10.15.2008

The Green Girl's Review of the Timex Ironman 50-lap T5H411 Watch

I purchased the Timex Ironman 50-lap T5H411 specifically for my very first marathon training. I already had an Ironman 30-Lap Flix but that watch did not offer a multiple interval timer option.

I needed the multiple interval timer option so I could do run/walk intervals. Most watches will beep after x amount of time with an option to stop or repeat at the end of the countdown. I wanted a watch that would beep after my run segment to indicate it was time to walk and then beep again when it was time to run again.

For my marathon training, I wanted the following features in my new watch:
  • A good easy-to-read display so I could quickly glance at the numbers while running
  • Buttons that are easy to press without looking at the watch
  • A fabric band because I sweat a lot (even when I'm not exercising) and I get rashes or
  • If the band is not fabric then I need the ability to replace the band with a fabric one
  • Chronograph with lap/split memory recall
  • Dual/multiple interval timers
After doing a lot of research, I identified two Timex models that met the above criteria: I decided against the Women's Timex Triathlon Sleek 50-lap 5G291 because I dislike the color purple and I didn't like the style. I'm more of a tomboy. When I began my search, I assumed Timex's 'Two-Mode Timer' meant it had the dual timer option I was looking for. This was a source of confusion for me because my existing watch had a 'Two-Mode Timer' but I could not figure out how to make it do two different countdowns. I even called Timex technical support for clarification but they were not able to shed any light on the situation. I finally realized "Two-Mode" referred to the fact that you could toggle the timer between 'Stop' and 'Repeat' mode. What I needed was a "Dual-Interval Timer" or "9 interval timer." I have no idea why Timex offers 2 timers or 9 but nothing in between. You can tell if a Timex watch has multiple interval timers by pressing the "MODE" button in the lower left three times. The first time you press it, it will go into "Chronograph" mode and the second time you press it, it will go into regular 'Timer' mode. If you get an 'INTTMR' when you hit the 'MODE' button three times, then your watch has either 2 or 9 interval timers. When I first started hitting the longer distance runs, I wanted to do interval training that consisted of 10 minute runs followed by 1 minute walks. To do this, I set the first interval to 10 minutes and I set it to "Repeat" at the end. Then, I set the second interval to 1 minute and also set it to repeat. As my training progressed and the mileage increased, I shortened my run intervals from 10 to 7 and for the actual race, I did a 5:1 run/walk ratio. I am very pleased with this watch. It's durable and easy to use.

The band is made for a larger wrist so it took some adjusting to get it to fit just right but in time, the velcro became accustomed so my size. It never chafed or irritated my skin. The velcro is also high quality so it doesn't lose it's grip over time.

I didn't like the style at first but I must admit it grew on me. The buttons seemed awkward at first because I was so used to my old watch but I got used to them quickly and they are easy to press even when my hands are sweaty and sticky.

If I could improve one thing it would be lack of Flix. Flix is Timex's technology that allows you to 'flick' on the Indiglo to illuminate the watch's dial. My other watch has Flix and it's really handy when I'm out running at night - I just "flick" my wrist and I can see the time.

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