It makes you run.
Finalizing Workout Data Might be Easier: At the end of your run you have to press the Menu button and then scroll the clickwheel down to the End Workout option. This can be tough if you are bent over and huffing and puffing in exhaustion, with little to no treatments for your fingers! (Maybe I want more conditioning!) But seriously, there's nothing as frustrating as pushing yourself on a long run, only to lose your data by accidentally clicking the wrong button upon your return. I think Menu, then hold center button would be a better method to end your workout.
Despite these few drawbacks, the Nike Plus system perfectly could be one of the best gadget purchases you may ever make. Software and games and computers are fine and dandy, however your wellbeing is something which should come prior to of these. I've had that sentiment in the back of my mind within the last few years, but rarely have I have you been moved to find a solution.
Although it hasn't turned me right into a marathon runner by any stretch of the imagination, the Nike Plus does succeed in getting me out for a run a minimum of Three times per week. And that is definitely money well spent.
I've attempted to be considered a runner. Multiple times. But for some reason it has never really tied to me. Or rather, I've never really stuck with running. And it's not too I'm not athletic either. I grew up playing nearly every sport there is - basketball, baseball, ice hockey, soccer, take your pick... I really like sports. However i could never get into running. For me personally, it certainly is the scoring which makes it fun. The fact that there is a winner along with a loser; the fact that I played better than I did yesterday; the truth that I scored 20 points this time around.
It's not the fun lies in the numbers, but rather in the sense of accomplishment whenever you reach a quantitative goal. Irrrve never got that feeling when I went running. I possibly could have always bought a pedometer I suppose, but for some reason I simply never did.
Not until just recently, that is. I saw a billboard for the Nike Plus Sports Kit, which is essentially an add-on for your iPod. It collects your running data from the tiny sensor that you place in your shoe. After your run, you connect your iPod to your computer, and also the data uploads for your requirements on the Nike Plus website. You will see graphs illustrating just how far you ran, or which part of your cost you were the quickest, or whenever you slowed down. You can see your previous outings, and plan future runs too. If you input your long-term goal (i.e. maybe you wish to eventually run a marathon distance), Nike Plus will suggest a running schedule which will slowly build in difficulty until you reach that goal.
Additionally you may also get feedback during your run too, by pressing around the center button at any time. The machine will tell you (inside a man or woman voice, based on your preference) what lengths and just how long you've run to date. Upon completing your workout, Nike Plus might also tell you just how you've operate a personal best for a certain distance. This is among the features that makes the machine addictive, because even if you run just for a mile you can still keep pushing yourself to beat your very best time for that distance. Whether your ultimate goal is speed or distance can be you.
Now, the Nike Plus Sports kit costs $29, and that's just the shoe sensor and the iPod receiver. Obviously you will have to own a music player Nano or Touch to start with. There are other accessories you can buy if you're really hardcore, such as the arm-band or the Nike Plus compatible shoes, but these aren't essential. It's my job to just hold my iPod within my hand when i run, with my thumb close to the center button to ensure that I'm able to trigger frequent updates regarding how I'm doing. While I did buy the Nike Plus shoes, these are by no means a must. A regular set of sneakers are just as good if you determine a way to attach the sensor somewhere in your regular kicks. I suggest some type of DIY vel-cro improvisation, or possibly cutting a hole inside a Dr. Scholls insert.
Sensor Life of the battery: The large drawback is that once your sensor's battery dies, you need to purchase a brand 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 get that much use from it, you likely won't mind doling out for any new sensor either.