The latest collection of Timex Ironman sports watches combine modern styling with advanced features that can enhance your training sessions and improve your race results.
This useful guide to using your Timex Ironman timepiece to train and race smarter highlights some of the most valuable functions of your new sports watch.
The timeless functions of a Timex Ironman sports watch are encapsulated by the acronym CAT - Chronograph, Alarm and Timer. However, the Timex Ironman collection has continually pushed the boundaries since it was originally devised to develop new features that will help athletes train more effectively and ultimately fulfill their true potential.
The Chronograph function on your Timex Ironman sports watch does much more than just tell you how long you've been going. Like your own personal coach, the lap/split feature of the Chronograph can help you pace yourself when you're training and racing.
The lap time refers to the time taken to complete part of an activity. For example, on a track of 400 metres you need to run four laps to complete a mile. The lap time would be the time taken to finish each individual lap. The split time refers to the accumulated lap times, so if each lap takes one minute your split time after three laps would be three minutes.
To keep track of your split times during a 10K race, you would press the Start/Split button everytime you pass a mile mark. Your Timex Ironman sports watch will display two times - one showing the indvidual mile (LAP) time and the other showing your accumulated (SPLIT) time. Once the race is over you can review this data and see how well you paced yourself.
The Training Log feature of your Timex Ironman timepiece allows you to recall workout information by date. The Training Log will record exact lap times along with the times of your best and average lap.
The Timex Ironman's Total Run feature, or Synchro Timer, is a fantastic way of tracking how productive your workout session has been. Simply press the Stop/Reset button everytime you pause to eat, drink or stop at a red light and then press the Start/Split button to restart the Chronograph. Once your have finished training, your Timex Ironman watch will calculate how much of your time was spent actually exercising.
The Timex Ironman collection includes a number of timer functions that prove to be extremely useful whether you are training, racing or carrying out everyday tasks. The Timer function will sound an alarm at the end of specific time while the Countdown Stop option is ideal for that lunchtime gym session or even when timing a roast in the oven!
The Countdown Repeat Time can be used to repeat a set time and is an excellent training aid. For example, if you are running laps and want to average two minutes a lap, you can set the Countdown Repeat Timer to two minutes and the audible alarms will let you know whether you are keeping pace.
It's not only on the track that the Countdown Repeat Timer proves valuable. Timex Ironman sports watches are water-resistant to 100 metres so the swimmers can also use the Countdown Repeat Timer to train smarter. A swimmer looking to complete 100 metre intervals in two and a half minutes can set the Countdown Repeat Time accordingly and then push off. They can then start their next interval when they hear the beep and your Timex Ironman timepiece will even display how many intervals have been completed on screen.
The Countdown Repeat Timer feature can be used while training and racing to remind yourself to follow your chosen refuelling and rehydration plan. The Timex Ironman 150 Lap Sleek Tap Screen takes things a step further with its innovative nutrition and hydration alarm system.
Your Timex Ironman sports watch can be used to provide some variety to your workouts via its Interval Timer feature, which can be set for up to ten different interval times. For example, you can program your watch to time a three minute period of hard effort, followed by a one minute recovery, four minutes of hard effort with two minutes of recovery time and a final burst of five minutes of hard effort with a three minute recovery time. The Interval Timer replicates the effect of having your own personal trainer coordinating your training session.
The Interval Timer of your Timex Ironman sports watch can also prove effective when racing. For example, marathon runners will often run for eight minutes and then vary their pace for two minutes to avoid burnout, the Interval Timer can be programmed to issue audible reminders when it's time to alter your pace.
Like most people, you probably don't consider the humble alarm to be a fitness feature of their Timex Ironman sports watch but how are you going to fit that workout into your busy schedule if you don't roll out of bed on time?
Since its incecption in 1986, the Timex Ironman collection of sports watches has been treasured by millions of athletes worldwide.This introduction to the benefits of the Timex Ironman range will help you hit the ground running but the real excitement is in wearing your new watch and discovering its many innovative features for yourself.
By capturing the spirit of athletes and embracing the latest technology, Timex have developed a brand that is every bit as impressive as the people who wear it.
To prove it see the very latest in Timex Ironman technology: the Timex Global Trainer - it intergrates with online training system Training Peaks.