In addition to using the Couch t0 5k program to get started with training, I started using Nike + iPod in September to log my runs and progress. I am a huge fan of this technology. Nike+ shoes have a compartment underneath the left shoe’s pad for a small chip that is activated when it senses movement. Information including your distance, time, and pace are then sent to your iPod Nano, iPod Touch, or iPhone. When you connect your iPod to iTunes, this information is sent to NikePlus.com where your runs are graphed and your progress is recorded. You can join challenges or a coaching program to help keep up your motivation.
I enjoy the coaching feature on NikePlus.com, but my favorite feature is the “motivating” voice that keeps you going through your run. He/She tells you how far you’ve gone and your pace. This is really helpful if, like me, you have no idea how to pace yourself or have any sense of direction, distance, or perseverance.
Oh, and I almost forgot the best feature and arguable the entire point of connecting your tennis shoes to an mp3 player: MUSIC. You can make your own playlists to go with workouts or just put your songs on shuffle. I’ve been on a Top 40 kick when it comes to exercise because the upbeat music keeps me going – or maybe makes me excited to turn it off. Either way my favorites are Forever by Drake (ft. Kanye, Eminem, Lil Wayne), I Can Transform Ya by Chris Brown (featuring Lil Wayne & Swizz Beatz), and She Wolf by Shakira. My “Power Song” is Atlas by Battles.
Be my Nike+ friend at http://my.nike.com/Caitlin913.
It Could Have Been a Brilliant Career 