New training gadget for 2015!

It looks like 2015 is going to be a year of numbers! This holiday season my fiancee and soon-to-be-stepkids gave me something I've been eyeing for a while: a Garmin Swim wristwatch. Why have I been eyeing it? Let me tell you about it!

First off, I have to share that I am a tech-geek and a gadget geek, so having a gadget that combines my passion for technology with my passion for swimming is definitely something that will grab my attention and instill a desire to have one (or at least be able to use one).

This particular Garmin wristwatch is the "Swim" model. This $150 (MSRP) wristwatch does some really interesting things. Among its features are lap counting, stroke detection, stroke count, SWOLF score, lap time splits, and others that I am still learning. Yes, you read that right, it will count your laps, note times, and even count your strokes. That allows you to see how fast you did each lap for a set, how your lap stroke count changes, and store that data for analysis later.

Having that data in your watch is great and all, but if you really want to analyze it, you need it on a computer. Garmin recognized that and they provide a tiny USB stick that is an antenna. If the watch is within 3 meters of the antenna, the phone will automatically synchronize with the computer and upload the date to Garmin's web site. Thanks to the pool being closed for the winter break, I haven't had a chance to try out this feature, but if it works as described, I'm going to a very happy techie-swimmer!

I will be sharing more of my experiences with the Garmin Swim as I get a chance to use it in 2015. Stay tuned!