I know a couple people that have the Nike Plus setup and have been interested in it for a while. There are a few problems you immediately face if this is something you want.
First, you need the proper iPod. I already have 2, a now old school 30GB one without color and a shuffle I got for running/working out last Christmas. Now, I have a 3rd which is a the 2nd generation iPod Nano, not the new nano that plays videos. I found a brand new 4GB one on Craigslist for $80. Ahhh craigslist, you always treat me well.
Second, the Nike + kit which includes the transmitter and a plug for your iPod (Nano). This is $30.
| Third, a proprietary shoe from Nike. This is a bit much and I don't like to overpay for my shoes. I purchased my running shoes from an actual running store that evaluate your running on a treadmill and tell you which shoes are best for you. You can't just pick the pretty blue ones. Oddly enough they don't carry Nike. Weird huh? So, I decided to shove it under may laces and tape it with hockey tape. Classy! This is free. |  |
I debated if spending this much money to run was really worth it. We shall see if it is something I continue to use but there are tons of cool features at http://nikeplus.com. You can see your runs, create goals, challenges, participate in events, and I'm sure more to come. iTunes runs everything which is a mixed blessing but I am dependant on it already with my iPod(s). You sync the iPod and it will post your run stats automatically. There are even privacy settings.
As with any new toy there is learning involved. When you end your run you have to press menu, use the wheel to navigate, then click again. This seems a bit much since you are usually out of breath when you stop running but I guess you can pause, then end it. When I made it make home I just paused mine thinking I ended my workout. When you pause and start to run/walk again it automatically starts tracking your activity (cool feature). However, it tracked me playing frisbee with Roxy. Obviously it dropped my average as you can see from this cool online chart.
Overall I am impressed and look forward to friendly competition with friends and random people online.
If you have Nike + let me know!
Posted
Jan 10 2008, 10:59 AM
by
crakins