Review: IPod Touch with Nike+ Running

In August I received my first iPod Touch for my fifth wedding anniversary. As a somewhat avid, if not always dedicated, runner I had already been using the Nike+ pedometer system with my Nano. I had nothing but good things to say about it then so I figured I would review the slightly different technology that comes with the Touch. I just finished my 33rd mile with the new iPod and have broken the review down into four separate categories: reliability, usefulness, ease of use and motivation.

Before going into the review here is a breakdown of how the system works. For the touch all you need to purchase is a sensor that is placed in your Nike+ ready running shoes. The touch itself has a built in chip that links to the sensor in your shoe and acts as a pedometer that uses your stride rate to determine how far and how fast you are running. Very cool right?

Once you press the begin workout button the clock starts and continues until you press end workout. You can then check the distance you ran, the time it took, how many minutes per mile (or kilometer) and your calories burned. All of this can then be uploaded, via iTunes, to the Nike+ running site where your information can be stored. So those are the basics, here is the review.

Reliability
Pros - With Nike+ and the iPod Nano I never had any issue with reliability. That statement is also true of the Touch. I have never had an issue with the app starting up. Accuracy is relatively good with the first use and can be calibrated to more accurately measure the distance you are running based on your personal stride rate.

Cons - There is a very nice feature on the software of both the Nano and the Touch where a voice (male or female depending on your preference) comes on and lets you know when you have completed each mile, reached your halfway point and attained your overall mileage goal for the run. Since I switched from the Nano to the Touch this feature has not worked. This may be the result of using the same sensor that I had from the Nano but since it doesn't bother me that much I will just wait and see when I get a new sensor.

Usefulness
Pros - The Nike+ software is capable of giving you a large amount of information on your runs, especially when you upload your run data to the website. If you are interested in knowing how far you ran, how long it took you and your pace that is all there on the screen during and after your run. If you want to dig deeper and see what your pace was at different points of the run there is a graphic representation available on the website. If you are training for a run you can look back in the history and see your improvements. I'm sure there are things that can be done with the information that I have not yet discovered. This is a very useful product for the beginner and experienced runner.

Cons - None

Ease of Use
Pros - With three taps on my touch screen I can be running any of 8 different pre set distances, a fourth tap and I can be setting up my own custom distance. The app shows up on your screen when you first turn it on so there is no installation necessary. The display is large and easy to read with the begin and end workout buttons being very easy to press while running. Overall this is a very easy product to use for people at just about any level of technical savvy.

Cons - I do not suggest trying to run with the ear buds that come with the iPod. An ear phone that wraps around your ear is much more likely to stay in when you are running.

Motivation
Pros - Most people that I've talked to find it easier to run while listening to music. For some people it takes their mind off of the running. For some who don't enjoy running as much as others it can make it more interesting. Using the Nike+ you can add a level of personal training to the mix. The mileage updates make you want to run a little harder and they serve to break your run down into sections which seem to make the run a little easier for me. In addition, your personal best mile, 5k, 5 mile and marathon are automatically stored on the system. This gives you something to shoot for every time you go out for a run. Seeing instant feedback can be a great motivational tool and the Touch with Nike+ is a great example of that.

Cons - If you fail to calibrate the pedometer you may go out for a run thinking you are doing great and be very disappointed when you see the results. This problem is easily solved through calibration and then you can be sure the disappointing runs really were that slow!

Overall
This is a great tool as well as an enjoyable toy for serious and casual runners alike. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in running and wants to have an easy was to track their runs and get a little motivation in the process.

Please feel free to leave your comments, stories or questions about this review below.