Nike+iPod Runners Run 1 Million Miles (and counting)

[Flowbee]

putting velcro on the back and attaching it outside your shoe it is a good way to ruin the sensor especially if you run in the elements. It's also a good way to loose it once the velcro sticky peels off.

One person even commented they had lost theirs because they failed to secure it with the shoelace trick.

Hmmm... they failed to secure it and then they lost it? How could that have happened? Of course, that comment was in response to a post about using velcro to secure the sensor under your laces. Anyway...

Out of the hundreds of comments and emails I've read regarding the shoelace method, I have yet to see one report of the velcro "sticky" peeling off. Just follow the instructions and you'll be fine.

The sensor is pretty water resistant on its own -- the seam in the plastic is fused tightly -- and if you run in the rain a lot it's very simple to place it in a small plastic bag before attaching it under your laces.

Lastly, if for some reason the sensor does fall off your shoe, after two minutes the iPod voice will tell you that activity has stopped. Just turn around and run back two minutes to find your sensor.

I have no agenda other than letting people know that they don't need to buy the Nike shoes or a special pouch in order to enjoy the Nike+iPod Sport Kit. I've been using it with my Sauconys since July without a single problem (20 - 30 miles per week). It may be tempting for people who have never tried attaching the sensor under their laces to speculate about what might go wrong, but the vast majority of people I hear from every day are actually using it and having no problems.

 

[TheManOfSilver]

I would have contributed to those miles if only they had made the Nike+ thing compatible with the video iPod (the only one I've got right now). There's really no reason not to except that Nike wants to sell more of their special clothing. You'd think in the long run they'd make more money selling even more kits to all the video iPod owners out there ..

 

[technicolor]

I would have contributed to those miles if only they had made the Nike+ thing compatible with the video iPod (the only one I've got right now). There's really no reason not to except that Nike wants to sell more of their special clothing. You'd think in the long run they'd make more money selling even more kits to all the video iPod owners out there ..

Sorry and no offense meant...

But who would be crazy enough to use a hard drive based (not to mention heavier than the nano) delicate portable player as their main ipod for RUNNING? Sorry but the video ipod is not designed to be exercised with on a constant basis.... the applecare claims along would probably shoot thru the roof. Has nothing to do with Nike wanting to sell extra clothing. Hard drives in a casing such as the ipod's are not suitable for the constant impact of being workout machines.

 

[HecubusPro]

Sorry and no offense meant...

But who would be crazy enough to use a hard drive based (not to mention heavier than the nano) delicate portable player as their main ipod for RUNNING? Sorry but the video ipod is not designed to be exercised with on a constant basis.... the applecare claims along would probably shoot thru the roof. Has nothing to do with Nike wanting to sell extra clothing. Hard drives in a casing such as the ipod's are not suitable for the constant impact of being workout machines.

But the constant dancing, jumping, gyrating, and spasming as demonstrated in all the iPod commercials is suitable for hard drive-based machines.

 

[buffalo]

I haven't read much on the Nike+ in a while - how accurate is it proving to be?

I love running with my Garmin Forerunner 205. I have had excellent accuracy with only three exceptions in about 600 miles logged on it (about 40 miles per week). It's also nice to be able to have maps of where I ran along with all the data.

(Flying Pig HM on Google Earth)

 

[technicolor]

But the constant dancing, jumping, gyrating, and spasming as demonstrated in all the iPod commercials is suitable for hard drive-based machines.

Yeah using an ad that is suppose to lure you into buy something isnt a smart way to make your point, try again.

 

[pink-pony115]

Very cool....What a shame my gym membership has not expired.

 

[Flowbee]

I haven't read much on the Nike+ in a while - how accurate is it proving to be?

I always run the same 3 and 5 mile routes and its always been accurate within a couple 10ths of a mile.

But the constant dancing, jumping, gyrating, and spasming as demonstrated in all the iPod commercials is suitable for hard drive-based machines.

...but they're only dancing for 30 seconds.

 

[sworthy]

I'm going to have to pick up one of these devices - looks like it will finally get me to run!

 

[FocusAndEarnIt]

I'm going to have to pick up one of these devices - looks like it will finally get me to run!

ditto!

Pretty impressed with the success of this product.

 

[HecubusPro]

Yeah using an ad that is suppose to lure you into buy something isnt a smart way to make your point, try again.

And saying that people workout on a "constant basis" when referring to exercising with an iPod, isn't a smart way to make yours. Try again.

No one constantly works out (even though you use the word twice), not even professional body builders. The iPod with the hard drive is fine for people who jog, work out at the gym, etc. because those people (the average person) only do it for an hour or so at a time perhaps 3 to 5 times per week. If an iPod couldn't last through that kind of abuse, then apple would deserve the support calls it got.

