FitSugar

New iPod Touch Has Nike+ Integration!

FitSugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 03:00:00 -0700

If you're like me, you use your iPod mostly when you exercise - I can't live without my tunes when I run. I'm also a religious Nike+ Sports Kit user, the device that snaps into my iPod and tells me how fast I'm running, how far I've run, and how many calories I've burned. It's a wonderful motivator that allows me to keep track of my workouts, but you know, it's tough to keep track of the little one-inch receiver! I've lost two already and have to keep re-buying them. Now I don't have to worry because the new iPod touch (unveiled yesterday) has the Nike+ receiver integrated inside (the first generation iPod touch doesn't, and neither does the iPhone). No receiver to plug in means you don't have to worry about losing it. You still have to wear the sensor that fits in or on your shoe, but I can deal with that. You can get an 8GB iPod for $229, 16GB for $299, and 32GB for $399. It's definitely on my wish list.

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Get in Gear: Nike + SportBand

FitSugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:45:00 -0700

I've made no secret of my love for the Nike + iPod Sports Kit, which lets you track your time, distance, pace, and calories using your Apple iPod and special shoe sensors. So I'm psyched that Nike is expanding the line later this month, with a new product called the Nike+ SportBand.

According to Gizmodo, the gadget could be released as early as next week. This wearable wristband lets you circumvent the iPod if you want, because it communicates directly with your shoe sensors. Your progress is displayed on a screen on the wristband rather than on the iPod, which is ideal for people who don't like to run with iPods but still want to track calories burned and other data. The gadget also has a USB connection, so you can upload your data to the Nike website to see how far you've come.

Have you tried out the Nike + Sports Kit yet? If so - or even if not - would you use this product?

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More Healthy Gift Ideas for Father's Day

FitSugar — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 15:45:00 -0700

Still thinking about what to get Dad for Father's Day and Part 1's Gift Ideas didn't work for you? How about these great ideas?

Hire your dad a personal chef for a night - They'll come to his home, cook a healthy meal for him and your mom, and then clean up the mess! If you can't afford to hire a professional, why not cook the meal yourself?!

A private sports lesson - Does your dad like racquetball, tennis, golf, windsurfing, skiing, sailing, water skiing, salsa dancing, tai chi, Pilates, or something else? I'm sure he'll appreciate some tips from a professional.
A Heart Rate Monitor (check out this basic one called the Polar FS1 for $59.95) - guys LOVE gadgets, so this would be a great way to inspire him to exercise and keep his heart and the rest of his body healthy.
An iPod Nano ($150) with Nike + iPod Sports Kit ($30) - If you have a higher budget this Father's Day, this is a great gift your Dad can use on runs. He can chart his time, speed, distance, and calories burned, and upload it to Nike.com.
A 1-Month membership or gift certificate to the local gym, yoga studio, or YMCA.

If you have any more ideas, share them below. Happy Father's Day!

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Get Your Butt in Gear: Just Do It?

FitSugar — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 16:27:32 -0800

I love the Nike + for my Nano. I don't really like the Nike sneakers that you're supposed to buy, so I've had the sensor taped to my sneaks until I found this from Marware. It costs under $10 and looks cool on your shoe (much better than tape). What a deal.

Update: The Cinderella Story of the Nike Women's Marathon

FitSugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:05:00 -0700

This just in! Just minutes ago, Nike issued a formal statement announcing that Arien O'Connell is in fact the winner of last weekend's Nike Women's Marathon. Initially, O'Connell was not recognized as the official winner, even though she had the fastest time, because she was not registered as an "elite" runner. I think it is great that Nike has responded to this issue, and it looks like they are changing the rules for next year.

To read Nike's official announcement about the matter, just read more.

Nike is announcing today that it recognizes Arien O'Connell as a winner in last weekend’s Nike Women’s Marathon completing the full race in 2:55:11. She shattered her previous time and achieved an amazing accomplishment.

Arien will receive the same recognition and prize, including a Tiffany & Co. trophy, the full marathon elite group winner received. Arien was unfortunately not immediately recognized as a race winner because she did not start the race with the elite running group, which is required by USATF standards. Because of their earlier start time, the runners in the elite group had no knowledge of the outstanding race Arien was running and could not adjust their strategies accordingly.

Learning from the unique experience in this year’s race, Nike has decided today to eliminate the elite running group from future Nike Women's Marathons. Next year, all runners will run in the same group and all will be eligible to win.

Nike has a proven track record of supporting athletes and we’re proud to be able to honor Arien and other athletes who surpass their goals and achieve great accomplishments.

Yay for Arien and for all the other fast, but non-elite, runners out there. I think it is great that Nike will be changing the format of the race next year. I think it will bring some extra excitement to the race. What about you?

