Cingular Go Phone: NIKE + IPOD SPORT KIT-USA Review

I just got back into running after a five year break.This was hands-down the best investment I made (after new sneaks of course.)My favorite aspect of it is the competitive nature of the website that is linked when you upload your runs to iTunes.(It's a Nike site.)On the site runners can track their progress, become "friends" with other runners to offer encouragement, and even challenge other runners to online "races."There are also customizable "goals" that can be set up such as, "Run 30 miles in the next four weeks," or "Go on 8 runs in the next two weeks" to keep runners personally motivated.(I used to do this with a paper/pen on my fridge!)Challenges (races) are broken down by levels so a newbie runner like myself, is not competing against someone who logs 30miles a week.

It took me a few runs to get the hang of the controls (I was constantly having to take my nano off my arm to check the screen), but now it's easy.

Why five stars:
-Nike's website is amazingly simple to use. I can't wait to get out for a run to move up a space (or two) in my races.Coming home and plugging in my ipod has turned into, "Ewwww, I wonder if I moved up a spot on the scoreboard?!"
-Easy to learn.Simply plug into your ipod - no advanced knowledge required.Lace up sneaks, and run.
-My husband (who's not into running) just bought a pair of sneakers because he was so impressed with my excitement over the online challenges. I think it brought out his competitive nature.(I give him three weeks before he has his own Nike+)
-At anytime during your run you can hit a button to get an update on your pace, distance and time.(Also automatically let's you know every 10 minutes - or by distance - and at the "halfway" mark.)

Note:You do NOT need to buy Nike+ shoes to use this system.Plenty of off-shoot brands make sensor cases that attach to shoelaces of any running shoe.I found mine for under $7.

The only thing that kinda bums me out is that there are no replaceable batteries, so when it's out of juice you have to buy a new sensor. (About $15, which isn't bad.A new battery would probably cost about that much anyway.)

Also - remember that while the sensor is in motion - it is using battery!Be sure to take them out of your running shoes if you use them for other activities.(Supposed to last 1000 "active hours.")

Click Here to see more reviews about: NIKE + IPOD SPORT KIT-USA

Product Description:
Apple Nike + iPod Sport Kit