Nike + iPod

My college buddy Jay introduced me to this wonderful gizmo, a device that tracks how far and how long you've run via a sensor that you embed in the shoe and an iPod. Once the iPod is synchronized, the data is uploaded to the Nike Running website where it is stored. You can issue challenges to fellow Nike+ users (I am engaged in two challenges right now, a 100 mile challenge and a most miles in 30 days challenge with Jay).

I used to loathe running as I found it extremely boring and repetitive. But with this gadget, I find that the fact that I see the statistics of my run motivates me to go faster and farther. The challenges add to that motivation by pushing me to run on a day that I don't feel like to try to keep up with Jay. One of my goals is to run a 5K, then a 10K, a half-marathon, then eventually a full marathon.

I am using it with my 8GB iPod Touch and my Air+Pegasus trail running shoes. Has to be one of the most useful gadgets that I've ever bought. Since I bought it, I've tallied almost 137 miles in 41 workouts!