Sports watch question/suggestions

I've got a 50 lap ironman watch by Timex...think I paid like $30 for it. The "lap" that you are referring to is explained like this...

When I use my watch to swim, or run on the track, every time I make a loop on the track or a lap in the pool, I push my lap button. The watch continues to keep the time running, but puts a "placemarker" at the point in time you pushed the lap button.

If you are going to use one for the whole tri, you could do this:

Start the watch when you start swimming (gun goes off, mass wave start, etc...). When you get through swimming, push the lap button (you'll now be in T1). When you start riding your bike, push the lap button. When you dismount the bike (you'll now be in T2) push the lap button. When you get out of T2, push the lap button again for the run. When you cross the line, you push stop. Then, you can go recall the data and see that you spent (hypothetical numbers here) 15 mins swim, 3 mins T1, 30 mins bike, 5 mins T2, 40 mins run.

Hope this makes sense.

Kevin

Kevin,
Thanks - that makes perfect sense.

Hi, I am a fan of all the Timex IronMan watches.  I've had several over the years.  Mainly, I think it's preferance with many people.  Nikon or Cannon, Chevy or Ford, Nike or Adidas.  It's what's reliable and works for me.  Plus I know how to work them.  I just bought my first HRM, it's a Timex IronMan Triathlon HRM.  It's great, $109.00, and it just what I need.  I didn't want one to complicated for me.   Plus it's a great watch when I am not using the HRM.  There are some great products out there from Garmin, Polar and many more.  I just happen to like Timex.

Good thread,
thanks.

Do you push the buttons when the watch is underwater?  I was looking at one of those and it said not to push buttons under water, but others with that watch have said that they do and it's okay.  Ever had any such issues?

Giving this a bit of a bump as I'm looking to buy a watch for the pool and am wondering the same kind of thing.  I recently purchased a Garmin 305 for run/bike so don't need another expensive watch, just something waterproof to time my laps.  Thanks.

I also have a Timex Ironman and love it.  I got the one between the two that were already mentioned.  It doesn't have the HRM but does 100 laps and has an interval timer that repeats that I use sometimes when running.  

For those that want just a lap timer/counter for swimming, I read a post about a one called sportcount that you wear on your finger. There is even a review here on BT if you do a search and its easy to find if you google it.

I use a sportscount combination lap counter and timer when I swim. It fits on my finger like a ring and I can use the same hand to hit the button (my thumb). I also use it when I run on the indoor
track. Web site below:

http://sportcount.com/products.php?category=SportCount&PHPSESSID=f683ef3fe89eb389d938b5c69d2fbcc7

Thanks to both posters above - much appreciated!

Yeah, I'm pretty positive the Timex Ironman watches can't go underwater (they may be water resistant though).  I use the Polar watch for swim, bike, and run but if you want something cheaper just for the pool a lap counter like the post above might be best.

I have had the Timex HRM whose watch I use as an everyday watch. 
I wear it to swim and push the lap button to count my laps underwater.  Had the watch for 5 years and changed batteries 3 times.  Still working fine. 

I've been wearing Timex watches for years. The first sports watch lasted about 5 years. About 4 years in the hands were showing signs of rust, but the watch 'kept on ticking'.  The last 2 were IM watches and have been great as well.  My current one I've used since I began training in August '09.  I commonly push the lap button underwater and have experienced no negative effects.  It is water resistant to 100m, so I don't worry at all about pushing the buttons while submerged no more than a foot.  No matter what brand you go with, I would recommend one with capable of 75 or 100 laps.  As I mentioned above I began training last Aug. and have never been a swimmer before and I'm already able to exceed the 50 laps it can count.

I wear my Timex Ironman during every swim and even in the shower.  I've never had a problem with it.

I've used the buttons underwater without problems on my ironman watch.  I've even taken it scuba diving to 40-50 feet and not had any problems.  Mine is now about 5 years old and I still use it 4x a week in the pool.  I just replaced the battery for the first time and bought a second one so I can leave one in my gym bag and use the other when I run.

I don't push my buttons underwater. But then again, I don't do flip turns. I really don't time my laps anymore either. Last night for example, I pushed start and then 52 mins later I pushed stop. I had a general idea of how long my rest intervals were between sets, so I just subtracted that time to get my "true" swim time. I averaged 1:44/100 for 2800 m. Both personal bests for me (pace and distance).

Kevin

PS. I know it's water resistant, but it was only like $35. I feel like I've got my $35 out of it so if it craps out tonight, no biggie, I'll just go get another. I would opt for a 100 lap this time though as I ran on the track the other night and I had 7 laps that I couldn't count (ran 57 laps on a 1/8 mile track).

It's an Ironman watch. It's made by a reputable company. Really, I think they intended it to be used while swimming. Wouldn't wear it diving, but I don't dive, so there you go.