 

[MacMyDay]

The iPod with the hard drive is fine for people who jog, work out at the gym, etc. because those people (the average person) only do it for an hour or so at a time perhaps 3 to 5 times per week. If an iPod couldn't last through that kind of abuse, then apple would deserve the support calls it got.

I know it's not the same movement, but I cycle to work everyday, which is approximately 14 miles (there and back), with my iPod Photo in my trouser pocket. Even doing 50+ mile rides with it on my back (via the pockets) I've never had a problem.

 

[macintel4me]

I haven't read much on the Nike+ in a while - how accurate is it proving to be?

I love running with my Garmin Forerunner 205. I have had excellent accuracy with only three exceptions in about 600 miles logged on it (about 40 miles per week). It's also nice to be able to have maps of where I ran along with all the data.

Dude, a 7:35 pace for more than 90 minutes! You da man!!

 

[technicolor]

And saying that people workout on a "constant basis" when referring to exercising with an iPod, isn't a smart way to make yours. Try again.

No one constantly works out (even though you use the word twice), not even professional body builders. The iPod with the hard drive is fine for people who jog, work out at the gym, etc. because those people (the average person) only do it for an hour or so at a time perhaps 3 to 5 times per week. If an iPod couldn't last through that kind of abuse, then apple would deserve the support calls it got.

Look at the from Apple's financial point of view and try again.

The shaking, the increase potential for drops, the increase claims for applecare.

So you try again.

 

[HecubusPro]

Look at the from Apple's financial point of view and try again.

The shaking, the increase potential for drops, the increase claims for applecare.

So you try again.

MacMyDay's response was perfect (above.) Heck, I work out a couple of times a week with my iPod video (no jogging though) and I've not had any problems. This is not something apple is concerned about. If people drop their iPods, that's their problem, not apple's.

So let me just say, everyone who wants to work out with their hard-drive based iPods, go right ahead. It's completely safe, as long as you aren't "constantly" excercising.

 

[Flowbee]

So let me just say, everyone who wants to work out with their hard-drive based iPods, go right ahead. It's completely safe, as long as you aren't "constantly" excercising.

I wasn't going to jump into this, but there is just too much advice being given by people who have no actual experience with the topic, so...

I used to run with my hard drive-based iPod regularly. First I tried it with a belt clip and the result was that the iPod would almost always freeze up at some point during my run. The buffer only holds 20 minutes or so of music, and when it starts to run low the hard drive spins up and re-fills the buffer. The hard drive also spins up if you want to select a track that's not currently in the buffer. My experience was that my iPod would freeze during those periods of hard drive activity. No, it didn't damage my iPod, but it did require a reset to get it playing again, which was very annoying during a run.

After few days of trying the belt clip in different positions without better results, I started holding the iPod in my hand to help reduce the bouncing. It worked much better, especially if I was conscious of keeping the iPod steady. This reduced the iPod freezing from every day to maybe twice a week. Still annoying. I eventually bought a shuffle (and then a nano). No problems ever since.

To summarize, you might not damage your iPod if you run with it, but it will probably freeze from time to time. Apple would certainly experience a wave of complaints from people who thought their iPods had "died" and that would have the potential to become very bad press for them. Apple certainly wants to sell more nanos as well. So what's their true motivation? maybe a little from column A, and a little from column B.

It won't be long before all iPods are flash based anyway, so this issue will be moot eventially.

 

[steve_hill4]

I agree that Apple have never marketed the HD based iPod for exercise. 30 seconds of dancing in a commercial isn't a real argument for using it for exercise either. The buffer stores I think 17 minutes of music at 128kbps, (since I also have 192 and 256kbps on mine, that's even less), so not great for any length of exercise. We even had some "Which iPod are you?" promo material in a while back where only the shuffle stated it was great for exercise, the nano seemed to be promoted as for those wanting it small, light and storing nominal amounts of music.

I don't know what it is, but since the 2G nano was announced, I immediately decided to get one along with the Nike+ kit to encourage me out more often. The 1G wasn't bad value by any means, but it was one of those "yeah, i'm getting one" moments. It wasn't so much the better value, the alu casing, the longer battery life, just a case of "that make's sense to get me running more." It wouldn't even be my main iPod, but since my decision, I certainly have been encouraging more people to think about it for themselves too.

 

[bobm]

garmin on the mac

As a recent switcher I've been trying to figure out what to use to get my garmin data on the mac? Buffalo, what are you using?

