Running the numbers
March 17, 2010
I’ve misplaced my Nike+ Sportband (it’s somewhere in my house…) and running just doesn’t even seem to count without it.
I’ve reluctantly gone on a few runs Sportband-less and while it’s nice to not force myself to sprint through the yellow light and to run at a pace that’s comfy since I’m unconcerned about racking up a decent pace (nothing’s measuring my jog, after all), I’d much rather be adding to my total of kilometres logged (now nearing 2,500k completed over my three years as a runner). Watching my overall pace creep up second by second is extremely satisfying (the creeping down of my pace — not so much!).
For those of you who don’t know, the Nike+ Sportband tracks your distance, pace and calories burned thanks to a small accelerometre sensor you insert into Nike+ running shoes.
Without it (or the Nike+ iPod Sportkit), I simply don’t think I’d have ever stuck to running. It helps give validity to the many early mornings I’ve logged many k when I’d often rather be having brunch or sleeping in. It gives me solid stats, real tangible proof to back up my sense of accomplishment. Which is my main motivation for running; well, that and bragging rights :).
There are other tools that offer the same stats, and are probably more accurate, such as a Garmin with GPS — but they’re also a lot pricier than the $80 Sportband.
I heart my Nike+ Sportband; now I just need to find it.
-sigh-
Filed under: Fitness Swellness
4 Comments Leave a Comment
1.
Devon | March 19, 2010 at 9:22 AM
Absolutely with you on this – and I lost mine last fall 🙁 It wasn’t so much a misplacement but a break-down, however. One day the reassuring voice of Lance Armstrong just stopped, and I’ve been mentally calculating distance ever since.
Actually just wrote about my wish for Nike to integrate the running system into iPods themselves. Left you the link!
Devon
2.
healthandswellness | March 19, 2010 at 9:28 AM
Mentally calculating not as satisfying! I’m using the Sportband lately — I do miss having the iPod Sportkit’s power song function (what’s your power song?? Mine’s been Stronger by Kanye West for awhile).
And yes, I also miss Lance Armstrong and Paula Radcliffe congratulating me after a run, too!
3.
Devon | March 19, 2010 at 3:48 PM
You know? I don’t have a power song yet! I would definitely welcome some reccos. I think it’s hilarious listening to Flock of Seagulls but I’m fairly certain Kanye would be a bit more motivating 😛
4.
healthandswellness | March 20, 2010 at 4:52 PM
No power song yet??? It was the first thing I set up! I like the whole “what doesn’t kill me will make me stronger” message in Kanye’s song (because when I hit anything past the 16k mark, every step feels like it’s gonna kill me!). I haven’t found any other song that motivates me as much…
I know Eye of the Tiger and Pump It by the Black Eyed Peas are popular power songs. Was considering changing mine to Stronger by Britney Spears but it lacks that hard edge I need!
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