But since she likes to really mix things up when it comes to working out, Girlawhirl didn't jump in. It sounded like a fabulous device for a dedicated runner, but not the kind of thing, she – who struggles to get to the three mile mark on a treadmill run – could make enough use of to justify the expense of the start-up kit, the nano and the new kicks. Now, with the introduction of the Nike+ SportBand, the whole apparatus is much more wallet friendly – it essentially takes the nano out of the equation – thus persuading her to give it a go.

 

Getting the device set up is as simple as a quick download and a couple of clicks and entries to set up a profile. Then the display portion of the band charges in a USB port for two hours. Slipping the sensor in the shoe is a breeze; it's secured well under the insole, so she doesn't even feel it as she walks. Two quick presses on the wristband – one for her to start walking and a second when she begins her workout – and she's ready to go outside for a jog instead of being cooped up on a treadmill on a nice day.

 

Knowing that her workout data was going to be downloaded – even if only for herself to see (she's chosen to keep her profile private) – did in fact keep her from taking her typical “walk breaks” as she ran. (But honestly, it's easy enough to pause for a break; a quick press is all it takes). Throughout the course of her run, she could easily toggle through her pace, distance and even calories burned by touching the side of the display.

 

But what was truly the most fun came afterwards – uploading and seeing a graph of her workout on the screen. Truly an accomplishment: all staring back at her from her computer. She knows that logging workouts and tracking progress is motivating – in fact Girlawhirl loves to look at her monthly at a glance calendar and see all the X's she marks on days when she gets a workout in. This kind of online tracking might just turn her into a runner yet!

 

Her trainer Tiffany Davidson agrees, “Tracking progress - be it an increase in reps, lifting heavier weights, working with less resistance on a Pilates machine or running a faster mile - is crucial to forging the mind-body connection and to motivating us on those days when we feel that we are plateauing!”

 

Now Girlawhirl, who didn't think she'd ever be able to do such a thing, is even contemplating signing up to join Nike's Human Race. It's a 10K race taking place in locations throughout the world on August 31, 2008, but with her new Nike+ connectivity, Girlawhirl can run, or run-walk as the case will probably be, and upload her results online, allowing her to participate in what looks to be the largest, most inclusive race in history.

 

Editor's note: girlawhirl.com readers save 20% off purchases of $125 or more. Enter code BACKTOSPORT at checkout.

 

 

Tiffany Davidson is a personal trainer based in Weston, CT and the owner of Femme Fatale Fitness. Tiffany advises consulting a physician or health care professional before performing any of the exercises described on these pages or beginning any exercise program. The information herein is not intended to be diagnostic or prescriptive.

Have a question for Tiffany? Click here.