Sprenzy Shopping Blog

“Your shirt talks to your Running Computer
Your shoe talks to your Running Computer
And they all talk to you”

You may have seen this Polar/adidas marketing pitch for Project Fusion, which combines Polar’s latest heart rate, speed and distance monitoring technology with adidas adiStar Fusion apparel and running shoes. Project Fusion was awarded the “Running Accessory of the Year” Award at ISPO winter 06 by Runner’s World magazine.

“The results of the Polar adidas co-operation are the adiStar Fusion apparel and running shoes, which have been merged with the latest heart rate and speed and distance monitoring technology from Polar. This totally unique and truly revolutionary running gear has been built around the Polar RS800™ Running Computer. During a run, it collects all of the information from the sensors that are positioned in the apparel and shoe, then immediately informs the athlete. Everything is collated and translated into information the athlete can use such as: heart rate, speed and distance, cadence, route profile and calories burned. After the running session, all information can be downloaded to the PC, and added to the training diary.

The adiStar Fusion apparel have soft, heart-rate sensors built in. These machine-washable textile sensors work in conjunction with the Polar WearLink® connector - it just snaps onto the front of the apparel and sends all training data straight to Polar RS800™ Running Computer. No bands, no adjustments, no extra kit - just put the shirt on, snap on connector and start running.

In the midsole of the adiStar Fusion shoe is a special cavity that houses the tiny and very light Polar s3™ Stride Sensor. Because it’s internal, the Stride Sensor is more convenient and delivers even more consistent running speed and distance readings, without compromising comfort or performance. And all of the speed and distance information is sent from the very heart of the adiStar Fusion shoe straight to the Polar Running Computer.”

The training system is well integrated and very cool. The s3 Stride Sensor works and fits in the adiStar Fusion shoe similar to the Nike+ Sport Kit sensor for the iPod Nano. The main differences between the Nike/iPod and Polar/adidas systems are the plethora of running features and the HRM provided by the Polar RS800.

The Polar RS800sd (includes the s3 Stride Sensor) is Polar’s top of the line running computer. With this watch, you’ll get an HRM, running cadence, average stride length, target pace, running elevation profile and much more, see complete specs at Polar. The Nike+ Sport Kit is limited to distance, time and pace.

The total cost of the Polar RS800sd, adiStar Fusion apparel and shoes will cost $550+. You can save $120 by getting in touch with your inner MacGyver and invent a way to attach the s3 Stride Sensor to your shoe. I did with Glad Press’n Seal and my Nike+ sensor.

The Polar RS800sd is a great HRM watch for the running enthusiast or data analysis geek. When I say data geek, I mean it in the nicest way, since I put myself in this category. The problem with such a high-end watch, at least for me, is after downloading and analyzing the data the first few weeks, I’ll end up ignoring 3/4 of the watch features. I wouldn’t recommend purchasing the RS800sd unless you are a hard core runner and plan on using all of the watch features.

Otherwise, I would go with an iPod Nano with the Nike+ Sport Kit to add speed and distance feedback on your run. It’s hard to give a definitive recommendation for either system because there’s a trade-off with each… HRM or music.

Now, the primary reason I’m excited about the Fusion Project is the adiStar Fusion apparel. I already own a Polar RS200 HRM with the Wearlink transmitter and strap. The Wearlink chest strap is the most comfortable HRM strap that I’ve used because it’s made of cloth, whereas most HRM straps are a hard rubberized plastic. Despite being very comfortable, the Polar Wearlink strap will still slide down to my waist while I’m running.

It’s completely fine when I’m cycling or during a spin class, but it’s a pain in the butt while running. I’m constantly re-adjusting the chest strap when I’m pounding the pavement. However with the adiStar Fusion shirts, I can just attach the Wearlink transmitter and not worry about it slipping. The shirts can also be used as a base layer during cold weather runs.

So my ultimate solution is the iPod Nano with the Nike+ Sport Kit, Polar RS200 with a Wearlink transmitter and an adiStar Fusion shirt. I have the best of all worlds… music, speed and distance, and heart rate monitoring. Then I can geek out over the data during my run to keep motivated! Or pre-occupy myself, so I forget that I’m suffering running.

With the New Year, many people have made goals to lose weight and exercise regularly. Whether you are starting an exercise routine for the first time or a fitness fanatic, staying motivated is the key to getting fit and maintaining it. Motivation can come in many forms, such as training for a race/event, an exercise partner or the possibility of dessert with every five three mile run.

To help you reach your weight loss or exercise goals, here are some fitness tools that can keep you motivated to workout.

• Heart Rate Monitor (HRM) - To get the most out of every workout and to ensure you are pushing yourself to the right limits, get an HRM. I prefer Polar HRMs with a wearlink transmitter, which has a flexible cloth chest strap. To learn more about HRMs check out, Heart Rate Monitors - What’s Your Max Heart Rate?

• Nike+ iPod Sport Kit - If you already own an iPod Nano, this will be the best $30 you’ll spend to keep motivated on a run. I’ve been using the Nike+ Sport Kit for the last several months and I won’t go for a run without my Nano and Sport Kit. I love knowing my current pace and getting a message from Lance Armstrong or Paula Radcliffe after I beat a personal record. Additionally, the Nike+ website provides run/goal tracking and community features to inspire more running.

