Apple and Nike have partnered to create this ingenious little device that can make runners out of all of us. Everyone wants to operate, but very few people do -- including me. It isn't without flaws, but Nike Plus does what it should.
It makes you run.
I've tried to be a runner. Many times. But for some reason it has never really stuck with me. Or rather, I've never really tied to running. And it's not too I am not athletic either. I was raised playing nearly every sport there's - basketball, baseball, ice hockey, soccer, take your pick... I love sports. However i could never get into running. For me, it certainly is the scoring which makes it fun. The truth that there is a winner and a loser; the truth that I played better than I did yesterday; the fact that I scored 20 points this time around.

It's not the fun lies in the numbers, but instead within the feeling of accomplishment whenever you reach a quantitative goal. I never got that feeling when I went running. I could usually have bought a pedometer I suppose, but for some reason I simply never did.
Not until recently, that's. I saw an advert for the Nike Plus Sports Kit, which is essentially an add-on for the iPod. It collects your running data from the tiny sensor that you simply place in your shoe. After your run, you connect your iPod to your computer, and the data uploads to your account around the Nike Plus website. You will see graphs illustrating precisely how far you ran, or on which part of your run you were the fastest, or when you slowed up. You can see your previous outings, and plan future runs too. Should you input your long term goal (i.e. you may want to eventually operate a marathon distance), Nike Plus will suggest a running schedule that will slowly build in difficulty before you reach that goal.

You also can also get feedback during your run too, by pressing around the center button at any time. The machine will explain (in a man or woman voice, based on your choice) what lengths and just how long you've run to date. Upon completing your exercise routine, Nike Plus may also tell you just how you've operate a personal best for a particular distance. This is one of the features that makes the system addictive, because even though you run just for a mile you can still keep pushing yourself to beat your best time for that distance. Whether your goal is speed or distance is up to you.

Now, the Nike Plus Sports kit costs $29, and that's just the shoe sensor and the iPod receiver. Of course you will have to own an iPod Nano or Touch to begin with. There are other accessories you can purchase if you are really hardcore, such as the arm-band or even the Nike Plus compatible shoes, but these are not essential. It's my job to just hold my iPod within my hand as I run, with my thumb close to the center button so that I can trigger frequent updates as to how I'm doing. As i did buy the Nike Plus shoes, they are by no means a must. A normal set of sneakers are simply nearly as good should you determine some way to connect the sensor somewhere on your regular kicks. I suggest some kind of DIY vel-cro improvisation, or possibly cutting an opening in a Dr. Scholls insert.
Sensor Life of the battery: The large drawback is the fact that once your sensor's battery dies, you need to buy a new one. I hear that the average lifespan is approximately 1000 runs, which isn't all that bad. If you want the system enough to obtain that much use from it, you likely won't mind doling out for a new sensor either.
Finalizing Workout Data Could be Easier: At the end of your run you need to press recption menus button after which scroll the clickwheel right down to the finish Workout option. This can be tough if you're bent over and huffing and puffing in exhaustion, with little to no treatments for your fingers! (Maybe I need more conditioning!) But seriously, there's nothing as frustrating as pushing your self on an extended run, simply to lose your data by accidentally clicking the wrong button upon your return. I believe Menu, then hold center button will be a better method to end your workout.
Despite these few drawbacks, the Nike Plus system perfectly might be among the best gadget purchases you may ever make. Software and games and computers are all fine and dandy, but of course your wellbeing is one thing that should come before all of those. I've had that sentiment at the back of my thoughts for the past couple of years, but rarely have I ever been gone to live in find a solution.
Although it hasn't turned me right into a marathon runner by any stretch from the imagination, the Nike Plus does succeed in getting me out for a run a minimum of 3 times a week. And that is definitely money well spent.

Posted by: sandyyy0708 at 03:39 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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