GPS watch for marathon training: Timex Ironman Global Trainer vs. Garmin 405

If you're slightly obsessive-compulsive when it comes tracking the details of your workouts during marathon training (like me),  you've probably considered getting a GPS sports watch.

I was a little late to switch over to GPS technology, and used a Polar RS800 with a foot pod for the last couple of years.   I loved the watch, but the software was overly complicated and clunky.  It also wasn't compatible with my Mac, and required me to use Parallels every time I wanted to download data or analyze my workouts.

Check here for the review of the new Timex Ironman Run Trainer.

In September I purchased the Garmin Forerunner 405 and I've been running with it for the last couple of months.  A few weeks ago, Sports Authority sent me its main competitor, the Timex Ironman Global Trainer, for review. 

The first thing you'll notice when you look at the Timex Ironman Global Trainer is the size.  Yes, it's large, especially for a woman with a small wrist.   I certainly wouldn't wear it with a cocktail dress.  But with its size comes a huge advantage:  It's easy to see and read while on the run.

The face is large enough to show four fields at once (the Garmin only shows three).   And because the face is so big, I have no problem quickly glancing down to see the four fields I like to monitor on the run:  My heart rate, my distance, my pace and my time.  

Like the Garmin, the Timex can also be customized to show other fields (altitude, calories, heart rate zones, etc.).

Before you can use the Timex, you have to do an initial setup, entering in the time of day and personal settings.  The basic setup on the Timex is intuitive, and could likely be done without the manual. 

This isn't the case with the Garmin 405, which requires memorizing when to use the bezel versus the buttons, and when to tap, hold, touch or double touch.  I still don't have it down.

The seven buttons that you need to use on the Timex are clearly labeled, so you always know what button to touch when.  Like other Timex Ironman watches, the Start/Split button is located separately at the bottom of the face, to avoid confusion when marking splits while racing.

The heart rate monitor strap that comes with the Timex is the best I've ever used in terms of fit and comfort.  It's soft, like the strap that comes with the newer Polar watches, and can easily be sized to fit even the smallest chests (yes, I just admitted it).

The Garmin chest strap has more than 12 inches of hard plastic on the front, and is both uncomfortable and more likely to cause chafing.  It's also too large for people with small chests.

When it comes to locking onto the satellites, however, the Garmin 405 is significantly faster.  My Garmin can usually find the satellites in five to 30 seconds.  The Timex can take up to two minutes, not fun when you're standing out in the cold waiting to run.

The Garmin will automatically load your workouts onto your Mac or PC (as long as the ANT+ is plugged into the computer) any time you bring the watch within three meters of your computer. 

With the Timex, you have to plug the watch into the computer, make sure the Timex Device Agent application is open and choose to upload the workouts. 

The Garmin Connect software is slightly more intuitive than the TrainingPeaks software available for the Timex.   Both Garmin Connect and TrainingPeaks provide you with enough training details to analyze every single aspect of each run.  The TrainingPeak software has the added benefit of being able to track your diet.

There is foot pod available for the Garmin, perfect if you do a lot of your runs on the treadmill or in areas with poor satellite reception.  As of yet, there's no foot pod available for the Timex Ironman Global Trainer, so treadmill workouts will have to be added to your training log manually.

I found both the Garmin and the Timex to be relatively accurate for measuring distance, speed, altitude and calories.  Neither were 100 percent, but they were certainly more accurate than my Polar speed/distance monitor with no GPS.

The Garmin Forerunner 405 and the Timex Ironman Global Trainer both shine in different areas.  If you're choosing between the two, you'll have to decide which features are most important to you. 

The Timex is much easier to see on the run, is simpler to use and has a superior heart rate monitor strap. 

The Garmin locks onto the satellites faster, offers quick wireless uploads and has slightly better software for analyzing your runs.

The Timex Ironman Global Trainer is available at Sports Authority right now at an online exclusive price of $239.99. 

From now until December 19, 2010, there is also a $50.00 manufacturer's rebate on the Timex.

The Garmin Forerunner 405 with heart rate monitor is available at Sports Authority for $349.99.