• Garmin Forerunner - Get the accuracy of GPS to monitor your speed, distance, pace and calories burned with the relatively sleek, wrist-mounted Garmin Forerunner 305 (HRM) or Garmin Forerunner 205. For cyclists, check out the Garmin Edge Series GPS cycling computers.

• 10 Minute Solution DVDs - Do you have 10 minutes to spare? Whether it’s pilates, yoga, kickboxing or dancing, there’s a DVD available with multiple 10 minute workouts to target and isolate various body parts. If you can’t get to the gym or go for a run, watch and follow along with one of these DVDs to get a quick workout.

• Traineo - A free and simple website that allows users to report goals, workouts, diet and weight to a group of friends who monitor and support each other. Users can also join larger support groups to get encouragement from people with similar health and fitness goals.

If you are new to working out or getting back on the bandwagon, try to set manageable goals. Small wins obtained quickly will keep you motivated to work harder. As you achieve these smaller goals, keep on raising the bar and soon enough you’ll achieve that ultimate fitness goal.

The Nike Air Pegasus 2006 running shoe was awarded 2006 Shoe of the Year by Runner’s World.

“The Nike Air Pegasus 2006 had previously been selected as an Editors Choice winner in five of Runner’s World’s nine international editions over the past 12 months, earning the honor in Germany, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States (Runner’s World publishes its Shoe Guides for buyers four times a year in the U.S. and several times a year in each of its worldwide editions).

Editors in each of those countries cited the neutral-cushioned shoe for its smooth ride, improved fit (from the previous Air Pegasus 2005) and “plush” cushioning, with several editors calling it the “benchmark” model in the neutral cushioning category.

Additionally, wear-testers in both Spain and the U.S. called it “the most comfortable shoe’ they had tested to date.”

Even though the Nike Air Pegasus was dubbed the shoe of the year, it may not be the right shoe for everyone. The shoe falls into the neutral cushioning category and is “recommended for runners who need maximum midsole cushioning and minimum medial support. These shoes are best for biomechanically efficient runners (minimum pronation) and midfoot or forefoot strikers with high or normal arches.” Additionally, the shoe is built for small to medium framed runners (Women - less than 150 lbs, Men - less than 180 lbs).

If the terms neutral cushioning, pronation, high or normal arches are foreign concepts, then I highly recommend reading the Runner’s World foot diagnostic articles. Finding the right running shoe for your running style, biomechanics and frame size is extremely important and it’s critical to determine which shoe type (motion control, stability, cushioned, etc.) is best for you.

Switching gears slightly, the Nike Air Pegasus 2006 Clima is an all-weather upgrade to the Air Pegasus. The Clima has the same performance as the Air Pegasus but includes a Clima-FIT upper, which repels water.

I really like the Air Pegasus 2006 Clima because of the dark colors. It reminds me of my New Balance trail running shoes, which I run in occasionally and use as my every day shoe. More importantly, I like to pack very lightly when I travel, which means a pair running shoes and a pair of casual dress shoes.

I prefer the dark colors of my trail running shoes but don’t like running on pavement with them. So the white road running shoes are worn on my trips, which means I become the typical tourist tooling around in white sneakers. Why are the majority of road running shoes white?!?

Anyway, I’m excited about trying out the Nike Air Pegasus 2006 Clima. It’s a highly rated cushioned running shoe, water-resistant and the dark colors make it a little more fashion friendly during my travels.

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.

• Playlistmag.com: Nike+ iPod Sport Kit Review - “When Lance Armstrong or Paula Radcliffe told me, through my nano, “Congratulations! You’ve just run your fastest mile.” I felt like they were talking directly to me—even though I knew they weren’t. The Nike + iPod Sport Kit is simple but ingenious, easy enough to use for beginning runners and technophobes alike, while reliable enough for even competitive runners.”

• PC Magazine: Nike+ iPod Sport Kit Review - “With its great community features, the Nike + iPod Sport Kit adds an extra element to running and walking that can actually inspire and motivate you more than simply listening to music and timing yourself.”

• The Adventure Blog: Nike+ iPod Review - “If you enjoy running, walking, or hiking, I highly recommend the Nike+iPod system. It’s a very well designed product that is easy to use, offers great value, and should be a benefit to anyone into fitness. It’s online portion should also help you track your data over time, set goals, and make progress in increasing your distance and speed.”

• iLounge: Nike+ iPod Sport Kit Review - “What Apple and Nike have achieved with the Nike+iPod Sport Kit is a nearly unqualified triumph: an expansion of the iPod nano into a digital sport running and walking partner, using add-on technology that works well and is easy enough for anyone to use. While we won’t go so far as to claim that it will replace the need for gyms or even just their treadmills, the Kit’s cool features - voice feedback, big on-screen text focused on your workout goal, PowerSongs, and Nikeplus.com - are generally so well-done for the reasonable price that you can easily look past the system’s few flaws.”

• The Final Sprint: Marware Sportsuit Sensor+ Review - “Marware’s Sportsuit Sensor + is a terrific adapter for runners who want the benefits of the new Nike+iPod Sport Kit, but don’t want to spend the extra cash on Nike+ Ready shoes. For only $9.99 it is an investment you won’t regret and we highly recommend it.”

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.