3 posts tagged “running”
Just a short update here (that doesn't exactly fit into a twitter post). With the weather turning better (and our trip quickly approaching), I've begun to run once again. As silly as it is, one of the reasons I'd been hesitant was because I couldn't find my iPod nano, so I couldn't record my runs on Nike+ (and thus, what was the point of running, I guess is the logic). Anyway, I never did find my iPod, but I did research a few alternatives.
I finally did it! After well over a year of lazy no-running and the steady decline from the "best shape of my life" golden era, I've finally stepped back out onto the street, laced up a new pair of sneakers, and nearly killed my poor, out of shape lungs. It only took the Nike + iPod gimmick to do it!
So how do I feel? Wow, am I out of shape. I ran three miles before I decided I'd had enough and walked home, but hey, I ran three miles, yeah? The real question you probably have is, "How did that iPod thing work out?" Short answer: "It's so cool!" The long answer is probably somewhere in this blog entry.
Before I go any further, I need to link a really cool article that matthewc originally linked on an older blog entry. Multiplayer Game of the Year basically likens the Nike + iPod experience to an MMO. While the analogy is stretched in a few places, the basic idea got me thinking. Not only do I like looking at numbers and statistics (for fun, as in fantasy sports, rather than work related stuff) but I like games and I like competition! After reading the article, I finally got myself into gear and tried out the new gadget Cyndi had so thoughtfully given me for my birthday.
Interesting facts I learned on the run.
- Cyndi's office is only 0.37 miles from our apartment
- The White House is 0.92 miles from our apartment (and half of Lafayette Park is closed and surrounded by security)
- The base of the Washington Monument is 1.93 miles from our apartment (at which point I was running a blistering 9.33 minute mile!)
- I can't force myself to run beyond 3.01 miles at the moment
Basically, you need to have Nike+ shoes and an iPod Nano.
Then you buy a little receiver from Apple or Nike that lets the two
things talk to one another. The iPod suddenly acts like a pedometer,
measuring distance, speed, calories burned -- all the usual stuff.
Additionally, it'll send verbal updates through the earphones at
regular intervals that I assume you're able to set.
What's even cooler is that after a run, you can sync the Nano up
with your computer and it downloads the run data and allows you to
analyze and compare it with your progress. No more boring excel
spreadsheets. Like all things Apple, your data will be presented in all
its round edged, bright colored brilliance of OS X.
Yes, I'm excited about this, but only because certain factors have
aligned in my favor. First and foremost, I happened upon a
complimentary iPod Nano, which saves me a good $200. Secondly, I
desperately need new running shoes, and this seems like a good excuse
as any to buy Nikes. And finally, I just got a raise, so I have an
event better excuse to spend money on myself!
Back in the height of the Pat-and-Kenji-running-phenomenon, Pat
bought a pedometer (I asked him what it was so I could link it, but he
forgot the brand). Basically, it was a watch and shoe sensor combo
thing that does essentially all the things the Nike Sports Kit (the
official name of that thing) does and cost around $150, if I remember
correctly. Considerably less than the $330+ Apple/Nike's solution is
($200 for the Nano, $100 for the shoe, and $30 for the kit). That's
even too much for me to justify, but like I said, circumstances being
what they are, I'm pretty excited.
I'll report back on all the bubbly widgets that this thing is sure to offer.
