Gift Ideas for Sports Fans: Timex Ironman Run Trainer

This originally appeared as part of SB Nation's Gift Guide for Sports Fans, but I thought it warranted mention here at Stride Nation, too.

The nice people at Timex were, well, nice enough to send me one of their Ironman Run Trainer GPS watches a couple weeks back. Having now used it for a few runs, including the Jingle All the Way 8K here in DC, I feel confident is saying this: it's awesome.

The display is large and easy-to-read (and fully customizable), it picks up the satellite in a matter of seconds and it easily transfers all your data online. In short, it's everything a runner could want in a GPS watch.

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What Is It: GPS-enabled sport watch, complete with a heart rate monitor

Who's It For: The metric-focused runner in your life.

Why It Makes a Great Gift: Perfect for running with its large, customizable display, showing pace, speed, distance and more, all in real-time, the Timex Ironman Run Trainer features an impressive eight hours of battery life for those extra-long workouts, and is water resistant up to 50m, meaning your training doesn't have to stop in the pool. In addition to the basic measurements, the Run Trainer is also equipped with workouts, an interval time mode and even has reminders to let you know when you need to take in some water.

From a runners standpoint the unit has basically everything one could ask for. It's got complex workout support as well as simple run recording. It's got alarms and time/clock functions for those that want to use it as a day watch (with ample 10 week battery life). And finally, for those needing a countdown timer in your kitchen...it's got that too.

Cost: $230

Where to Get It: Timex.com, local running and athletic stores and Amazon.

See more Gift Ideas for Sports Fans at the SB Nation Holiday Gift Guide.