interval timer offers a 5-interval countdown timer that can repeat up to 99 times; interval timer is very useful for my HIIT workouts (high intensity interval training – interval of hard/easy)
Each segment in the interval timer can be set for both heart rate zone and duration, so you can get time and effort guidance during a workout
Upload data from the watch to home computer using the Timex Data Xchanger USB device
Preset your desired heart rate exercise zone; an alarm will warn you when you have gone of your zone
Average heart rate is given for total workout, for each lap and for total time in your zone
Provides total calories burned and displays percentage of maximum heart rate
INDIGLO® night-light illuminates the display for easy use at night
100-hr. chronographs with lap and split options
50-lap memory with average heart rate per lap
100-hr., 3-mode countdown timer; 3 alarms can be set as daily or weekly
Includes heart rate sensor with adjustable chest strap

All the features are a little bit intimidating for first time users but like any electronic device or appliance, a little study of the manual and after about an hour, I was ready to use it and started entering my personal data. For the first time in weeks, I got really excited in going to the gym. The Ironman Race Trainer couldn’t come at a better time – I have been in a slump for days.

The chest strap worn just below the sternum was comfortable and unintrusive. I don’t even feel it’s there. I can see my heart rate transmitted by the chest strap on the Timex Ironman watch. A pre-set heart rate target zone can be chosen or I enter my own zone. During my workout, I can see my heart rate displayed above the time of day, or switch modes to see it in big numbers, with the time of day above it in smaller numbers. The heart rate can be displayed in either beats per minute or in percentage of maximum heart rate. The watch can be set to beep when you are above or below your chosen heart rate zone.

Using a heart rate monitor helps track your activity level, maintain a healthy lifestyle or intensify your workouts.

The Timex Ironman Race Trainer is a great tool for everyone who wants to train smarter, get more serious with their training or would want to take their workouts to the next level. It was a great pleasure to review this product and I see myself using it in my every workout from now on.

*****

Thanks for reading the review post. You’ve made it to the end and you’ll be glad you did! Timex is giving away another Ironman Race Trainer just like mine! Just leave me a comment why you would want a heart rate monitor OR mention a feature you like and maybe you’ll get your own, courtesy of Timex!

Additional entries can be obtained by:

Tweeting – copy and tweet-> Win a Timex Race Trainer Heart Rate Monitor (sports watch) at @sandierpastures http://bit.ly/2SZsJ
Subscribing to my RSS feed
Blogging about this linking to this post

Winner will be drawn on 19th 26th October 2009.

Good luck!

Tagged as: contests, Fitness, Reviews

{ 66 comments }

1 Print Brochures October 13, 2009 at 2:02 am: You did a good review. The package actually looks great, an amazing watch and a USB device, perfect. Thank you for sharing us the new Timex watch. Really nice.
2 Grad School Mommy October 13, 2009 at 5:14 am: This is *exactly* the type of training watch/heart monitor that I’ve been coveting for months and months. As someone who is really wants to get (back) in shape, this piece of equipment would more than come in handy! I recently joined a running club, working towards my first 5k (baby steps, I know!). Part of my training involves running for a few minutes, walking for a minute… and this watch would be a great timer for that interval workout. Secondly, I definitely have been looking for the heart monitor component — as it’s important for me to stay within my cardio level of fitness in order to really get in a good workout. I know what level to work out doing pilates or on my eliptical, but my new running hobby could use this kind of feedback (please!). Anyway, thanks for a great opportunity! I would definitely use it!
3 Kristine Sorochinsky October 13, 2009 at 5:48 am: Ooooh, I would LOVE the training watch!! I’ve recently started working out after having my little girl about 2 years ago…about time! I’m doing a bit of cross training. Mostly in the form of running and Bikram yoga. I found out that Bikram burns up to 1000 calories per 1.5 hours class. This is why I’m going! The watch/monitor would be fantastic for motivation in my books.
.-= Kristine Sorochinsky´s last blog ..Finger Painting from the Summer =-.
4 Amanda October 13, 2009 at 8:01 am: I’d love to have a watch like this. Heart rate monitors help motivate me. I feel encouraged as my heart rate rises!
oheeyore at hotmail dot com
5 Kayla October 13, 2009 at 8:32 am: That is one pretty nifty gadget you got there! I’m interested in it because I would like to get back into the ‘exercise game’ without majorly overdoing it and getting sick for another year >.<
Slow and steady wins the race as they say-And plus I REALLY don't want to be bedbound for another year.