In my XP days I was using SportsTracks and it was great. The problem now is that Parallels won't play nice with the Forerunner so I can't do that method either.

thanks,
bobm

Oh, my take on this -- Since I was running with the ipod before the Nike kit came out, the addition of a little white thing wasn't changing what I do. I needed new shoes and decided to give the Nikes a try (previously a New Balance runner). I have pretty normal feet and only do 15ish miles a week so the Nikes work ok.

I find the Nike to be within a couple percent of the forerunner, last run was 3.65 miles on the Forerunner (gps) and 3.68 on the Nike.

I haven't read much on the Nike+ in a while - how accurate is it proving to be?

I love running with my Garmin Forerunner 205. I have had excellent accuracy with only three exceptions in about 600 miles logged on it (about 40 miles per week). It's also nice to be able to have maps of where I ran along with all the data.

(Flying Pig HM on Google Earth)

 

[buffalo]

Dude, a 7:35 pace for more than 90 minutes! You da man!!

Thanks. Just think about those world class marathoners who can run 26 miles at sub 5 mile pace, or the sub 4 minute milers. That blows my mind.

As a recent switcher I've been trying to figure out what to use to get my garmin data on the mac? Buffalo, what are you using?

In my XP days I was using SportsTracks and it was great. The problem now is that Parallels won't play nice with the Forerunner so I can't do that method either.

Which Forerunner are you using; the newer x05's or the x01's? Back in January Garmin announced that they were working on making their programs work on a Mac. They said Training Center would be out by Spring, but that never happened, I think they're now shooting for the end of the year. As far as I know, Garmin on Mac will only be support the USB Forerunners (x05 and 301) so if you have a 101 or 201, you might think about upgrading.

Right now I'm using my PC to download my runs to Training Center. It's not the best program, but it works. For the runs I want more info on (ie: my races) I use Motion Based (now owned by Garmin) which displays more info about the run. The free version only displays your last ten runs. They have supplied a Safari Plug-in to allow you to upload your runs from a mac.

 

[bobm]

Garmins

Thanks for the reply.

I have a 301 and have tried Motion Based. I really like the PC app Sport Tracks in that it allows me to update on the road without connectivity. Only downside is that my Garmin doesn't work in Parallels, this is a known problem and I haven't updated to the latest to see if it's been fixed, that's what weekends are for I guess..

I guess I'm just going to have to see if Garmin ever ships the drivers and Training Center for the Mac.

thx again,
bob

Thanks. Just think about those world class marathoners who can run 26 miles at sub 5 mile pace, or the sub 4 minute milers. That blows my mind.



Which Forerunner are you using; the newer x05's or the x01's? Back in January Garmin announced that they were working on making their programs work on a Mac. They said Training Center would be out by Spring, but that never happened, I think they're now shooting for the end of the year. As far as I know, Garmin on Mac will only be support the USB Forerunners (x05 and 301) so if you have a 101 or 201, you might think about upgrading.

Right now I'm using my PC to download my runs to Training Center. It's not the best program, but it works. For the runs I want more info on (ie: my races) I use Motion Based (now owned by Garmin) which displays more info about the run. The free version only displays your last ten runs. They have supplied a Safari Plug-in to allow you to upload your runs from a mac.

 

[prady16]

I don't run a lot of miles but i do wanna try out the Nike+iPod thingie.
After looking at the 2G Shuffle, i so wanna buy that, but sad that it does not work with the Nike+iPod. The main reason i wanted to buy the shuffle was because i do not like the arm-bands as they get sticky and stinky pretty soon.
If only it would work with the ipod shuffle! Are there any 3rd party products that does the same?

 

[Flowbee]

Just because you buy a nano doesn't mean you have to use an armband. It's very small and light. You can hold it in your hand, put in in your pocket, or clip it to your clothing (using a case with a belt clip).

 

[edcrosay]

I just got mine last week, along with a new 8gig Nano
I'm incredibly impressed with how well it works, and how cheap it was.
I've only logged about 6 miles or so, but considering thats probably more than I ran over the past year it's impressive. It is definatly giving me inspiration to get off my butt and get sweaty.

 

[Flowbee]

Great story edcrosay! I think this little gadget has inspired a lot of people to get running. It can be difficult when you're first starting out, but after you're conditioned it's amazing how easy it is to go out for a quick 3-mile run. I've lost 15 pounds since July mainly because the Sport Kit has tricked me into running longer and more often.

 

[Passante]

Nike announced yesterday that runners using the Nike+iPod sport kit have logged over 1 million miles. As a reference, 1 million miles is long enough to circle the globe more than 40 times.


OMG, How do they know this? Is Apple and Nike tracking us while we run????