2+2er Nike Plus running group - who\'s in?
 

Dunno if any of you have one of these yet. My wife and I got one for Christmas and I've used it a few times, and as part of my overall training (getting back in shape for Ultimate frisbee + rebuilding my knee/leg strength) I'm going to start running a lot more than I have in the past.

Right now, I'm really not much of a runner -- I run fairly slowly and generally only 2-3 miles per run. Overall my goals are to be able to run a half marathon by the end of the summer. As I've never been much of a runner, this is a pretty big goal for me.

Anyway, part of the way that the Nike Plus website/system works is that you can setup groups with up to 50 people to compete vs. individually, or to compete with as a group vs. other groups. I'm still figuring out how their system works but it looks like anyone can create a challenge and invite other usernames to participate...so I'm going to start a "most miles ran" challenge over the next 90 days. Anyone in? My Nike+ username is Entity. If you're interested, post your Nike+ username and I'll add you to the challenge. You can create a Nike account even if you don't have the sensor yet, but there's no way to upload your rundata to the site without one. If you already have a Nano, the pedometers/sensors are only $30 and definitely worth it (even if you don't, a Nano is a great thing to have for running).

PS - For those who have been thinking about buying one of the Nike sensors, I'd definitely recommend it. I'm only a few runs in so far but it's really helping as a motivational tool, and for making runs more fun overall.

Rob

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus group
 

Hey entity, good idea. I've been meaning to do some research on this.

I already have an Ipod nano, can you buy the shoes & connecting device separately from ipod?

TIA

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus group
 

You don't need special shoes. You can get the sensor from Nike stores directly or from lots of fitness stores (or just from Amazon) for $30. If you don't have an armband to hold your Nano + the sensor, I'd strongly recommend the Marware Sportsuit Relay , which comes with a "shoe wallet" to easily attach the sensor to any pair of shoes. The Nano is shaped differently because of the receiver that is attached to it, so I'm not sure how well current Nano armbands/holsters will work.

Rob

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus group
 

Bump for any of those who made resolutions to exercise/run more. I know it hasn't really gained a ton of popularity yet (most of my friends don't have a clue what it is) but it's definitely worth looking into.

I just got back from a short (2.1mi) run with my dogs. Looks like it's going to have benefits for them, too.

Rob

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus group
 

Hmm I was looking at this but thought you had to have special nike shoes. If not I may be up for this. I was training for a half marathon before various issues (work, funeral, etc.) got in the way.

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus group
 

Rob,

I'm down for it, if you don't mind me counting elliptical trainer miles as well. My knees probably can't handle the stress of a ton of running anymore after soccer and football in HS/College.

I'll head down to the Nike store tomorrow to pick it up. Do you work out at 24 at all?

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus group
 

I won't be running till mid feb but I'll go for it.

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus group
 

kyleb,

where are you from? i work out at 24 in san diego.

entity,

thanks so much for linking to this - i had never paid much attention to it but it sounds very cool and like it really could help motivate for running. i usually stay away from running and use the treadclimber+stairstepper+elliptical instead because i think running is v hard, but this would definitely be motivating.

what if you don't have a nano? i have an ipod video - will it work for that?

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus group
 

[ QUOTE ]
Rob,

I'm down for it, if you don't mind me counting elliptical trainer miles as well. My knees probably can't handle the stress of a ton of running anymore after soccer and football in HS/College.

I'll head down to the Nike store tomorrow to pick it up. Do you work out at 24 at all?

[/ QUOTE ]

The device unfortunately won't count elliptical miles as it counts mileage based on footstrike (it's just a geeky pedometer that connects to an ipod and syncs with playlists, etc.).

I don't work out at 24 -- I work out at Olympic in Ballard. If you ever move to my neck of the woods you'll definitely have to join; it's a nice place.

