Triathlon Unplugged

I have to admit that it would be very difficult for me to "compete" without something telling me my cadence, HR, speed, distance, temperature, humidity, fuel level, battery charge, what year it is, etc, ad nauseum. Perhaps after a couple of years I'll be able to do a "Fun" tri where I relax like you describe, but it sounds difficult.

"how far have I run? What's my pace? Is my heart rate too high?"

I have done all my races (including HIM) without a watch.  I agree that the fun factor is much higher, and you will never get a finish line photo when you are looking down and pressing the watch!  What is interesting is how consistent some of the times were.  Four years of sprint 5K's between 22:48 and 23:58!

I do like the cycle computer for distance traveled, though!

Um, just give it time, the fondness for no electronics will grow.

In the noise that is weather, an older body, grade school / HS / College kids, the ever tightening job market, and whatever your life may throw your way, a HRM barking that you're 4 beats over is pretty friggin low on the list. Go ahead and enjoy.

Great story.

Congrats!

Agreed that I could not care less on the swim of seeing my time as at that point I'm just happy that portion is done with.  I ,like others, like knowing how far I have to go on the bike, plus having a general idea on my speed.  Watching it go over 35 on downhill is kind of fun.  I find the watch useful in the beginning portions of the run where I basically can't feel my legs and want to establish a good starting pace and can't go as much by feel.  After the first mile or two I don't look at my watch much on the run.