That sucked.
.-= Kayla´s last blog ..Variety is the Spice of Life-Eiriel’s Eclectics =-.
6 susan October 13, 2009 at 10:05 am: I’d love one for my hubby because he is a total fitness buff! Thanks for a chance.
7 Alan Amsoil October 14, 2009 at 1:04 am: That’s amazing – how did you get to do a review like that? Did you seek them out or did they seek you out?
8 Amy October 14, 2009 at 4:52 am: I have been looking for a heart rate monitor for a long time, since I started losing weight a couple of years ago actually, but I have never been able to justify spending that amount of money on something for myself. I LOVE the Timex watches!
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Baby Bat Costume =-.
9 megan October 14, 2009 at 5:00 am: I’ve been running for a while, but I think a heart rate monitor would take my workouts to the next level.
10 Melissa G October 14, 2009 at 6:46 am: I LOVE this! After having 2 kids I am trying very hard to get back into shape and this would be super helpful!! Thanks!
11 Jeanne October 14, 2009 at 6:49 am: I have been doing spin classes for the last couple of months and having a heart rate monitor is great since it lets you set your own goals. I love this monitor since it also includes the calories burned and I would love a monitor with this feature.
12 Starla Maier-Walford October 14, 2009 at 6:50 am: I was really interested in this review, which by the way was really thorough. I have been reluctant to get a heart rate monitor because I was really afraid it would be irritating. It sounds like this one was extremely comfortable and user friendly interface (on the watch). I would really like to have it as a tool during my new training (gotta love that baby weight….well maybe more like laziness, eating too much popcorn, drinking too many lattes weight). Thanks for the great review.
13 Jewel October 14, 2009 at 7:07 am: I haven’t been updated with the latest in technology and this product just amazed me.. I think I oughta have one for me and for my hubby.. We’re really in bad shape! This will probably motivate us to be fit again.
.-= Jewel´s last blog ..Use The Power Of Giving To Market Your Business =-.
14 Lacey Hall October 14, 2009 at 7:25 am: I’m trying to lose some poundage and would love to try this nifty watch out! I love how it will keep track of calories burned! VERY cool!

laceylovespink at yahoo dot com
15 Melissa October 14, 2009 at 7:48 am: I’m new to the running world and am hoping to train for a half (and eventually full) marathon! This would definitely help.
16 Deanne Sharp October 14, 2009 at 8:30 am: I am a group exercise instructor and an avid runner. I would love to have a heart rate monitor! This one sounds perfect! I like to monitor my heart rate and see how many calories I have burned and see how hard I am at working out. Also, keeping track of my time when I’m running would be awesome!!
.-= Deanne Sharp´s last blog ..I am so photogentic it hurts…. =-.
17 Chari October 14, 2009 at 8:44 am: I would LOVE to have this! I am training for my first half marathon and I think I would benefit greatly from the Ironman Race Trainer!

You can read my progress on my blog http://taketimetosmelltherose.blogspot.com/ under the “Half Marathon Mama” section.

smell_the_rose@yahoo.com
.-= Chari´s last blog ..Bella Materna Guest Reviewer & Extra Entry Opportunity =-.
18 bing October 14, 2009 at 9:07 am: This is great!…love the features especially the heart rate monitoring. My hubby is working out to stay fit (he is hypertensive) and trim down his bulging tummy…If given the chance to win, this would be a perfect Christmas and 10th anniversary gift for him.
19 Stephanie October 14, 2009 at 9:49 am: There are soooo many great things about this giveaway!!! I have been wanting one soooo bad. I just started training for a TRI and need the heart rate monitor to help me not overdo it. Also it counts swim laps…i always forget what lap i am on, etc. I would love this so much. I would use it everyday…Promise.