I have some degenerative knee issues as well, but I'm going to work on a running plan that hopefully can get me back into it slowly and maybe allow me to be more of a runner in the future by rebuilding my supporting muscles. I've found that nothing is really as good as running for helping me to lose weight, which also should help out with my knees, I think.

For all who are wondering, you definitely don't need Nike shoes for this. Just find a way to attach the sensor to your shoes (velcro, etc.) and you'll be fine. I use one of these:

http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/assets/...e-sensor-5.jpg

In combination with Brooks shoes.

Rob

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus group
 

fluffpop62,

Do you elliptical more backwards than you do forwards?

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus group
 

[ QUOTE ]
kyleb,

where are you from? i work out at 24 in san diego.

entity,

thanks so much for linking to this - i had never paid much attention to it but it sounds very cool and like it really could help motivate for running. i usually stay away from running and use the treadclimber+stairstepper+elliptical instead because i think running is v hard, but this would definitely be motivating.

what if you don't have a nano? i have an ipod video - will it work for that?

[/ QUOTE ]

It will only work with a Nano, unfortunately. People have asked Apple about this and there is apparently no plan to make it work with other hard-drive based Ipods. I've heard various reasons for this but the most likely seems that they don't want to encourage people to be jogging with hard-drive based units.

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus group
 

[ QUOTE ]
fluffpop62,

Do you elliptical more backwards than you do forwards?

[/ QUOTE ]

No, elliptical is my least favorite out of all the machines. I use it at the end of my workouts because it's a consistent calorie burner (I feel like even if I'm exhausted after doing other cardio, I burn the same amount of calories as I do when it's the first thing I work out on - stairstepper, though, the more energy I have the better workout I get).

Funny that you ask, because I read in a magazine that you burn more calories going backwards, but when I tried to compare it w/ 5 minutes forward v. 5 minutes backward it was the same amount of calories.

If anybody gets the chance, the TreadClimber is the most fun you can have while working out (IMHO, obviously).

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus group
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
kyleb,

where are you from? i work out at 24 in san diego.

entity,

thanks so much for linking to this - i had never paid much attention to it but it sounds very cool and like it really could help motivate for running. i usually stay away from running and use the treadclimber+stairstepper+elliptical instead because i think running is v hard, but this would definitely be motivating.

what if you don't have a nano? i have an ipod video - will it work for that?

[/ QUOTE ]

It will only work with a Nano, unfortunately. People have asked Apple about this and there is apparently no plan to make it work with other hard-drive based Ipods. I've heard various reasons for this but the most likely seems that they don't want to encourage people to be jogging with hard-drive based units.

[/ QUOTE ]
damn. i would totally do this otherwise.

oh well, i think it's definitely a good idea and it'd be sweet if you could get a 2+2 group going.

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus group
 

[ QUOTE ]
kyleb,

where are you from? i work out at 24 in san diego.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hotness, we should meet up sometime.

Er, I work out in Seattle. Entity lives here too.

And I think you need a Nano to use the NikePlus feature, but I'm not sure. Give your local store a call!

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus group
 

[ QUOTE ]
The device unfortunately won't count elliptical miles as it counts mileage based on footstrike (it's just a geeky pedometer that connects to an ipod and syncs with playlists, etc.).

[/ QUOTE ]

Sons of bitches. Oh well, maybe I'll buy it anyway. I still run a few miles a week, but I intersperse the sessions with elliptical miles too.

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus group
 

I think people look retarded going backwards on the elliptical. It seems utterly pointless.

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus group
 

[ QUOTE ]
I think people look retarded going backwards on the elliptical. It seems utterly pointless.

[/ QUOTE ]
the point ain't to look good, sweetheart.

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus group
 

oh, that's why you asked?

rest assured i look retarded on all machines; i have fallen off of ellipticals multiple times.

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus group
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I think people look retarded going backwards on the elliptical. It seems utterly pointless.

[/ QUOTE ]
the point ain't to look good, sweetheart.

