For any NIKE+ users

[rundisneymom]

The NIKE+ GPS app is FREE right now in the iPhone app store! Its a promo for the 5th anniversary of the NIKE+ system. I just downloaded it...it looks really cool!!

 

[fashionista311]

I use it along with my Garmin sometimes. If I try to use the music on my iPhone with the standard iPod app, the songs keep resetting every 10 seconds when I'm just walking even before I start my run - and when I actually start running, forget it, it's a nightmare. I have no problems with the music pumping through the Nike app.

I love syncing it to facebook, and having my friends "cheer" me on for my runs every so often, especially if I'm in a blahs mood. It's a cute little feature.

But with that said...the thing is pretty inaccurate. I've heard it give me anywhere from a 12 minute mile pace to a 6 minute mile pace - and both are incredibly inaccurate for me. It also will be off for my total mileage from anywhere from .25 to a little over a mile - the longer I go, the worse it is. The gps will also drain your battery very fast (I used it for a long run of 2 hours and my phone was practically dead...I can't imagine it making it through the 16-20 mile runs for marathon training when I would def need all the cheering support. Heck, if random strangers on the street wanted to cheer for me I wouldn't complain )

I think it's a good toy to see if you think GPS is for you - but if you want real, accurate data, the watches are still the way to go imo.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

You have to recalibrate the Nike+ quite a bit until your stride becomes more consistent. In the interim, I just knew that it was off by x amount and accounted for it. I like the Sportband a lot better just because I don't always like to run with my iPhone. Either way, I love syncing them with the Nike+ site and seeing the mileage go up! It is definitely positive reinforcement when you do that or enter any of the challenges they have.

 

[cewait]

Definitely have to calibrate the foot pod!

I use the RunKeeper App. What I like about it is that it gives my DW the ability to follow me real time. We tried it out on the 2011 Goofy and my support crew was able to know when I would arrive at the next spot. Since it is GPS based one MUST turn off the Wifi and 3G antennas. You still get phone calls with the cell feature on. Mine lasted through both races with music and coaching turned on. RunKeeper is less accurate than other GPS systems to some degree due mainly to the lack of a great integration software and non-state of the industry receiver. It works well for what it is intended to due - play music, give you verbal cues on pace and distance and allow spectators to follow.

 

[crewmatt]

The position thing is a really nice feature of RunKeeper. However for a marathon I just cant carry that brick haha.

 

[slp1650]

I use the Nike+ and personally, I love it!

I was never able to get all those fancy watches and what nots to calibrate and work right and I eventually ended up giving up when I used them. My friend got the Nike+ and then I got it and we have both been using it since.

I don't use the pod in my shoe, just the GPS connection on my iphone. I know it's off when there's low GPS signal, but it also shows me that. Other than that, it seems pretty accurate to me. I compared it to Map My Run and they were pretty much the same.

They've also updated it recently so that the music continues when you take a break (I tend to stop mine when I'm at a light). It also seems the GPS works a lot better now. I'll be running near a canyon soon so I'll see if it's gotten better there as well. The time used to be inaccurate (I would get 6 min miles as well and I knew it was wrong...), but that also seems to have been fixed. I've been at the speeds I know I should be since the update.

Yes, it drains your battery quickly, but I always have a charger with me (in my room, backpack, and my car) so I don't really mind that.

 

[Tinkerboy00]

I used the Nike Sportband all last year (my first year of running) and loved all the information it calculated for me.

Since Im training for my first marathon this year, I wanted to get the Garmin but wound up upgrading to the Nike+ GPS Watch instead. It uses the shoe pod and GPS so if the GPS goes out, the pod still tracks data so you dont lose anything.

I have friends who have the Garmin and if they lose satelitte signal they lose alot of their run data. Although you can buy a shoe pod for the garmin too I think, but the Nike one comes with it and its a fraction of the cost of the Garmins

 

[acwinsett]

I use Nike+ with an iPhone 4, and rely on Nike+'s GPS tracking feature (no special shoes or sensor to purchase). It is surprisingly accurate! I also love going online to the Nike+ website after each run to see all of my overall progress and statistics, setting goals and signing up for online challenges. It is an incredibly well-designed site, it has really helped to get me excited about running and it's FREE!!!!