The average Thanksgiving meal contains 3,000 calories and if you snack all day it can reach up to 4,500 calories. I certainly did my share to raise the average calorie intake. I’m guesstimating I put down 5,000 calories easy. Call me an over-achiever if you want. Now I’m on exercise kick to keep off the unwanted weight during the holiday season. One of my favorite new toys, which motivates me to run more often, is the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit.
If you already own an iPod Nano, the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit adds voice feedback (male or female) and visual display of your run/walk time, distance and pace. The Sport Kit consists of a small sensor (accelerometer) and a receiver that plugs into your Nano. The sensor is designed to fit into Nike+ running shoes but still works with any shoe if you can properly secure it.
Next you will find several Nike+ iPod Sport Kit reviews and a review of the Marware Sportsuit Sensor+, which attaches the sensor to any shoe.
Since I’m a Mizuno and New Balance fan, I haven’t purchased a pair of Nike+ running shoes. On my initial run with the Sport Kit, I placed the sensor between my shoe laces and tongue. It fell out 40 feet into my run but I didn’t realize it until three blocks later. Luckily, I was able to find the sensor before it was run over by a car.
After this initial blunder, I secured the sensor by placing it into a small Ziplock sandwich bag and then tucking the bag underneath the laces. An alternative and better solution is using Glad Press’n Seal wrap to make a pouch and tuck it under the shoe laces (shown top right). Both solutions are cheap, easy and waterproof. My only concern is the durability of the Press’n Seal, so I ordered the Marware Sportsuit Sensor+. Check out other sensor/shoe mods at theappleblog.com.
I’ve run with the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit eight times so far and I really enjoy using it. I’ve used it out of the box and uncalibrated. The distance accuracy is very good as I’ve only seen a 0.01 mile discrepancy on my known 1 mile and 3.25 mile markers. From my experience, if you keep the sensor flat or parallel to the foot bed, the distance and pace accuracy is pretty good uncalibrated. But if you attach the sensor on the top of the shoe tongue or on an angle, calibration is definitely required. I’ve also noticed total distance is less accurate on hilly running routes.
Overall, I still prefer running with the 2nd generation iPod Shuffle because it so small and lightweight. But getting distance and pace voice feedback is extremely useful during my runs. And it’s very helpful if you need to train at a certain pace. For its simplicity, run/mileage tracking, community features at Nikeplus.com and a low $30 cost, I highly recommend the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit to enhance your runs. It could also be great stocking stuffer for people who like to run with their Nano.
Other Nike+ Accessories:
Nike+ Clothing - the Nike+ clothing is expensive at $70+ per shirt. But it’s an option, if you don’t like carrying your Nano in your hand or using an armband. I have a short sleeve seamless top, which works well but you can’t see the Nano display. I prefer looking at the display every now and then during a run.
Nike+ Armband - I don’t like wearing armbands so this accessory is not for me. Similar to the Nike+ clothing issue, you can’t see the display while using the armband.
Socks are socks, right? That’s what I thought until 4 or 5 years ago. White cotton socks were the only items in my sock drawer for all my athletic or outdoor endeavors. As Coolmax and other synthetic materials become popular, I started buying sport specific socks but really didn’t know much about them other than they were for running, hiking, biking, etc.
Several years ago, I started using SmartWool socks for snowboarding and became a big fan of SmartWool products. While snowboarding, SmartWool kept my feet warm and dry. Unlike other socks that are primarily synthetic, I didn’t have the slimy feeling while wearing SmartWool socks. Still, I didn’t understand how the SmartWool material worked. I just knew they did.
While on a boarding trip in Whistler, I finally saw the light. On my trip, I visited an outdoor gear store and was given a lecture on sock materials by a store employee. I was amazed by his endless knowledge of sock materials, construction and proper usage of socks. I didn’t retain all the information he presented but I do remember him saying that merino wool was the best material for its moisture wicking capabilities and odor resistance.
To refresh my memory of that lecture, I did a little research on sock materials and found a good article that explains the Secrets of Wool, with the following fabric comparison chart.
I also found a good article from Backpacker magazine that shows the different characteristics of sock materials.
Most socks are a blend of materials. To determine the primary performance characteristic of a sock, find the primary material used in the sock and use the chart to determine its characteristics. The chart is useful but it doesn’t provide the weaknesses of the materials. For example, most synthetic materials will become stinky and retain odors very quickly.
In the Secrets of Wool article, I discovered that the strengths of merino wool are:
SmartWool products are made primarily with merino wool and their SmartWool Technology eliminates the weaknesses of wool such as itchiness and shrinkage. All of the SmartWool products I’ve used have been super comfortable and easy to care for, while providing excellent performance.
On snowboarding trips, I’ve used SmartWool socks and base layers which have kept me warm, dry and extremely comfortable. I also use Under Armour base layers, which are typically compression wear, and can get uncomfortable after all day usage. I never have that problem with SmartWool clothing.
Another advantage of SmartWool is its odor resistance characteristic. On long trips, you won’t have to pack as much clothing because you’ll be able to wear your SmartWool multiple times before washing it. Now try that with your other synthetic/spandex clothing. If you do, bring plenty of deodorant or perfume/cologne.
If you need more convincing about the benefits of SmartWool, here are a few useful reviews I found.
Whether you are a hiker, runner, cyclist or snow rider, there is a SmartWool sock for your favorite activity. There are also plenty of SmartWool base layers, shirts and tops and accessories to keep you dry and comfy while you do your thing!