[/ QUOTE ]

Oyah, I forgot. The impracticality is outweighed by the extra 3 calories you burn an hour which is immediately offset by the extra slice of pie they have with dinner.

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus group
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I think people look retarded going backwards on the elliptical. It seems utterly pointless.

[/ QUOTE ]
the point ain't to look good, sweetheart.

[/ QUOTE ]

Oyah, I forgot. The impracticality is outweighed by the extra 3 calories you burn an hour which is immediately offset by the extra slice of pie they have with dinner.

[/ QUOTE ]
hell yeah dude. have fun not eating pie

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus group
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I think people look retarded going backwards on the elliptical. It seems utterly pointless.

[/ QUOTE ]
the point ain't to look good, sweetheart.

[/ QUOTE ]

Oyah, I forgot. The impracticality is outweighed by the extra 3 calories you burn an hour which is immediately offset by the extra slice of pie they have with dinner.

[/ QUOTE ]

hahah what?! you're just getting argumentative now. i think men look disgusting when they're lifting - veins popping out, necks straining, weird grunting noise...but for goodness' sakes, you're at the gym! i think everyone pretty much agrees that the people who do their makeup for the gym are pretty ridiculous, so why bother caring what you look like while you're working out?

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus running group - who\'s in?
 

Entity,

Id heard about this and it looked cool, but I thought you had to have the nike shoes for it, now that I see you don't Im definitely in. I dont have the sensor yet, but I will get one in the next day or so. I dont plan on doing a ton of miles, and im not sure how I'll feel about listening to music while I run, but I really wanna give it a go. I created an account and my ID is "Alobar". If you wanna add me, that would be awesome.

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus running group - who\'s in?
 

[ QUOTE ]
Entity,

Id heard about this and it looked cool, but I thought you had to have the nike shoes for it, now that I see you don't Im definitely in. I dont have the sensor yet, but I will get one in the next day or so. I dont plan on doing a ton of miles, and im not sure how I'll feel about listening to music while I run, but I really wanna give it a go. I created an account and my ID is "Alobar". If you wanna add me, that would be awesome.

[/ QUOTE ]

I tried to send you an invite, can you login and see if you got it? I'm still learning how the system works. I just created a "most miles ran" challenge for the next 180 days. I'm obviously amenable to different challenges if people want to try different things -- I just wanted to learn how it works.

Rob

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus group
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I think people look retarded going backwards on the elliptical. It seems utterly pointless.

[/ QUOTE ]
the point ain't to look good, sweetheart.

[/ QUOTE ]

Oyah, I forgot. The impracticality is outweighed by the extra 3 calories you burn an hour which is immediately offset by the extra slice of pie they have with dinner.

[/ QUOTE ]

hahah what?! you're just getting argumentative now. i think men look disgusting when they're lifting veins popping out, necks straining, weird grunting noise...but for goodness' sakes, you're at the gym! i think everyone pretty much agrees that the people who do their makeup for the gym are pretty ridiculous, so why bother caring what you look like while you're working out?

[/ QUOTE ]

I guess they care cause girls like you are watching them work out.

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus group
 

btw Ent, I just got one of these for Xmas but I'm waiting a few weeks to begin running again for heal time for a severe ankle sprain.

I have a Nano and the Nike+. What should I do in the meantime? (haven't even opened the nike+ box yet).

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus group
 

hahaah touche.

i prefer not to watch people while i/they work out though - like i said, i have a tendency to fall off of machines, so distractions are not good. although i really do hate it when people grunt, it's scary.

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus running group - who\'s in?
 

I'm definitly down for this if you guys don't mind being embarassed when I put up my numbers and my Ben Johnson like jogging skills become apparent.

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus running group - who\'s in?
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Entity,

Id heard about this and it looked cool, but I thought you had to have the nike shoes for it, now that I see you don't Im definitely in. I dont have the sensor yet, but I will get one in the next day or so. I dont plan on doing a ton of miles, and im not sure how I'll feel about listening to music while I run, but I really wanna give it a go. I created an account and my ID is "Alobar". If you wanna add me, that would be awesome.

