The Nike+ Running System: I'm Just Doing It, Phil Knight!

Without a doubt, the most influential piece(s) of gear I use is the Nike+ running gadgets. These awesome, though oftentimes easy to break, running aids are used to track all aspects of your run from speed and distance to length of time and calories burned and then saves it on the interweb on your personal profile. With the introduction of the Nike+ system, my fondness for running went from somewhat enthusiastic to second to none (and, unfortunately, flat out addiction).

When introduced a few years ago, the first Nike+ system came with a sensor which was attached to your running shoe (Nike makes Nike+ shoes that allow the chip to be inserted into a cutout in the sole, but because I hate Nike running shoes, I use one of the many clips and pockets manufactured to hold the sensor in place on any make of running shoe) and a chip that you would attach to the USB port on your iPod. Once attached and once you have calibrated the sensor, all your workout data would be sotred on your iPod until you plugged it into your computer at which point it would upload the data to the Nike+ interweb site. While awesome at the time, Nike has continued to update and upgrade the Nike+ equipment with (i) the introduction of the Amp+ which is not only a ridiculously cool watch but also can be used as a remote control for your iPod whenever the chip is attached and (ii) the SportsBand which does away with the chip completely (and therefore allows for use of the Nike+ system without having to get an iPod) and replaces it with a nifty watch that keeps track of your runs and then can be attached directly to your computer to allow for uploading. I currently use the Sportband, but still am a big fan of the original Nike+ chip as well as the Amp+.

Now, at its core, Nike+ simply is a way to keep track of all your runs. Once you register with Nike+ ('tis free), everytime you plug in your Ipod (if using the original chip) or your Sportsband, all the stats of your runs are uploaded and saved on the Nike+ website and you can forever view your daily, weekly or monthly run totals. As I previously mentioned, after the first run with Nike+, I got hooked and have since then become addicted to increasing my numbers (much to the chagrin of all my friends and family who have seen their plans with me get delayed or all out cancelled in my quest to accumulate more miles). As if that is not enough, as a Nike+ member, you can create or join challenges against other Nike+ users. From 'First to Run 100 miles" to "Most Miles Run In a Month" to "Fastest 2 Mile Run," there are thousands of different challenges that will fit the need of any runner. While the challenges are based on the trust of your fellow Nike+ users (i.e. you can accumulate more miles if, say, you keep your workout going all day while walking to, or running away from, work), they are particularly awesome for someone like myself who runs more than most. On your Nike+ homepage, there is a trophy case which shows all the challenges you have won (or come in second or third) and any milestones accomplished (every 1000 miles run, Nike+ sends you a dopeness certificate of accomplishment and a link to it so you can brag to your buddies) as well as any goals you have set and succeeded in accomplishing.

In sum, I cannot stress enough how much I love the Nike+ system and strongly encourage all you readers to at least try it for a week. If anyone has or is currently using the Nike+ system, I would appreciate hearing your experiences with it as it is my hope to have a running (pun intended) dialogue going about Nike+.