So I read something very interesting today, well interesting to me as a Nike+ user/fan. They are releasing a Nike+ SportBand that will allow users to use the Nike+ system without an iPod. Don’t get me wrong, I love my iPod nano, but this solves two of my problems. First of all, I can go ahead and buy a waterproof case for my iPod that will keep it dry when I run (and double for pool use), using the SportBand as the data collector instead. (the nano Nike+ module wouldn’t fit inside the waterproof case) Secondly, when entering a race that prohibits headphones, I can just leave the iPod at home, but can still track the run with Nike+. I know, I know, I could always have used it without headphones plugged in, but it is easier to slap a band on my wrist than to stow the nano somewhere - and I don’t have to worry about carrying an expensive iPod with me, instead I just have the (rumored price) $59 SportBand.

ALSO, and just as cool in my opinion, is the Nike+ Coach they are adding soon that lets you set up a training schedule online and integrate it with Nike+ data - can’t wait to get my hands on this as well.

I’ve been a big fan of Nike+ since the day it came out, so I find this news pretty exciting. In fact I was going to publish a “Readers Write” post about Nike+ in response to a question I was asked by a friend contemplating whether or not to pony up for the nano/Nike+ solution. I’ll post that in the “continue reading” link on the bottom here, because it still tells my tale of love for Nike+.

Jamie, The Diabetic Runner+

Readers Write - to Nike+ or not to Nike+, that is the question

Kristen writes:

Jamie,

How is your Nike + experiment going?

I haven’t been writing much about my progress on the running front on my blog, but I have been keeping up with it (just about daily). My cousin is raving about her experience with Nike+, and I’m curious to hear another person’s take on it before I think about taking the plunge myself

Have a good weekend,
Kristen

DR Responds:

Hey Kristen,

I love the thing. I guess partly because I always run with music anyway, so why not use the Nike+… I run on a treadmill most of the winter and often times during the summer too because I end up running at 9 or 10 PM when the kids are in bed - so this tracks those runs too, whereas the Garmin 305 is only good outside where GPS tracks distance… BTW, I do still wear the Nike+ even when using the Garmin… mostly because it has tracked ALL my runs, and it’s nice to have one place to go to see my progress. Plus, I seem to get a little obsessive about the challenges too. (though I often wonder when I have a running-related injury if it isn’t because I let the challenge dictate my runs rather than my “connected-to-injured-parts-brain.”)

As far as accuracy, if you calibrate it, (especially when attaching to new shoes) it’s fairly accurate - good enough for an average runner I would say, and having the “passive” experience of hearing your completed or remaining distance is motivating while running… like: “one more mile remaining” making me realize I WILL make it….

Only drawback I would bitch about is sweat management. My first nano died several times before finally being buried, succumbed to excessive sweat ingestion. I wear it in an armband, and tend to sweat a fair amount- getting it wet even though it’s kind of protected. My new nano goes into a baggie with a little hole for the earphones to escape, and then into the armband, and on REALLY long runs I wear a fuel belt, and put it in a pocket on the belt to ensure it stays dry. Wish someone would make a watertight running armband for it. (the watertight swimming cases don’t have room for the Nike+ module)

And then there’s the coolest part - yet to be realized… I am writing a web-based application that will pull the Nike+ data from their site, and merge it with data that I get from my Continuous Glucose Monitor… I can’t wait to see the graphs and data I can then generate - I feel like it will revolutionize how I manage my BG during exercise because I will be able to try some change in my standard run-bg protocol, and see the effects… More on that when I get it finished… likely a few months off I would guess since I still have a full time job, wife, kids, and workout routine… YEEESH - can you buy more hours in a day on eBay?

So um, yeah, I like it.

Jamie