[/ QUOTE ]

I tried to send you an invite, can you login and see if you got it? I'm still learning how the system works. I just created a "most miles ran" challenge for the next 180 days. I'm obviously amenable to different challenges if people want to try different things -- I just wanted to learn how it works.

Rob

[/ QUOTE ]

I didnt recieve anything. When I log in tho it tells me I need to buy the gear, so maybe I cant be added until Ive actually installed the nike+ stuff on my machine?

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus group
 

haha, it's not scary..

Seriously though, I don't grunt when I lift but I assume most guys do it because they think the extra expulsion of air is somehow helping them power through the weight that they are lifting (which is often too much).

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus running group - who\'s in?
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Entity,

Id heard about this and it looked cool, but I thought you had to have the nike shoes for it, now that I see you don't Im definitely in. I dont have the sensor yet, but I will get one in the next day or so. I dont plan on doing a ton of miles, and im not sure how I'll feel about listening to music while I run, but I really wanna give it a go. I created an account and my ID is "Alobar". If you wanna add me, that would be awesome.

[/ QUOTE ]

I tried to send you an invite, can you login and see if you got it? I'm still learning how the system works. I just created a "most miles ran" challenge for the next 180 days. I'm obviously amenable to different challenges if people want to try different things -- I just wanted to learn how it works.

Rob

[/ QUOTE ]

I didnt recieve anything. When I log in tho it tells me I need to buy the gear, so maybe I cant be added until Ive actually installed the nike+ stuff on my machine?

[/ QUOTE ]


The system seems to have some bugs. PM me with the email address you used to sign up and I'll see if that works better.

Rob

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus group
 

[ QUOTE ]
i have a tendency to fall off of machines, so distractions are not good

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't use treadmills for this reason. Also because the ground is free.

I was mainly ridiculing people for doing something that may or may not have a slim benefit when having a clear disadvantage. You may burn an insignificant amount of calories but its doubtful that you'll ever have to move backwards for a prolonged period in your life, whereas forward would have more carryover to forward movement... But I digress from my true haterade of the elliptical because of its... Ugh... it makes me cringe.

It wasn't how silly they look that I was commenting on... More of a silliness of results/purpose. I'll do one arm snatches which I am ridiculed for with fair frequency.

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus running group - who\'s in?
 

I'm in. My Nike+ name is Max_Power. I'll probably run inside on a treadmill until it gets warmer, then switch to the local park.

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus running group - who\'s in?
 

I think that until you've synced a run, I can't add more people to the challenge unless it's by email address. If you're interested and have synced a run let me know, because otherwise there's some sort of bug with using usernames rather than email addresses (it says you can use both).

Rob

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus running group - who\'s in?
 

I just signed up at the site, but I won't be near my nano, etc until after the PCA Bahamas tournament. So I won't be syncing a run until January 12th. But then I'm definitely in.

My email is natarem@gmail.com if you want to/can add me.

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus running group - who\'s in?
 

Entity, I like the idea of this.

Personally, I plan to get Garmin Forerunner 301 (they can be had for as little as $150). It's a GPS+heart rate monitor that will measure your distance/elevation/etc and heart rate. You can upload all the data to http://www.motionbased.com/ and have accurate pace and spot where your performance drops off, etc.

Anyone a member of Motion Based?

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus running group - who\'s in?
 

HOw accurate is the sensor? Does it work with any brand of nano?

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus running group - who\'s in?
 

[ QUOTE ]
Does it work with any brand of nano?

[/ QUOTE ]
wtf? lol. how many brands are there?

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus running group - who\'s in?
 

Meant size (in terms of GB)

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus running group - who\'s in?
 

Ah, yea, I think so. I have the 4 gb one and it definitely works.

Re: 2+2er Nike Plus running group - who\'s in?
 

hmmmmmm......