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Jul 22, 2006 9:55 am US/Eastern
Running Goes Hi-Tech With Nike & iPod
New Combo Gives Runners Motivation To Keep Going
NEWARK (CBS) ―
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Nike + iPod = Hi-tech running solution.
Putting your best foot forward for running sounds pretty good with the latest from Nike and Apple computer.
The goal? Link an average-looking pair of Nike running shoes to an iPod Nano to help keep you entertained and ensure you perform at your peak.
Getting it to work is actually pretty simple. A sensor slips inside your shoe -- you don't feel it, or really even notice it while you run. The sensor transmits data to a receiver attached to an iPod Nano that tracks how fast you're going, how far you've run and how many calories you've burned.
It uses the iPod's simplified navigation menus for set-up, like inputting your weight, picking a playlist you'd like to enjoy while you run, and then picking what time of workout you're doing (time, distance, specific number of calories).
You can also select what Apple calls your "Power Song" -- a song you can have play at any time that will motivate you to keep running.
After I got it all set up, I laced up and went for a run -- on what was one of the hottest days we had thus far (temperature and humidity combined to feel like it was nearly 107 degrees).
While I ran, with a simple tap of the center button on the iPod, I could get my distance, total time, pace and calories spoken to me -- while my music continued to play.
And when I felt the heat and wanted to stop, pressing and holding the center button paused my playlist and started my power song to keep me going.
When I finished my run, the information is saved so I can sync it with my computer and upload the data to the Nike Plus Web site.
The site is free, and gives you an animation of how far you have run and when you hit the button for your power song. On the site, you can set goals to improve your time, burn more calories or run for longer distances.
You can also use the site to have virtual races with friends anywhere in the globe.
Overall, the Nike Plus iPod solution is pretty simple to get working and very easy to use. The sensor and receiver for the iPod sells for around $30, and the Nike Plus enabled shoes -- which are required -- start at around $85.
You only have to buy the transmitter one time, you can pop it out of the shoes when its time to replace them and put them into your new pair.
Adidas announced a partnership with Polar and said they, too, would have a similar product available in December. Called Fusion, it will bring together a heart-rate monitor, shoe sensor and watch computer that will keep track of how well you're performing.
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