I have always enjoyed running but in the past 4 years I have really taken up the sport and it has become a driving force in my life. I absolutely love the feeling before, during and after a good run. I truly love the running culture and community. I even plan my schedule according to what runs are in store for the season. So you can imagine my excitement when I found out that Nike and Apple had come up with a way to track runs through one’s iPod. At this point I should state that I can’t live without my iPod; especially on a run. One of my favorite things to do before a long run is to create the soundtrack that will accompany me. These mixes vary usually based on location, terrain, time of day, treadmill or outside. My music guides, calms, pushes and inspires me through my runs.
Last Christmas my sister gave me the Nike+ for my iPod. I was so excited to use it until I realized that I didn’t have the correct iPod. It requires an iPod nano and all I had was the iPod mini. So my new toy would have to wait. A few months later my boyfriend surprised me with an iPod Nano. Once again I couldn’t wait to get started. One more glitch though… The Nike+ sensor requires a place to go inside the running shoe; certain styles of Nike come with a built in place for the sensor. A-HA! Creative marketing plan but would I really have to buy special Nike running shoes to accommodate my Nike+? I like my Mizuno running shoes and to be honest I was starting to feel like this new toy wasn’t worth it. That is until I learned that there was a pouch that could be attached to the top of any running shoe and would allow the Nike+ sensor to keep track as if it were inside the shoe. I was elated! I immediately headed to my local Sports Chalet and picked up the pouch for $6!
Since then I have been up and running (literally) with my Nike+. I LOVE IT! I love knowing exactly how far I have run, what my average pace is and how many calories I am burning. Plus one of the best benefits of the Nike+ is that my iPod syncs with the Nike+ website after a run and allows me to compare runs, create and monitor goals and communicate with a global running community. I am even going to participate in the Nike Human Race on 8.31.08 with my Nike+ (http://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus/) I am having so much fun with this new toy of mine. It allows me to combine two of my very favorite things; my Music and Running! I highly recommend the Nike+ to all runners (and walkers too!).
Erin Riley
whatzonmyplate.wordpress.com
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I never thought that power walkers could benefit from the Nike+ device thanks for the tip.
Good luck on your quest!
hi, nice post
I read at http://onapplestore.com that you can get one for free.
ER, thanks for the info. I’ve been eyeing the Nike+ for a few months, but have shy-ed (sp?) away from it because I don’t wear Nikes, nor do I have an iPod nano:) I tend to be a year or two late with technology…I like the kinks to get ironed out before I invest the dough in new technology….and I like to let JR figure it out so he can just teach it to me and I don’t have to read the manual:)
I have noticed that they have a wrist band with a USB port on it that plugs right into the computer. What do you know about that?
I don’t like to run with music, though. I’ve heard too many horror stories about running with earphones in. I live in a “transitional” neighborhood that seems to have an increase in crime, so I want to be as aware as possible!
I have signed up for a training blog at sweat365.com. So far, I like it. I can track my workouts and blog about it too. It’s been nice.
Some day, I’ll convert:)
Hey SF Mom!
Nike does have a new sport band that plugs into your computer. I don’t know much more about it than that but I’m sure it does generally the same thing as the Nike+ without the ipod & music. I think they are about $30. Sometimes I can go purist and run without music but only if I am running outside. If I’m on the treadmill at the gym, I know I couldn’t hang without my music; I’d go nutty. I will definitely check out sweat365.com. Thanks for the tip! 