Nike+

Well from time to time I would like to hop up on my little soapbox and share with you some of my favorite finds. So here goes:

The first product and my first love since starting running is the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit. I am absolutely in love with this product. It is something that I would be hard pressed to give up.

So what is it? It is a piece of brilliance that happens when you take Nike and add Apple! Nike+ works with your iPod Nano, iTouch or iPhone to track your mileage and pace as you run or walk. It uses a sensor that you can either attach to your running shoe, or if you wear Nike shoes they have a place to put the sensor in the sole. Then you have a receiver that plugs into the iPod. If you use the iPod Touch or the iPhone, no receiver is required.

So how does it work? Well after placing the sensor on/in your shoe (mine is in a little pouch under my laces), you plug in the receiver and are ready to calibrate. To get started you need to calibrate both a run and a walk. Once it is calibrated, you are good to go! Start it up, crank up the tunes, and head out on your run. Then after your run, simply plug your iPod into your computer and let the computer upload your workout to Nike+ where you can see your run, enter in more details about it and do all kinds of other fun stuff!

So what makes it so great you may be asking? Well where should I start? It keeps track of all of your miles logged. I only use mine for running – so I have a “running” tally of my miles logged. Which I am happy to say is nearing the 1200 mile mark. Another great feature is the price, you can purchase this little bit of technology for a mere $29. Now, compared to going out and purchasing a Garmin anywhere from $150-$350, let’s be honest, $29 speaks to me and my budget! Granted this doesn’t use those hi-tech satellites but it does what I need it to. Track my miles – in a super fun way! – And allows me to connect with other Nike+ users.

The Nike+ website is what MAKES this product. When you log in, you can see all of your runs in a graph and sort them. You can set goals and training programs and the website will let you know if you are on track. As you hit “Milestones” in your running career, Nike will recognize you with certificates. You can create a “Nike+ Mini”, a little avatar that keeps tabs on you – if you haven’t uploaded a run in a while your mini tries to motivate you with a little smack talk! You can create and join challenges to help keep you motivated. And lastly, Nike has a huge forum that allows you to connect with other users (all over the world) and talk some trash in the Challenges. I think it is a blast!

If you find yourself looking for a fun way to watch your miles add up I highly recommend the Nike+ Sport Kit – especially if you already use an iPod to run with. And if you are already on Nike+ or decide to join up, look me up (Lissalicious) and send me a friend request – maybe we can stir up a little friendly GoTRIbal competition! Keep on Rockin’!