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I’ve finally started using my Nike+ SportBand which means that I am running again.

If you aren’t familiar with the Nike+ SportsBand or Nike+ iPod let me explain it to you.

About Nike+

Nike+ tracks your pace, distance and calories burned.  Everything is kept in memory while you run and once you get back home you can download it to your computer and upload it online to the Nike+ website.  The Nike+ website tracks all of your previous runs.  It totals them up and keeps track of your average pace.  The website also allows you to set specific goals either by distance, time, pace, and how often you run.  You can create your own challenges or you can participate in other peoples challenges.  The website also features a training guide which will allow you to pick what type of race you are training for and create a training schedule that will ready you for that race.

About the Devices

Both devices come with a sensor.  If you have a pair of compatible Nike shoes you can place the sensor directly into the shoe under the sole.  If you use other types of running shoes you can use a specially designed pocket that ties onto your laces.  Myself, I have custom made Asics (because I was getting shin splints) and use an after market pocket that is attached to my lace.

If you have an iPod (who doesn’t by now) and you like to listen to music while you run you can use the Nike+ iPod adapter.  This adapter plugs into the bottom of your iPod.  The new iPod Touch v2 has it built in.  When it’s plugged in or activated, you have access to the Nike+ menu which allow you to enter all your settings (age, height, power song). While you are running you activate the sensor and start your run.  The Nike+ iPod also features the power song feature which you can program to play your favorite song during the last stretch of your run.  When you get back home and plug in your iPod to your computer it sends the data from your run to the Nike+ website.

Nike+ iPod

If you don’t have an iPod or simply don’t want to get hit by a car while running then the Nike+ SportBand is for you.  The SportBand has two parts.  The first is the band and is made of a plastic material.  It fits nicely on your wrist.  The second is the “computer” portion of the SportBand.  It comes off and plugs into any standard USB port to transfer your runs to the Nike+ website.  The SportBand has most of the same features as the Nike+ iPod except for the power song feature of course.

Nike+ SportBand

I have both the Nike+ iPod and the SportBand.  If I am running at the gym and want to listen to some music then I use the iPod adapter.  If I don’t feel like listening to music or if I am running outside I use the SportBand.  The nice thing about Nike+ is you don’t have to worry about finding a local running partner.  You can take part in world wide running challenges or you can compare runs with a friend in a totally different geographic location.

Final Thoughts

Either one of these are excellent tools to keep you motivated with your running.  It’s a good way to keep track of your progress and get better as a runner.   You can trow away your paper journal because with Nike+ you won’t be needing it anymore.

paulyblog fitness, ipod, nike plus, nike+, review, Running, sportband

Today I just got the 2nd generation iPod touch. The coolest part is that you can get wordpress for it. I’m still trying to get used to typing on it but it has some good guessing features.

Apple, iphone, ipod, wordpress ipod, touch, wordpress

I got the chance to play around with the new iPod Touch today.  The 2nd generation of the iPod Touch is pretty sweet because it has a built in speaker.  It actually sounds pretty good for being totally enclosed in the iPod.  I helped my brother sync his music and download some apps from the App Store since it’s his first iPod.  I’m not a huge iPod listener person but I actually have an itch to get the new Touch.  I currently use the previous version of the iPod Nano when I go for runs.  It’s handy with the Nike+ iPod adpater since I can track my runs online.  The new iPod Touch has the Nike+ iPod receiver built in by the looks of things.  So technically all you need is the transceiver that goes in your shoe and you’re all set to run.  I’m not sure if I would feel safe running with the Touch though.  I think I would be too scared that it would get damaged.  It’s amazing the amount of technology you can fit in such a small device.

Apple, gen 2, ipod, speaker, touch Apple, ipod, speaker, touch

A couple nights ago I installed the wptouch plugin from Dale and Duane at BraveNewCode.  When using your standard web browser on your computer you will see my regular minimalia theme but if you open up this website on the iPod Touch or iPhone it will automatically be switched over to an iPod friendly theme.  If you have either one give it a try.  It’s friendly to use and easy to navigate.  Good job Dale and Duane.

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