First impressions Nike+iPod

“The trouble with jogging is that, by the time you realize you’re not in shape for it, it’s too far to walk back.”
- Franklin P. Jones

While normally, geekery and exercise (save for body hacks) probably should not mix, I have to admit with being really impressed with the iPod sensor, Nano and Nike shoes combo.

Somewhere along the line in Vancouver, I let my unusually good gym routine I had going falter and it never really recovered. I don’t know how but my cardio is shot and I’ve put on weight so now I’m making a fresh start in the UK, I’m trying to inculcate some very good exercise and easting habits to carry me through.

So, with a little free time settling in, I’ve found a capoeira mestre, signed up at the gym and splashed out on some new sneakers (trainers), an armband to carry the nano, and the sensor that goes into the NikePlus.

You have to love the idea really. In the gym in Van, the nano was my best friend as I could strap it on and work out to my heart’s content. And I see plenty of Londoners (and formerly Vancouverites when I was there) running around with their iPods. Last night, since we had a blissfully rain-free day for a change, I decided to try out the combo (and always, always start workout regimes on a Monday I’m told).

So, sensor in shoes, nib applied to iPod I briefly read the instructions and set out on a (overly ambitious) run down the street, up Primrose Hill (great view !) and round Regent’s Park. Considering how pathetically out of shape the run confirmed me to be, this was probably a mistake but I have to admit the feedback from the sensor and the iPod actually made it better. I can’t wait till I’m actually in good enough shape that the feedback is actually an affirmation rather an admonition.

How does it work ? Quite simply, the sensor in your shoe relays info to the sensor now attached to your iPod (and in my case in the armband) telling it about your pace. Every so often it will overlay some feedback (in my case for a 45 min run, every 5 mins) letting you know in a neutral female voice how much time has gone by (or after the half way point how much time remains), how far you’ve gone and what your pace is. I was thankful there is not enough logic in there to tell you to get the fat out of your ass when your pace drops precipitously towards the end of your run. More than anything though, it just really lets you know how you’re doing and is really just a high tech pedometer with particularly good iPod integration. For serious runners, I think it’s worth it though it would be nice if when you b ought the shoes you automatically got the sensor. No one is buying those shoes without wanting to get the sensor, so actually paying extra for that seems evil (and throw in the armband too for god’s sake ! It’s great !).

It is kind of cool, though I’m not sure it’s the novelty of the thing. I’d have to run more to see whether I don’t eventually want to strangle the commentator after a while. They handle the voiceovers on the music well though, the music drops down a little volume and you get a clear, crisp voice telling you you haven’t gone anywhere near as far as you think you have.

I’m trying to make it as easy as possible for me to get back in shape (and stay there) as possible. The first thing I noticed is that my gym mix on the iPod does not sort well with the pace I need to have for running, so I need to put together another playlist for that ASAP (I blew out way too soon – cause of the, um… pace… ahem…). I’m not too sure how I feel about Apple selling “customized” workout tracks. I guess it’s not a bad idea, but I wish they had provided a few freebies to get you going.

If you’re a serious runner and already have a nano, I’d say you definitely want this (imagine this with the new shuffle actually, it’d be great). If you need a new pair of runners anyway, it’s also a no-brainer to pay a little extra for the sensor and iPod attachment. For everyone else YMMV, but you won’t notice it without this thing tell you that.