The 15th Floor Overlooking Fenway

I have been running with the Nike+ iPod since June '06. Even when I was my most fit (the year between undergrad and med school when I worked out 5-6 days a week, could squat almost my body weight, leg press twice that, wore pants 2-3 sizes smaller, etc), I wasn't much of a runner. In those days I cross trained on the elliptical, stair master, and bike.

During medical school I rode my bike a lot and could rock Paul's 65 minute Spin class -- bring it you silly skinny sorority girls 5 years younger than me. I still miss Paul's Spin class.

When we moved to Boston, our first apartment had a sorry excuse for a gym. Plus being an intern did not work well with any sort of exercise schedule I previously had. Working out was hit or miss.

Enter Nike+ iPod which first appeared in June '06. I've always been a Nike girl, owning a large amount of Dri-Fit and wearing Nike shoes. I was also lucky enough to have an iPod Nano, which is the only iPod that supports the device. Saying Nike+ changed my life is a bit dramatic, but relatively true.

I wasn't much of a runner and was no longer as fit as I was once was, but this little thing motivated me. Combine the Emerald Necklace, motivation, and a good book on tape (well, now iPod), and I some place became a runner. The Nike+ iPod is a two part system. The sensor fits into your shoe. (The special Nike shoes have a cut out for it.) The receiver connects wirelessly to your iPod. The two track your speed, distance, calories, etc. All of this is displayed nicely on your iPod, and there is verbal feedback at specific intervals, or anytime when you press the center button. Workouts can be selected by distance or time. Of course you can listen to your favorite tunes, podcasts or books on tape.
The Nike+ iPod website is also fantastic. Once your iPod is synced, your workout data is uploaded. You can compare old and new runs, track your mileage, set goals, join challenges, chat with other runners, and so much more.

You'll see my last 5 runs over on the right side. They are from the fancy Nike+ website. When outsite, I map my runs, and link to the maps.

Nike has also expanded its line of Nike+ gear with pants, shirts, hats, etc that allow you to interface with your iPod nano more easily. There's even a new watch/remote.

Lots of people have blogged about their hacks to make the Nike+ sensor work with non Nike+ shoes. Given that I have no problem wearing Nike running shoes, I'll let you search for them if you're interested. I haven't tried any of them out, so can't give any advice.