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20 of 20 found the following review helpful:
 Awesome Watch! Jun 18, 2008
By Anthony G. Jabaley Jr.
"Andy"
I have used Timex Ironman watches for the last 20+ years for tracking running splits while training for local 10k races, so I am used to the format. The format for the Trail Runner watch is total different due to its additional features of the GPS and Heart Rate monitor. Even with these new features, it is still easy to use.
It has the ability to show you 3 different lines of realtime date that you can select from while in the Chonograph mode. You can watch heart rate, speed, distance, pace, lap time, split time, etc. what ever you desire. The middle line of the screen is larger than the top or bottom data line, so you can even toggle what data is provided in that line for better viewability while running. It comes with a bike attachment for Triathalon training so you can mount to handle bars instead of looking down at your wrist all the time.
The GPS is very accurate for tracking distance even under heavy trees. If you are using the belt clip versus the arm band for the GPS module, then you may find that accuracy may vary slightly due to being covered up by your shirt while running. When I tuck in my shirt just above the belt clip on my hip, then the GPS is precisely accurate each and every time. I have not used the arm band yet, but I imagine that would solve this problem. You can hit the mode button a couple of times while running to get to the Finish mode, and the watch will predict your finish time based on how far you told the watch you run will be -- extremely helpful for hitting target times while training, trying to hit a qualifying time for a road race, or hitting a personal best or finish time for a race.
The GPS module takes about 1 to 2 minutes to link up with the satellites, so you need to give it that time before you begin your run. The heart rate monitor is awesome and 100% accurate - I tested it for accuracy against another HR monitor. I also checked the speed mode on the GPS (shows MPH) against 3 cars to see how accurate, and again 100% accurate even at 50 and 60 MPH. Weight wise, the GPS module is so light even with the 1 AA battery, that you dont even notice its there. The watch itself is not any larger than some of my other large Timex Ironman watches and is also extremely light weight. I also ordered the new version of the Data Recorder (weighs as much as a ping pong ball), but I have not used it yet in the three weeks I've owned the Watch kit and Data Recorder. The info that comes with the Data Recorder shows that they have not updated the software program for you computer to be compatible with Windows Vista. I checked online at Timex.com, and they didn't show an update to the software yet to download the week that I received the Data Recorder, but it looks like a great addition to the package that I should and will start using shortly.
All in all, I'm extremely pleased with this watch and how it is helping me to improve my running. I love being able to go out the door and just run until the watch tells me I've hit my half way point on distance so that I can turn around and head home. If you can afford this watch, you will not be sorry at all!!
18 of 18 found the following review helpful:
Timex Ironman T5J985 Has Been Fantastic Feb 16, 2008
By Greg
This is my first HRM (let alone personal GPS system). After a few run throughs with the manual, I was quickly using the watch at the gym to track my HR Zones. With regards to heart monitoring, the watch is very easy to use and easy to read. I have had no issues.
One interesting note is that I have been using the watch during my weight-training portions of my workouts as well my cardio. It has been interesting to see which exercises have greater affect on my heart rate than others.
Also, I have recently been exploring the GPS aspect and after the initial linking of the GPS to the watch (which took about 2 minutes), there haven't been any issues. It appears very accurate, as I have mapped out various road runs with the car and come up with similar distances traveled on the Timex. I look forward to hitting some trails soon.
17 of 17 found the following review helpful:
If I Could Give It 6 Stars, I Would... Aug 24, 2008
By Armand
"Poke"
I've never owned a GPS or training watch before, and I'm training for my very first marathon, so I researched for months to learn about every model by every brand. After reading hundreds of reviews from every source available, I bought the Timex T5J985 Ironman Trail Runner. I can't say enough about this training system. It's not just a watch, it's a training SYSTEM. I've read that other brands have several concerns, i.e., GPS not locking up or dropping out and never recovering, re-charging systems terminally failing, inaccurate data, etc., and I've experienced NONE of these problems. I will however, tell you that while I was on a training run in the middle of tropical storm Fay (I live in Miami) the GPS did lose the signal once, but while I was still on the move, the GPS was locked back on in the time it took me to look down at the watch (because it had "beeped" at me) and all I had to do was hit the "DISPLAY" button to link back up. This all happened in a matter of seconds, literally, and I never lost any of the total run's data like some of the other users had claimed. I run under moderate tree cover as well, and have NEVER had a problem. Now on to the watch functions...
