Nike Plus

Societal Implications

Never before have we seen such an increase in running technology than from the company we like to call Nike. On my podcast, you can hear Keith Harrison refer to Nike shoes that came out when he was training for his first marathon. At that time, those shoes were the big thing in new technology. He later told me that wearing them made you feel like you would run longer, and you legs could last longer as well.

He also refers to new styles of running shirt materials that came out. Things like polyester and other "man-made" materials later allowed for him to run without getting a "bloody shirt." (boys who run know why their shirts get bloody). He said that this allowed for long runs to be more enjoyable and less painful. In the end, Nike has continued to be on the cutting edge of running technology. They have introduced the Nike+, and there have been speculations of a Nike+ watch...

Nike+ (support kit $29, nano $149, shoes $120, clocking your run...priceless)

Inserting a chip into your nike shoe instantly sends feedback to your ipod nano. After calibrating the chip to your stride, you can instantly clock your distance as well as your pace per mile. For those runners looking to clock miles indoors as well as outdoors, this is your best bet. Other GPS systems do not work indoors...duh.

MY REVIEW:

My initial thought was I would have to hear some voice chime in every time I ran a minute, but instead I was able to listen to my music and press the "center" button when I wanted an update on my run pace and distance.

Don't let your nano insert get wet with sweat...mine fissed out after two months because apparently it did.


nike+ to introduce watch? 

Dont have the money to purchase an nano? Nike is making a watch that will eliminate the need to track your run with it.

This watch will include all the features of using the nano (except the music). This among other things includes; time, distance, pace, and calories burned.

There have been speculations as to when the watch will be avaiable. It had a brief stint in Europe until it was quickly pulled off the market. No word on its release date or price as of now.