Anyone tried a Nike+ iPod Sport Sensor Training Kit?

Question

I love the sound of this- sounds like it would be a good motivator. Could anyone explain how this works? whether it's any good or not? and do you need to buy special running shoes from Nike as I quite like my own trainers, and don't want to have to pay for some new ones if I can use this with my own. Thanks

Answer 1

I'm not sure I like the Nike+ system, but here is how it works:

You buy the special Nike+ trainers (Ill explain why that is a bad idea in a min), and the special Nike+ Pedometer - sorry, foot pod, and the special Nike+ iPod attachment, and of course the iPod. Pop the sensor in your trainers, plug the iPod and attachment together and off you go.

As you go the iPod attachment tells you how far you have gone and your speed (it might tell you calories used as well) which is quite handy to know. If you programme it right then the iPod can play "Power Tunes" at points along your run, say every mile or whatever. It all sounds very good.

And now the bad points.

To get the most from the system you have to use Nike+ trainers (cheapest are £45). The problem with that are - as you mention - you might already have good trainers and no need to replace them at the moment, Nike trainers are sized slightly differently to other brands (all brands are slightly differently sized to each other) and might not be the best trainers for your feet and you are stuck with Nike for as long as you want to use the thing (brilliant for Nike - a captive market!). You can buy a pouch to put the sensor in but it looses some accuracy doing that.

The sensor is basically a pedometer with a few extra bits - counts your footsteps (but also your legs acceleration to work out speed). Untill you run a few measured distances with it, it is only about 90% accurate

You have to use an iPod to get the most from the system, no other personal stereo, though you can buy the Nike+ sports band - cheaper alternative but you miss the music functions then.

Oh, I dont like to run with headphones, you can't hear things such as the wildlife, and even more importantly cars and cyclists, so for me the iPod would be useles.

Added together at all comes to about £150 for the system, and using trainers that might not be suited to your running (expensive way to get blisters and knee injuries)

You can only use the Nike+ system for running or walking.

You can get a cheaper alternative to that, there are GPS systems, Timex and Garmin do one each. These use the GPS system (same as the car one) to work out where you are and your speed and are actually cheaper than the Nike+ system (I think the timex system is about £100, cheaper Gamin about £130). You can just pop them on the wrist and off you go. They can be used for any sport - even driving if you want! The Garmin one actualy records where you have been and you can download the route to Google earth and see where you ran (usefull for cross country events). Bad point is that it can loose its signal between tower blocks, under wide road bridges and through tunnels. I got one of these systems because it beeps if you go faster or slower than certain speeds - usefull for training.

So thats an alternative you can try to look at.

Having said all that its a matter of choice and some people love them.

Answer 2

I LOVE my Nike Ipod Sports sensor (approaching 700 total miles). I could never run without it anymore. It keeps me motivated because I know my runs are being recorded and people around the world can see them. It keeps it exciting and the music from the nano keeps me going through the pain. They sell these little pouches (5.99) that you can put the sensor into so you can use any shoe. http://www.shop.com/For_Nike%2BiPod_Sens...  I don't run with nike shoes. Lance Armstrong or Paula voice comes on after a record run and encourages you. You can by the kit for $29 bucks at target. There's a sensor and a little white chip that fits into your nano.  It doesn't last forever however. I had to buy a new sensor around the the 620 mile mark (1 year).  Nike is doing a big event called the human race 10k on  August 31!  They will donate money to the charity of your choice  for running the miles (donations optional). They have races in major cities or you can run wherever you are living. I recommend the sensor because it will help keep track of your progress and  you will see you are not alone in your running. Good luck, hope that helps.  

Answer 3

I think thats what my dad has. Its something connected to his iPod anyway. He says its really great, I asked him about it once and he said you could plug in into your computer and could see things like how many steps you took and your average time. As far as I know he didn't need to buy new trainers.