This watch is AS ADVERTISED, and then some. The chrono functions flawlessly with three lines of data in real time across an ample watch face. You can select which data you prefer to view by toggling the DISPLAY button. I like to see my HR, PACE, and DISTANCE. You can also choose from LAP TIME, SPLIT TIME, and SPEED as well as others. The VERTICAL mode gives you data pertaining to your altitude. Since Florida is at sea level, I don't have occasion to use this feature much, but I will tell you that the watch tracks it automatically through the GPS, and at the end of my training runs, I chuckle to see that I've ascended a little over 200 ft., and descended about the same...lol. The FINISH mode is absolutely awesome! It predicts your finish time if you input a certain distance! On my longer runs, I'll input 26.2 miles, and select the finish time prediction in place of my average pace on the main chrono screen. It keeps a running time based on my pace and distance, and even coaches me if I'm going slower or faster than my input finish time! It's like having a coach on your wrist. The NAVIGATE mode is great for orienteering. It gives you LAT and LONG and your degree points, again in a three-line display. The WAYPOINTS mode is phenomenal. You can set waypoints (10) with a "tracking" mode to navigate you back to a particular waypoint should you get lost! While tracking, the face changes to a real-time compass face, with the distance you are from your waypoint, and you can see your progress toward or away from your waypoint as you walk. The LAP DATA mode gives you detailed information about each one of your laps or splits including lap or split time, ongoing event time, speed, pace, HR, distance, and elevation increases and decreases. the SUMMARY mode gives you detailed overall information concerning your entire event including avg speed, max speed, avg pace, best pace, event total distance, odometer, total ascent, total descent, at/above 1,000 ft., avg HR, max HR, min HR, HR zone times, recovery HR, total event time, and GPS battery level. There is a dual TIMER mode, a 5-ALARM mode (with backup) and a CONFIGURE mode in which you can set your default values for every function.
This watch was easy to use out of the box, and I got started with it right away. The GPS has never taken more than a minute to lock on, and I turn it on as I'm stretching for my run, so that when I'm done stretching all I have to do is switch to CHRONO mode, hit the START button, and go. No waiting! I did not purchase the data transmitter since I don't need to see my data on a graph. I'm not an elite athlete, and I can tell what areas I need to work on simply by tracking the data in SUMMARY mode.
I swear by this watch, and would recommend it to ANYONE...from the professional to the amateur to the beginner. CUDOS, TIMEX for getting the job done yet again!
Enjoy your workouts!
11 of 12 found the following review helpful:
Timex BodyLink Trail Runner Nov 24, 2007
By Carla Crosby
Timex IRONMAN Triathlon Bodylink Trail Runner Watch T5J985
Great watch! I upgraded from the previous generation Timex BodyLink and have to say I LOVE this watch. I love all the features, like the waypoints and the altitude information. The GPS transmitter is smaller than the previous generation's model and easier to wear on my arm.
7 of 7 found the following review helpful:
Water leak an anomaly? May 25, 2008
By Jian Xu
"sojourner_1975"
I have been a fan of Timex watches since 1994. The Ironman series have all the basics I need: waterproof, dual time zone, multiple alarms, chronograph, and timer.
I bought the Bodylink system to improve my marathon time. I like the concept of training to heart rate intensity, rather than running duration or distance. The HR % apparently reflects the quality of workout for the heart. No complaints about the HR monitor or GPS monitor so far. I have not tested the system in an area with thick foliage. But even if it doesn't work well in the woods, that is a limitation of the environment and not a design flaw of the GPS receiver. The arm band of the GPS receiver on bare skin gets uncomfortable when I start sweating. It's okay if I put it over the sleeve though.
Now, the big disappointment came the first time I got into the pool. One would expect that a watch designed for tri-athletes would survive a swim or two. But water did get into my watch and damaged the LCD display. I sent the watch back in for repair. I hope this is an isolated incident, and not a defect for this particular design. Like I said, I am a fan of Timex sports watches.
Update: I got a new replacement, but have not tried it in the pool yet. A new problem: In a couple of instances, the watch picked up one, but NOT both the GPS and HR monitor signals. Maybe I was suppose to hit the detect button on the watch AFTER the GPS linked up with the satellites. In any case, this problem is just as upsetting as the water leak.
Update 2: replacement watch survived the pool! Also, in order for the watch to detect both GPS and HRM signals, press the detect button (or go to chronograph function) AFTER the GPS picked up the satellite signal. Overall, I am happy with this new training tool.
Update 3: 600+ miles later, still quite happy with the watch. Distance measurement is generally accurate. HRM needs a new battery every few months; GPS needs new battery probably every ~20 hours. Need to remind myself to change out the GPS battery before a long run/race. Audible alert seems to be quieter than regular Timex watches that I'm used to; perhaps I'm losing my hearing due to age :-) Button placement is different from previous watches. Indigo light used to be the button on the face of watch. The button in BodyLink controls dual time instead; if I sat on my hands doing floater kicks (leg lift), I could accidentally change to the second time zone (no good). Men of discipline are also men of habits. DON'T MESS WITH THE CONTROL BUTTONS, TIMEX!
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