Nike+ Me
From July 22, 2006
Whoa. I totally just turned on my beloved adidas.
Since I'm always searching for new ways to motivate my running routine (I think part of me still wants to believe I'm just getting into shape for soccer) I caved in and went all-out for the new Nike + iPod partnership.
First I had to pick up an iPod nano, so I checked out the PSU bookstore to get in on their discounted student rate (saved $20 on a 2GB iPod nano). Total spent = $179.00
Next I went to the Apple store to pick up the sport kit and armband (although I would later find out both of these items were available at Nike Town). Total spent = $ 58.95
Now I had to pick up the shoes at Nike Town with the special sole insert. They really try and sell you on the flashy Air Zoom Moire, which I tried on but ultimately felt the toe box was too tight. I suppose I could have used them as cross-trainers for soccer, but I instead opted for the more traditional Air Zoom, which were actually Lance Armstrong 10/2 branded in the specific colorway I chose. Total spent = $100.00
Finally I figured I would find some shorts and a shirt to "complete the look" (the turncoat). For this I went to trusty Ross and picked out a classic tee and some possibly soccer-style shorts. Total spent= $22.98
So let's add up the cost of getting into this club. Hmmm--$360.93! Although you could make a good argument the shorts and shirt were extra, it's still quite the investment. Enough about the gear, how does this stuff actually work?
After spending a lot of time upgrading my iPod and iTunes software, and dealing with the too-new and slightly buggy Nike+ site, I made my playlist, picked my power song, and set off....in 100 degree heat. Wow, that was rough. Still, it was quite neat to hear the pleasant lady come on (the music fades in and out) and tell me how far I had gone, and then later to let me know how much further I had till I reached my goal. I only went a modest 2.5 miles due to the conditions, but it was certainly cool to see a visual graph of my run. Now I can see exactly when I faded away, and will be anxious to see how I fair when the conditions are a bit more reasonable. (I will probably end the workout when I stop running, instead of leaving it on for the cooldown and lowering my stats.)
Finally, a few nit-pick notes. I thought the sensor seemed a bit loose in the sole of the shoe--the initial rattle was slightly unsettling. Of course it wasn't a problem once I stuck my foot in and laced up. However, the insole seemed a bit oddly shaped and bothered me at first, but I have a feeling I just need to break them in a bit. Also, while I understand the design of the armband allows the iPod to stay mostly moisture-free, it did seem a bit difficult to change the volume and selecting other buttons on the click-wheel were a bit of a guessing game.
<< | Posted by j_john at 12:44 AM | >>
Thanks for the link Andrew. I had seen that DIY thing already (courtesy of Jessica), and decided I would probably have too many issues with sewing and concern about losing the sensor, so I decided to just go ahead and get the shoes that were made for it (especially considering that I think adidas makes fairly average running shoes).
I feel kind of good supporting this cool synthesis of technology and sport, and well, it is CO-BRANDED.
Posted by J_John @ July 22, 2006 01:22 AM
Wow. This almost makes me want to start jogging again. Almost.
Posted by lucie @ July 22, 2006 05:15 AM
The stats are rad. It motivates me. It keeps me accountable to my friends. Very good stuff.
Still, the sight of that many swooshes on John is a little startling...
Posted by Mikey @ July 22, 2006 09:50 AM
You are right about it being very co-branded. Co-branding works!!!! As we can see from the reversal of this very entrenched brand loyalty.
Nike vs. adidas = no contest. But Nike+iPod vs. adidas?
Well done, Nike.
Posted by Andrew @ July 22, 2006 11:05 AM
it should be pretty easy to re-create the nike+ ad around the pearl district, but with afryl instead of hip afro dude, right? heck, the hott den is stylin' enough for the apartment scenes, too.
Posted by wise @ July 25, 2006 11:26 AM
You know John, if Adolph Dassler were here to see you, I think he'd be dissapointed in your decision. Of course, he wouldn't have much say in the nano purchase.... but I'm guessing he would approve... you could argue that apple is the adidas of the computer world.
Posted by John Doe @ July 26, 2006 12:05 AM
Post a comment:
While I appreciate that it is too late now for a reversal of your adidas betrayal, I feel compelled to direct you to the DIY designs of this man: http://podophile.com/2006/07/14/shoe-hacker-nikeipod-sport-kit-shoe-mod/
It seems adidas loyalty might have been maintained with a little velcro and some emergency sewing. But, well, who wants to learn how to sew?
Not me.
Posted by Andrew @ July 22, 2006 01:07 AM