Has anyone used a non-watch based swimming device?
I ripped my watch strap off twice in winter, Garmin have no replacement kit and I’ve used other stuff to make do. I’ve just lost some Omega watch springs today and so I’ve had enough of watches in the pool for a lifetime. I don’t know if it’s me, the pool or the watch but I never once had this problem in nine years swimming but there it is.
I need an alternative. 
I saw your separate post but I use FORM with subscription. I’m too old to reliably see a Garmin and find that lap button at the end of the lap. its so damn convenient.
For a few years I’ve now been using the clock on deck. It’s simple enough, won’t break and doesn’t catch on lane dividers or other peoples faces on crowded days. I love it.
The on pace/deck/wall clock! It’s big! It’s simple! It doesn’t increase your drag coefficient in the water 
I"m both old(er) and old school. I learned to swim using the pace clock. It might be a bit tricky or take some getting used to, but it’s super useful and convenient.
I will try synching the wall clock to Garmin Connect/Strava tonight 
LOL.
At this point it think it’s wall clocks+manual logs or FORM goggles+subscription. I’m a cheapskate, so I know what direction I would go.
I stuck my watch case (no strap) in my cap and got a recording of sorts. Just over half the distance and a heart rate recorded.
Form goggles sound viable alternative, but I’d still like to know if there are other options. I have a feeling there was a chest strap you could wear without a watch that synched after the swim.
There are plenty of Garmin straps on Amazon from 3rd party vendors. They’re very good
Who is in for Eagleman. Hoping the smoke moves on out.
Bill Downing
What watch do you have?
Has anyone done Ironman 70.3 Washington, or is familiar with the Maple Valley area? I’m thinking of making it a late addition to my calendar in case CDA doesn’t go well, but I’m not sure about where to stay, there’s almost no lodging in Maple Valley itself. Seems most hotels are about 30 minutes away, in Renton or Issaquah. I’m curious if anyone has any suggestions or insights or reasons to pick one over the other (or some other place.)
I did Maple Valley two years ago and going back this Sept. I stayed in Bellevue last time and will stay in Renton this time. I am not a local, but I didn’t find anything near the course, the venue seems to sit in a very residential dense area, it makes an early morning approx. 30 min drive, but traffic is light at that time of day. Transition setup is in the dark with some portable lights, and the swim started as sun started to break.
Addition to the commute, the venue (which is beautiful) is not the easiest to get into on race day. There is no parking at the venue the days before the race or race day. Race morning there are two options, one parking lot further out and you can ride a bus into transition or you can park at a local school and walk in (approx. 10 min if I remember).
I liked the event, it has more smaller race vibe with IM’s race production, not like CDA at all. The venue is in a park, small lake, bike is in the forest, and run is on a packed gravel path in the trees (pic).
Fenix 6S Pro with no watch strap
Interesting… thats a premium watch…
my 935 which was not premium, lasted years…
Hello everyone,
I’ve been using TR for a number of years and this year I’m doing a 1/2 Ironman with a (non TR) friend
IM Muskoka (July 9)
I see there are a couple of others going to the same event on this thread, would love to meet up.
Anyway, I’ll be reading the thread over the weekend and there looks to be a lot of great stuff here. My thanks to JoeX for putting this together and everyone that is posting.
Cheers
Pete
It’s the lane ropes at the London Aquatic. Made from Unobtainium or something. I’ve never ripped off a watch strap in ten years until January, and now three times. No replacement parts available, and after markets fit so loose it falls off when I put my jacket on.
Well that’s a worry to me JoeX.
I also have a fenix 6 S with its ordinal band and I’m heading to the pool now for a few laps. Mind you, the local YMCA pool does not have tough lane ropes. If it comes off today, I’m blaming you
Starting to question the taper that Trainerroad is giving me. I havent followed the run and swim, but smashing 5x10 min Sweetspot with 15 seconds rest a few days before my A race?
What would you do? Thinking of changing it to a 1 hour spin with 2-3x10 minutes at racepace. Just to check all the equipment before raceday.
I am as well Bill. Have a good race.