grayjones5 at yahoo dot com
20 Anthony Deleon October 14, 2009 at 10:06 am: Because i really have bad eyes, the Ironman’s INDIGLO® night-light would be great for me teeling time during my night time jogs at Abu Shagara Park….
.-= Anthony Deleon´s last blog ..Learn to be selfless and heed the call for help…Typhoon Ondoy donation call… =-.
21 Dad of Divas October 14, 2009 at 2:27 pm: I would love to receive this. I have just started a pretty strenuous exercise routine and they state that I should have one of these, but I have yet found one that I would like. This one definitely fits the bill and will help me to keep “in the zone” and exercising right.
.-= Dad of Divas´s last blog ..Project 365 (329/365) – Just Hanging Out! =-.
22 Susan K October 14, 2009 at 3:45 pm: I am in no way an elite athelete but could still use many features of this watch, besides the heart monitor I really could use 50 lap chonometer
23 Annette D October 14, 2009 at 3:47 pm: Wow! I would love to have of of these. I have begun to train for my first 5k at age 49 and this would be great.
24 Dee October 14, 2009 at 4:30 pm: This would be awesome for my husband. He runs all sorts of races. This would make a great Christmas gift!!
25 Peter October 14, 2009 at 4:50 pm: I think your summary of the heart rate monitors on the machines was a pretty good reason. They just aren’t that good. Having something that works would be helpful to keep me on track – not too much and not too little. Thanks.
26 Mike October 14, 2009 at 7:44 pm: I could really use a good heart monitor as I’ve been trying to increase my running speeds, but don’t want to over-do it. I’d also like to be able to get a good handle on what I’m actually accomplishing by measuring my effort. This would be perfect, thanks!
27 Lori October 14, 2009 at 7:46 pm: I used to use heart rate monitors all the time when I was seriously training for marathons and triathlons. I’m finally starting to get back into exercise post-baby, and pulled out my old monitor to find out it is dead. Heart rate monitors do give you a great piece of motivation to get out there and run, and that is why I would want to win.

Thanks!
Lori
.-= Lori´s last blog ..Eden’s Bouquet Giveaway! =-.
28 Nessa October 14, 2009 at 7:54 pm: I would love to have this watch, as I’ve just started working out and have the hardest time finding my pulse. Being able to monitor where my heart rate is would be such a good thing!
.-= Nessa´s last blog ..PUR Flavor Options Pitcher Review & Giveaway =-.
29 Lorie Shewbridge October 14, 2009 at 8:37 pm: Thanks for the great post (which really wasn’t that long) . It is a wonderful thing you are doing by offering us one just like yours… The Hubs could really use one of these as he is really trying to lose some weight on his new diet since his surgery. Thanks for being so terrific, have fun on your vacation and have a safe trip home.
.-= Lorie Shewbridge´s last blog ..Ruby Tuesday: Bill’s "New" Car (He Wishes) =-.
30 Bebemiqui October 14, 2009 at 9:22 pm: I’d like to have it because it would be such a good reminder in my day of whether I’m staying active!
bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com
31 Kim October 14, 2009 at 10:13 pm: I want one to give to my uber health conscious sister!
32 Denise October 15, 2009 at 1:01 am: I resumed working out again about a year and a half ago when my daughter was a few months over two years old. I had three months of complete bed rest and a few months when I was informally trying to lay off activity prior to that, so all told I didn’t exercise (except for the occasional walk) for nearly three years. Between working full time and spending just about every other free second with my daughter it’s been tough to fit exercise in. I workout during my lunch hour most days – either a very quick trip to the gym where I generally jog on the treadmill or just a walk if I’m short on time. We try to go for a jog/stroller ride on Sundays, too. I must say I’m in pretty good shape and I’ve lost 10 pounds. I would love to lose 5 more and I think that this monitor would be an awesome motivator!
33 Jessica Smith October 15, 2009 at 1:14 am: Hello!! This watch would be a perfect christmas gift for my brother, he has joined the Marines and is leaving for boot camp in Febuary. So needless to say he is working out like crazy!!! I believe this would be a perfect tool for him to keep in shape
34 Bekah October 15, 2009 at 9:02 pm: Wow…what a great giveaway! I would love to win this because I am training for a half marathon and it would help me alot!
35 Christina October 15, 2009 at 11:52 pm: I’d like to get more fit and having a heart monitor would help me to know I was in a good range.
36 Rajee October 15, 2009 at 11:55 pm: I’ve been running for a while, but I think a heart rate monitor would take my workouts to the next level.
37 erica October 16, 2009 at 12:15 am: I would love this because you never really know how hard you are working out and knowing my heart rate would be helpful!
bootyemo@yahoo.com
38 Mary Preston October 17, 2009 at 5:21 am: I would love to be able to monitor my heart rate as I work out. Maximise my effort.
39 Lisa R October 17, 2009 at 11:31 pm: My husband works out now and he is doing so well. I would love to reward him for his hard work
40 Mary512 October 18, 2009 at 10:27 am: I could use the heart monitor during workouts and get back in shape! Thanks!
.-= Mary512´s last blog ..Oregon Chai Giveaway + more! =-.
41 Steve Weber October 19, 2009 at 1:28 am: I don’t workout, but if I had one of these, Iwould, it would be a insentive.
42 CanadianFreeStuff October 19, 2009 at 8:58 am: I think it would be amazing to have a watch that has a heart monitor and checks how you are doing while working out. You would always be able to adjust your energy output so that you are working out at your peak!
.-= CanadianFreeStuff´s last blog ..free microwave egg cooker from eggs.ca =-.
43 Erin D October 19, 2009 at 2:46 pm: I’d love to win one of these because I am finally, finally starting to get into decent shape after child #3. Anything that would keep me motivated and on track would be fantastic!
44 Sam suntouch October 19, 2009 at 3:52 pm: good review. Timex Ironman Race Trainer is a great tool it will very useful for every one . Thanks for nice information.
.-= Sam suntouch´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at =-.
45 Bekah October 19, 2009 at 7:36 pm: I tweeted!

