Techie Tuesday

When I first started running I didn't care much about my pace. Well, that's not entirely true. I didn't care because I was running so slow that I didn't want to remind myself that 11:00 minute miles was close to a fast walk. I just didn't keep track of it.

After running several races and significantly improving my pace over the years, I wanted a way to see my running pace and mileage. Without spending over $300 on a Garmin watch. That watch is ridiculously awesome, but I felt like it was reserved for the "real runners." What I wanted was something inexpensive, accurate, and durable.

One day browsing at Universal Sole, I saw the Nike Running Sportband. The watch was sleek and trendy looking, unlike some of the other watches used for heart rate and pace tracking, which can be bulky and "fitness-y" looking. The retail price was even better, only $59.00.

I bought the watch and since then have loved running with it. I can see my pace and mileage at any time. If I look down and see my pace is around 8:45 I can pick up my pace and immediately see the difference. It motivates me to push myself when I can, or slow myself down if I'm doing a long, slow run and am accidentally running at a pace I won't be able to maintain.

The only drawback for me is that it doesn't have a heart rate monitor option. I wear my trusty Polar F4 heart rate monitor during every workout I do. I've had the F4 for so long they no longer sell that model on the Polar website. You can find it on Amazon.com for only $77.00. I could write an entire blog about my love for Polar. In any case, wearing both my Polar and my Nike Sportband is a little much, though bearable. If anything it makes me look like a super runner. Or super nerdy.

While this would be enough for me to be completely satisfied with the Nike Sportband, there's more to be excited about. First, while the sensor fits perfectly into a Nike shoe, I don't wear Nikes to run in. Fortunately there are shoe pockets that attached to your shoelaces that are made just for the sensor, so I didn't have to make a change from my beloved Saucony shoes.

Furthermore, the website support is really exciting for techie geeks that love to see progression, fastest times, longest runs, and more. Each time you run your fastest mile a celebrity guest comes on the screen to congratulate you, and you're recognized for your longest run as well. Which will be encouraging as my mileage increases each Saturday through marathon training. It also takes you to a new "zone" as you increase mileage overall. The site is entirely committed to goal setting, coaching, and motivating you through technology.

Here's an example of some of the tracking on the website, which was downloaded just as easy as pulling out the USB attachment from my watch and plugging it into my computer.

Overall, I'm loving the Nike Sportband and am looking forward to using it through my training and on the day of the marathon. Maybe one day I'll try out that Garmin.