My Virtual Running Partner

When I got back into running just over a year ago and decided to tackle a 10k training program, I did it with a friend. Jen got injured before our big race, but we kept one another motivated during that clinic.

A few months later, my friend Heather convinced me to train for a half-marathon with her. Although Heather got a knee injury and couldn't compete in the May race, I know there's no way I would have made it through some of those longer winter runs without her.

This says a couple of things about me. First, I'm obviously very bad luck for my training partners. Second, I'm very weak-willed, and unlikely to maintain a regular running schedule all on my own.

A couple of months ago, a friend gave me a Nike+ SportBand and it has changed the way I run.

This amazing device lets me monitor my distance, pace, time and calories burned during my runs. With a sensor that I attach to my shoe and Nike+ SportBand on my wrist, I'm motivated to get out there and track my runs.

At the end of the run, I unplug the black part from the band and plug it into my computer, and it downloads all my data and keeps me honest. The Nike+ website is very cool if you like online motivation. There are all sorts of challenges you can join to push you out of the door and on August 31, I took part in a worldwide Nike+ only event. The sportband was a great way to gain entry to the event, and, at about $80, it's also got to be one of the least expensive speed and distance monitors on the market.

I miss the companionship and conversation of Jen and Heather on my longer runs, but at least I don't have to worry about my bad luck hurting my new running companion. It just needs to be recharged every once in a while!

Comments

[Jen Maier]

Hey Jennifer. Any idea how much this costs? I would love one!

[jennifer]

They retail for about $80, and that includes the band and sensor. I had to pay about $10 to get a little pouch to attach the sensor to my shoe, but if you run in Nikes you don't need that.