http://twitter.com/kufb50/status/4993493059
46 Bekah October 19, 2009 at 7:40 pm: I subscribe (google reader)!
47 lorene October 20, 2009 at 3:20 am: My husband has started working out again after a long illness and he would love this, thanks
harborlad@optonline.net
48 Lauren S. October 20, 2009 at 6:34 am: I would love to have a watch with a heart monitor option, mostly because I’ve been told that my resting heart rate is slightly high. This product, I feel, will allow me to finally focus on the results of my exercise regime.
49 Lauren S. October 20, 2009 at 6:34 am: I am a subscriber via e-mail!
50 tina reynolds October 20, 2009 at 9:38 am: I would love to win this for my husband chris he loves working out and this is something he would really enjoy. thanks for the chance to win eaglesforjack@gmail.com
51 tina reynolds October 20, 2009 at 9:38 am: i subscribe thanks for the chance to win eaglesforjack@gmail.com
.-= tina reynolds´s last blog ..Expo TV Great way to Earn Amazon Gift Certificates! =-.
52 Sarah October 20, 2009 at 9:48 am: My husband has a heart rate monitor that I love, but he uses it, darn it! I got it for him for Christmas or a birthday one year, and he uses it all the time. Which means I don’t get to borrow it very often. I haven’t received one back from him yet, despite my hinting. I really love the way a heart rate monitor keeps you “in the zone” for great fitness results! I love love love the timer stuff that can be used for HIITs!
53 Rebecca C October 20, 2009 at 11:15 am: I want to get more fit, so this would help me make sure that I keep an optimal heart rate!
.-= Rebecca C´s last blog ..Giveaways – October 19, 2009 =-.
54 Rebecca C October 20, 2009 at 11:16 am: I am a subscriber!
.-= Rebecca C´s last blog ..Giveaways – October 19, 2009 =-.
55 Rebecca C October 20, 2009 at 11:17 am: I blogged about this giveaway: Here
.-= Rebecca C´s last blog ..Giveaways – October 19, 2009 =-.
56 Rebecca C October 20, 2009 at 11:17 am: Tweet: http://twitter.com/wastebasket/statuses/5013460159
.-= Rebecca C´s last blog ..Giveaways – October 19, 2009 =-.
57 Tammy Kennedy October 20, 2009 at 11:28 am: My kids and my hubby are into sports and they run cross country, both of my sweet kiddies are asking for a watch for runners so this would be perfect
Thank you for the chance to be a winner
58 Tammy Kennedy October 20, 2009 at 11:29 am: I twitted this giveaway

http://twitter.com/camper223/status/5013558945

Thank you so much
59 Tammy Kennedy October 20, 2009 at 11:31 am: I’m a subscriber

Thank you for the chance to be a winner
60 Judy Bradley October 20, 2009 at 11:31 am: I could never afford a watch such as this – feel guilty calling it that as it is so much more! One of my sons is into marathons, and whatever else, and he needs this. I would love to be able to get one for him as he does so much for me. He would love all the health maintaining helpful features!
61 Judy Bradley October 20, 2009 at 11:32 am: tweet tweet

http://twitter.com/jbafaith/status/5013648843
62 Judy Bradley October 20, 2009 at 11:35 am: I subscribe.
63 VJ October 20, 2009 at 6:48 pm: I would like to start working out again and a heart monitor would be great! I really like the countdown feature!

@vantalee (twitter)

Vjmon24atneodotrrdotcom
64 VJ October 20, 2009 at 6:52 pm: Tweeted

http://twitter.com/vantalee/status/5020068197
65 Sherri R October 20, 2009 at 7:43 pm: I’m really wanting to get more fit….toned actually, so this would help me make sure that I keep an ideal heart rate!….and I’m totally loving the chest strap idea…it’s perfect for me!!
66 ~Shannon~ October 23, 2009 at 2:19 am: 10-workout memory !! How cool is that?? This would be a great gift for my hubby! Thanks and good luck all!