Ever since Apple teamed up with Nike, in what can only be described as a huge marketing gimmick, to produce the imaginatively titled “ipod+nike” I’ve been contemplating purchasing the system. I’m not a huge running nut but I do around 20 miles a week (4 sessions of 5 miles) on our treadmill. Now and again I lack the motivation to really enjoy it. When you’re really tired, or the twinge in your knee has returned it’s easy to consider not running. The Nike system appeals because you can upload your data to the nikeplus website to track your progress and compare yourself to other runners.
However, there are two problems:
The first is that you need an iPod nano. There doesn’t appear to be any hardware reason for the sensor only working with iPod nanos but rather it’s a shrewd move on Apple’s behalf to sell more nanos. I guess they figured that exercise can be the nanos niche. I own a 3G iPod that was a gift from Debbie a few birthdays ago so I’m reluctant to retire it just yet. As it’s the 20gig model and contains my entire iTunes library (10gb), I use it on long journeys via my car stereo and when travelling to the US. A nano won’t have the storage I need.
The second is that you have to purchase Nike running shoes at around £70 a pair. I’m extremely reluctant to change my shoes. I currently run in a pair of Asics Gel Kayano XI which suit me well. I don’t want to switch to a pair of trainers that I’ve not tested first. Anyone who runs will stick to a shoe they find comfortable.
Fortunately, I came across a website which has ‘hacked’ the sensor into his own running shoes. It’s an extremely low-fi hack that seems to work based on his tests and the feedback of others. You simply stick a bit of velcro on the sensor and place it between the tongue and laces of your shoes. You can then configure the sensor to adjust for the different placing as the Nike shoes have a cut-out in the sole for the sensor.
Although I don’t want to retire my iPod, 1gb Nanos are fairly inexpensive these days and the storage will suffice for the few playlists I run to and to host the Nike software.
With that in mind, I’ve ordered the sports kit with a 1gb nano and I’ll let you know how it goes…
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I think we have the same shoe. Or similar, at least.
It only works on the nano because the 5G iPod is hard drive based and doesn’t offer the kind of skip protection that flash based players do.
If you are exercising, you don’t want your tracks skipping. Apple doesn’t want to ‘dilute the experience’ – so that’s why it’s not on 5G iPods.
Ah, good point Andrew.
Andrew, the 5G iPod has something like a 20 minute flash-based buffer. There’s no issue with skipping.
Marcus – It’s still no good for the life of the drive, and people are expected to run for longer than 20 minutes.
Not saying it’s not possible to do it, but Apple don’t want people to have a sub-par experience, so they don’t offer it for anything other than the nano.
I actually used to run with my hard-drive based iPod before getting the nano. It wouldn’t “skip”, but it would freeze on occasion. I had to reset it to get it working again… not a big deal, but not much fun either. I was able to minimize this happening by holding the iPod in my hand when I ran, and keeping it as steady as possible.
I think the hard drive is at least a factor in Apple’s decision not to support regular iPods.
Podophile – nice of you to drop in. I’ve made my first run which I’ll blog about shortly.