Nike+ Sport Watches and GPS

Nike makes several products which are useful for half marathon training. Nike+ products are a stylish and capable alternative to Garmin GPS watches for tracking distance and speed during workouts. The Nike+ is a small footpod sensor that either attaches to the shoe using a small pouch that you can attach to your shoelaces or fits inside the shoe (if using it with Nike+ shoes).

Nike+ Sport Watches and GPS

	Nike+ SportBand Learn more at Amazon.com The Nike+ Sportband is a watch that works in conjunction with the Nike+ footpod sensor. While you’re running, the footpod records distance traveled, speed and elapsed time. You can view these figures in realtime on your Nike+ Sportband. When your run is over, you can connect the Sportband to your computer to upload your workout to the Nike+ website. The website allows you to see your training progress over time, and plot charts showing speed, distance and calorie counts. This watch does not have an interval timer. However, the device’s post-workout analytical capabilities and lower cost make it a compelling alternative to Garmin GPS watches. When paired with a watch that has an interval timer (such as a Timex Ironman) the Sportband is a helpful addition to a half marathon training program.
	Nike + iPod Learn more at Amazon.com The Nike+iPod package comes with a wireless sensor that attaches to your shoe, and a USB connector that attaches to iPods or iPhones. The system measures distanced traveled, speed, elapsed time and calories burned. Runners can then listen to their music during workouts, and the Nike device periodically interrupts the music to tell the runner the time and distance of their run. Like the Nike+ Sportband, this solution does not have an interval timer. If you’re using the Galloway method to train, you will need to buy a separate watch with an interval timer. Again, the device’s analytical capabilities and lower cost make it a compelling distance-measuring alternative to Garmin GPS watches.
	Nike+ SportWatch GPS Learn more at Amazon.com The Nike+ Sportwatch GPS has a more comprehensive feature set than the Nike+ Sportband and Nike+iPod. Despite the additional capabilities, the watch is very easy to use.Like most Nike products, the watch is attractive. It works with the Nike+ footpod sensor to track time, distance, speed, calories burned and heart rate (when paired with an optional heart rate monitor). You can also connect it to your computer via USB to upload your workouts to the Nike+ online community (the USB port also charges the watch’s battery). You can also view your mapped route, with elevation changes and pace data, on the Nike+ website.