I tried the Nike+ SportBand for 3 weeks. At first I wondered why a person would need so much information about their runs, but now I am reluctant to return it.

I usually only run with a stopwatch, so found it very interesting to be able to monitor my pace, and adjust it accordingly when I started flagging. I usually run set routes, so didn't really have the need for the distance counter, although this could be used for casual runs, extended training runs, or when first starting out. Similarly, I didn't use the calorie counting function, as I don't tend to note my own calorie intake, but the SportBand can be further calibrated to measure such information.

The SportBand itself is a rubberised band of the type that fastens around the wrist by inserting the metal protrusions into holes, rather than a Velcro or buckle fastening. Initially, I found this rather fiddly, as if I needed a second person to help do it up (no chance at 6.30 in the morning), probably because I have very small wrists and needed the tightest setting.

A sensor placed in the base of one shoe records and transmits data to a USB stick which forms part of the SportBand. This displays data during the run, before being inserted into the computer for the details to be uploaded. I absolutely loved the idea that the USB stick was in effect worn on the wrist: so compact, and no messing about with wires to connect to the PC.

Once the data is transferred, nikeplus.com launches automatically, and details of the run can be viewed. I found it to be very useful to see at which points I tended to slow down, and being able to compare details of the runs side-by-side was a valuable facility.

At nikeplus.com personal goals and challenges can be set, and if so inclined, there is ample opportunity to participate in the social aspects of the Nike community.

Personally, I felt that I had 'got my money's worth' from the SportBand just with the distance, pace and time monitoring, which is more than my current stopwatch provides. Combined with the whole Nike community side of things, this is a real must-have product.

Sam

R4W Member