My new toy!

Those of you in the know will realize that the above picture is a Fancy Dancy Garmin Forerunner 910XT.  The wrist is mine.  :)

I have been lusting after one of these babies ever since Garmin announced them back in October.  Now, under normal circumstances, I never would have been able to justify getting one so soon after getting my 305 a mere year and a half ago.  However, the circumstances aren't totally normal.  I'm lucky enough to do some product testing with a Garmin company.  As such, I earn credit that I can apply towards garmin merchandise.

Merchandise like Fancy Dancy Garmin Forerunner 910XTs.

I love it.

So far, I've ran outdoors with it, biked on the trainer and swam in the pool with it.  From a running and biking perspective, I won't deny that it's similar to the 305 (though nicer looking and a bit smaller).

The thing I really I like the best about it is that it is waterproof and gives swim information.  Although I used to look at the pace clock on some sets, I'm now able to come home and look at all my swim data from a workout (technically you could do that on the watch, but much easier on the computer).  I've observed what part of a set I have a tendency to slow down during.  I'm able to look at how many strokes I use to cross the pool.  It counts my laps for me, which is awesome, because I seem to have an inability to keep track once I get past 200 metres.

I've also realized that if I stand at the end of the pool talking (and presumably gesturing), it sometimes thinks I'm swimming.  As well, my backstroke technique must be pretty bad; 100 metres of backstroke today registered as 125 metres of a mix of back, breast and front crawl.  When it comes to front crawl though, it's been remarkably accurate.

Did I need this watch?  Nope.  Us triathletes don't need the majority of toys that we buy.  Really, we just need the basics like running shoes, bikes and goggles.  (Actually the basics add up all on their own.)  Do I like this watch?  Yep.  Sure do.