Kyle Reidy: a junior in marketing, runs around the track for exercise. Soon, runners will be able to purchase a training device developed by Nike that records runners’ times, pace, distance and calories burned. Kyle Cooper / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
Nike has developed a new training method for runners.
The Nike+ SportBand is a modification of the Nike+ iPod.
It involves placing a sensor in the shoe that sends a signal to a wristband worn while running, according to the Nike Web site.
The sensor transmits the runner’s distance, time, pace and calories burned.
Once the workout is complete, a link can be removed from the wristband and plugged into a USB connection on a computer.
Users can upload their runs to Nikeplus.com to track statistics and create training programs, which can help them become a better runner, according the Web site.
The Web site also connects runners from around the world. Runners can compete with each other and exchange information about running and training.
“There are many different shoes that you can use,” said Traci Senn, an instructor at Gold’s Gym. “Different styles and colors are available, so you don’t have to wear just one kind of shoe.”
Senn said this is great for runners.
The program can track a runner’s courses through a GPS system.
Their times and miles are also stored so they can track their progress.
“I have actually heard about this Nike product,” said Lauren Weatherford, a senior in accounting. “I don’t have one, but I think that it is a really cool thing.”
Weatherford said the product could help runners gauge their progress.
“Tracking your runs and measuring your pace would be a helpful thing to see how my running is progressing,” Weatherford said. “It would be nice to see how my running advances over a certain amount of time.”
LaRae Bosch, a graduate student in accounting, may be a future owner of a Nike+ SportBand.
“It would be a good motivator,” Bosch said. “I have never used it, but I have researched it because I am thinking about getting one.”
Bosch said she also likes the Nike Web site’s features.
“I like that the program compares me to people around the world,” Bosch said. “It’s cool to compete with people, and it’s kind of like having a workout buddy.”
Nike set up the program so runners could upload their runs and compete with people all over the world, according to its Web site.
The network also creates opportunities for runners to come together. Races can be organized, and runners of different levels can motivate each other.
“I think it even tracks how your feet hit the ground,” Weatherford said. “This would be great for someone who has just started running seriously and wanted to go about it the right way.”
Bosch said being able to track your running in a way that makes you better is something most people would be interested in but wouldn‘t normally know how to find.
“Nike may have also created a way to battle obesity in children,” said Dorsey Westerman, a senior in education. “It could motivate children to want to work out and be active.”
Westerman said she hopes to see the Nike+ SportBand used to encourage children to exercise.
“I think that this will be a positive asset to the future of our youth,” Westerman said. “This form of technology will be useful in battling obesity.”
This product could help runners achieve goals they may have never reached.
It also could create personal accountability that some may not find in the gym or with friends.
Runners of different levels can create obtainable goals through this system.
The Nike+ will be available for preorder April 10. Visit Nikeplus.nike.com for more information
