After weeks and weeks of training last summer and early fall, I was thrilled to complete my first ever half marathon in September. Largely thanks to the inspiration provided by two roommates, Carla in Brooklyn and Steph in Washington D.C., the miles I ran in training flew by. However, were it not for the technology provided by the Nike+ mobile app, I’m almost certain I wouldn’t have had the motivation to make it to the finish line. The app truly delivers on its promise, to make users “get more from your run.”
In August, I downloaded the Nike+ app after learning about it in Adam Peruta’s Advertising Copy class. After creating my profile, I easily began tracking each run I went on. Now, it’s habit that before I hit the trail or treadmill, I simply grab my iPhone, plug in my headphones, open up the app and provide the distance or time I hope to run. Currently, I’m using the Cool Runnings training plan to guide my daily mileage. Though friends and family provide all the support in the world to make me set new running goals, these online and mobile tools empower me to prove to myself that I can accomplish them.
Steph and I running…with Nike+ app in hand!
I also select between running indoors or outdoors, and have the option to “Get Cheers” as I run. Though I’ve never opted for this, I think it’s a fantastic idea. Were I to allow “cheers,” Nike+ would post as my Facebook profile status that I just started a run, so that each time one of my friends “likes” my status, I would instantly hear cheers in my headphones. This is just one of the many ways that the Nike+ app provides unexpected motivation.
Get cheered on by friends though Nike+’s social media integration.
Throughout my run, I can glance down at the app and see my progress in realtime. Seeing each mile conquered provides inspiration that never gets old. The app also tracks accomplishments, like farthest, longest and fastest runs, and encourages users to set new records with each run! At the conclusion of a Nike+ run session, an Olympic athlete’s voice comes through the headphones, praising each user’s accomplishments that day.
After I complete a run, the Nike+ app allows me to review the course I ran (and my speed along the way), my total time and distance completed and the amount of calories burned. It’s GPS-optimized, so I can zoom into my tracked course for full detail of every street I ran. The tracked course is also optimized with a speed tracker, so I can see where my slow spots were and aim to improve those areas in future runs.
The many running perks provided by Nike+
Yesterday evening, my 8 mile run marked a milestone! After syncing 126 runs with the app, I’ve completed 500 miles! I’m looking forward to the next 500 as I set my sights on the Navy Air Force Half Marathon this September, and potentially a marathon in the future! Next April, I’m planning on entering the lottery for the #werundc Nike Women’s Half Marathon, where finishers are awarded a Tiffany’s necklace after crossing the finish line! Though it’s satisfying to complete those 13.1 miles, I’m sure tossing in a Tiffany’s necklace would add some extra motivation!
Screenshot of progress since August!
Extra bonus
Thanks to this blog, I’ve now started using Charity Miles! Whenever I train outdoors for my next half marathon, I sync both my Nike+ and Charity Miles app. That way, not only can I track my running progress, but I can see how those miles pay off in donations to The Partnership for a Healthier America.
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