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Gear Review: Nike ACG Wildedge GTX Shoe

FitSugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:00:23 -0700

I'm a big fan of Nike's All Condition Gear (ACG) line. If you're into climbing, hiking, or trail running, this shoe line has something for you. When at the Nike store recently, I noticed that my Wildedge approach shoes are now on sale. This shoe, a mixture of a hiking boot and climbing shoe, is now $65, marked down from $110.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Nike's ACG line and to celebrate it, Nike rolled out some pretty cool versions of the Wildedge shoe - a modern twist on the vintage Wildwood shoe that was popular in the '90s. I was immediately drawn to the line because of all the cool colors offered. Most hiking and approach shoes are pretty boring and come in two colors - all-over brown or green. Although I did settle on the ones that have brown and green in them, I think the colors are a lot brighter and flashier than any other hiking shoe I've seen. I also love the fluorescent pink swoosh on the side.

To see how these shoes perform, read more.

Along with being aesthetically pleasing, the Wildedge shoes perform well, and after trekking in them for over six months, I have to say I am a happy customer. The shoes are really lightweight and waterproof, two things that are important to me when backpacking. What I'm most impressed with is the sticky sole, which provides major traction with its .44 sticky rubber, creating a surface that grips onto whatever I'm hiking up. They're also super comfortable - I've hiked in these shoes for hours with no complaints, and even did an hour on the treadmill with them when I accidentally brought the wrong shoes to the gym.

Run Like a Girl: Nike+ Women's Half Marathon

FitSugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 05:30:00 -0700

If you were into the virtual element of the Nike+ Human Race on Aug. 31, you're going to love this Nike+ Women's Half Marathon. On Oct. 19, you can be part of the largest women's online race benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

This Nike+ event is on the same day as the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco. Unfortunately there's no more room left to register for that 26.2 mile race, so Nike is giving runners a chance to run alongside those 20,000 lucky runners with this 13.1 mile race. Just like with the Human Race, you can either sign up to run at select locations, or you can run wherever you are at whatever time you choose, using your Nike+ gear. After your run, you can upload your data to Nikeplus.com. The entry fee is $45, but all finishers receive their own Nike Sports Essentials Finisher's T-Shirt and an Official Finisher Keychain designed by Tiffany & Co. Interested? Then register now before the deadline ends October 8.

Nike+ Sportband Gets a New Look

FitSugar — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:30:49 -0700

So you're a running fanatic, and nothing brings you more pleasure than tracking your workouts. If this sounds familiar, then you'll want to get your hands on the latest model of the Nike+ Sportband. It works like the Nike+ Sports Kit, keeping track of your time, distance, pace, and calories burned, but instead of displaying the info on your iPod, it'll display it on the wristband. So it's great if you don't have an iPod or iPhone, or if you prefer running without music.

The latest model has a few upgrades. The screen now has a white background so it's easier to see. Also it has increased water resistance for those rainy days when you refuse to stay inside. It'll be available tomorrow in three colors: gray with an interior pink band, anthracite (dark gray) with a yellow interior band, and black with a red interior band. For $59, you'll be able to keep track of all your walks and runs, which may be just the motivation you need to reach your fitness goals.

"ACT"ivism: NikeTown 5K

FitSugar — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 08:45:00 -0800

You may have noticed that I am always trying to convince you guys to do a 5K or a fun run and it turns out that NikeTown has the same motive in mind.

The NikeTown 5K (or the NikeGo 1 Mile) is dedicated to youth physical fitness and 100% of all entry fees will be donated to the local Physical Fitness, play and athletic program of your choice! The cost is only $20 (great for a race) and that includes $15 Entry Fee and $5 T-shirt Fee. The best part? Parents and kids are encouraged to do the race together! For more information and to find a NikeTown 5K near you, visit NikeTown5k.com.

Gear Review: Nike+ Sportband

FitSugar — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 09:00:26 -0700

I got my hands on the new Nike+ Sportband ($59) and was so psyched to start tracking my runs with it. Before you get started though, you need to download the Nike+ Sportband Utility software from the website. Then charge the Link (small black piece with the digital screen) by plugging it into your computer's USB port to charge, which takes about two hours.

If you don't have a pair of Nike+ sneakers, you'll need a holder for the sensor that sits on your laces. I use the weather-proof RunAway ($9). Once the sensor is attached to your shoe, plug the Link into the Sportband, and you're all set to go. Just hold down the top button for three seconds and it'll start recording your workout. Press the little side button and you can switch between seeing your time, distance, pace, and calories burned as you run. To end your workout, hold the top button for three seconds. Once your run is complete, the screen will go through the final stats of your run two times through.

To see if I liked the Sportband better than the Nike+ Sports Kit read more.

Using this Sportband is much easier than the Nike+ Sports Kit because you don't have to scroll through your iPod to start, pause, and end your workout. It's also easier to see your stats because the screen is right there on your wrist. If you don't work out with music, or don't own an iPod, then you'll like the Nike+ Sportband because no iPod is needed. I just wish there was a way to look at your recent history on the Sportband, like you can when using the Nike+ Sports Kit. With the Sportband, if you want to compare this run with previous runs, you'll just have to wait until you get home and plug it into your computer. Within minutes, the data of that run is automatically uploaded to the nikerunning.nike.com/nikeplus website, and then you can compare all your workout data online.

Overall, just like the Nike+ Sports Kit, I love how the Sportband offers an easy way to track your runs and your progress. It's twice as expensive as the Sports Kit ($29) though, so if you already own an iPod, you may want to save a little dough and stick with the Sports Kit.

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