Fun and Fitness for the 40-Something

You probably heard about the Nike + iPod system when it was released a couple years ago. If you’re like me, you were intrigued by the idea but dismissed it because you didn’t want to buy Nike running shoes. I’m a Saucony girl, through and through.

So I was happy to recently learn that you can use Nike + with any type of shoe. And, having used it since mid-May, I strongly recommend you check out the system, too. It’s fun, easy to use and very motivating.

The experience

The Nike + iPod Sport Kit lets you use your iPod to train better and record the vital stats for each run—distance, time, pace and calories. While you run, you can push a button to hear your data as of that point, and it’s also displayed on the iPod screen. A sensor in the shoe transmits data to a small receiver you attach to your Nano. Unfortunately, it only works with Nanos.

The sensor comes set with default measurements, but you can calibrate it to your own stride to receive more accurate readings. I ran a 10K the day after I bought the kit, so I did not have time to personally calibrate. Using the default settings, it recorded a distance of 6.33 miles—2 percent off of the 6.2 miles I had run. Pretty good for straight out of the box.

After I calibrated (by running a lap around the inside lane of a track), the distance came out almost exactly equal to the measurements on my usual running route (as measured by the speedometer on my bike).

The benefits aren’t limited to your iPod. After your run, you hook up the iPod to your computer, and the information is transmitted to the Nike + web site. Among other things, you can use the web site to:

• store run data,
• check personal records,
• set up training schedules and goals,
• connect with other runners,
• challenge friends, and
• access special playlists, running route maps and training programs.

A warning: The instant feedback can be addictive! That’s what makes Nike + so motivating, though.

The drawbacks

As much as I love Nike +, I do have some complaints:

1) The inflexibility of the tracking for training schedules. If you run on a different day than scheduled (e.g., I did my 5-mile run on Monday, which was scheduled as a rest day, instead of on the scheduled Tuesday), those miles won’t show up as part of the total distance run. You may have logged all of the miles, but if not on the correct days, it will tell you you’re behind.

2) Pausing problems. When you push the button to get a real-time readout while running, the audio feedback plays over your song or, in my case, podcast. I wish it would pause the underlying sound. And, when you pause or end the workout, the underlying sound also stops. I would like the song or podcast to keep playing while I cool down, without having to exit the Nike + settings on the iPod and get back to the original setting.

3) No manual entry. If you take a run without the sensor or the receiver, or it doesn’t record for whatever reason, you’re out of luck. You can’t manually enter data in your run history.

The accessories

Allow me to debunk the Nike-promoted myth that you must buy Nike shoes with a built-in pocket under the insole that holds the sensor. In reality, the sensor will work with any shoe, as long as it is securely fastened.

Companies have been quick to market products for just that purpose. The day I bought my Sport Kit, I picked up a Shoe Pouch at a running store for about $9. It’s cheaper on Amazon, though:

The pouch works very well. It doesn’t let the sensor shift around (a potential problem if you just stick it in a typical shoe wallet), and you can slip the sensor in and out without removing the pouch from the shoes. I also noticed that you can purchase the pouch along with an armband for only $18.99:

I may order this because the armband I’m currently using, which cost me $29, is not very protective of the iPod. Also, as the weather warmed up, I found that it slides around on my arm. My first armband was an Amphipod, and I prefer that fabric (although it can get smelly, you can toss it in the washing machine). You need to stick a transmitter in the bottom of the iPod for Nike +, though, and the Amphipod band doesn’t have an opening that would allow it.

Try it, you’ll like it

If you already own a Nano, I think you’ll find the $30 or so purchase price for the Sport Kit well worth it. The sensor is said to last for about 1,000 hours (and can be replaced for $19). That works out to only 3 cents per mile. Go for it!

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 19th, 2008 at 8:12 am and is filed under Products and Reviews, Running. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.