Deals: Fully Waterproof GPS Watch for $123

Over the past few years, I've really seen the rise of personal fitness devices and along with it, a gradual decrease in pricing that is really starting to make it affordable to own something like a GPS watch to help optimize your training and log your workouts. Timex recently released the Ironman Run Trainer which is targeted as a direct competitor to the Garmin 210 watch. Based upon functionality and price point, this watch will be more than adequate for 90% of the people I know. The value of the watch goes further if you get the heart rate strap so you can measure the intensity of your workouts to see if you are pushing it enough on an interval workout or a CrossFit WOD. The best part is that you can get it for a reasonable price of $123 through a combination of sales and rebates.
First off, here are the main factors why I think the Timex Run Trainer will be adequate for most of you:

1. It is a GPS watch
2. It utilizes the Ant+ wireless signal which is pretty common standard for wireless fitness accessories like a heart rate monitor or footpod
3. It is fully waterproof so you can also use it in the rain or to time your swim workouts
4. It is compatible with TrainingPeaks, which is a website to log your workouts so you can keep track over time
5. For the triathletes, it can also double as a bike computer (with an Ant+ speed/cadence sensor)

Rather than recreate the wheel, you can refer to my one of my favorite blogs, DC Rainmaker for a pretty detailed review of the watch.

DC Rainmaker's Review of the Timex Run Trainer

So how do you get this watch for $123?

Step 1 - Sign up for VIP status for $1.99 at Roadrunnersports.com

*IMPORTANT: Although the VIP status is only $1.99, it only lasts a year and then auto-renews for $24.99 so be sure to go into your account settings and disable it from auto-renewing.

Step 2 - Now that you have VIP status, you automatically get 10% off your entire order. If you are reading this on Cyber Monday (November 28, 2011), the discount is increased to 20% on almost anything (excluding electronics, that discount is still only 10%). If you need shoes/clothes, this is an incredible deal

Step 3 - Add the Timex Run Trainer to you cart (link). There's actually the option to get it with a heart rate monitor for an additional $40 (link) which is a different of $189 vs $229. I'd recommend getting it with the heart rate monitor but if you just want the GPS watch, it is only $189.

Step 4 - Check out. The discount should be applied to the watch, bringing it down to $170.99

Step 5 - Now comes the manual part. You will have to fill out the rebate form to get a $50 check back from Timex. You can get the rebate form at the link below:

Timex Run Trainer Rebate Form

* Rebate expires Dec 31, 2011

So if you do the math:

List Price: $189.99

+ VIP Membership $1.99

Sub-Total: $191.98

Less 10% VIP Discount: $19.00

Less Rebate: $50.00

Final Price: $122.98