Nike+ GPS Sportswatch Review and update

First off, congratulations to all who raced this past weekend. The weather was not the best for racing but it didn't seem to stop anyone. I'm reading about a ton of PB's, lots of BQ's and just overall amazing races. Congratulations!

I didn't race this weekend, but I did my last long(er) run before my next marathon in Ottawa on May 29. I was able to use my Nike+ GPS sportswatch that came in the mail on Friday. I had to buy the watch on Ebay because the watch is not available in Canada yet. The marketing experts at Nike figured it best to release in Canada after the spring marathon season and probably too close to the fall marathon season to make anyone wait (rumoured late July release date). So I pondered buying the pretty pink Garmin 110 but having been a Nike+ user almost the whole time I've been running (almost 2 1/2 years), I decided I didn't want to switch technology. Plus the Nike+ is dummy proof...very easy to use which is essential for me. So I did what any impatient person who can't wait does, I went to Ebay.



Anyway, the Nike+ uses Tom Tom GPS system plus the shoe sensor (same as regular Nike+). I actually just synced it to my existing sensor as it is still working. This way I can still flip between the watch and the Ipod if I want to. The Nike+ foot sensor, automatically calibrates using the GPS continually, so it should be much more accurate than the Ipod system (when GPS not used).

Well the watch worked great. I ran with my friend who was using a Garmin and we compared the results...they were bang on...identical. The watch performed. It does not record average pace which is a complaint a lot of users have, but that's not a big concern for me. I use a pace band when I race with a goal time, so average pace not as important. Would be nice but not major. Overall I loved it.

It uploads your race route in addition to the usual information on the Nike+ site as well.




Well starting week 1 of 2 week taper before the Ottawa Marathon. Only one more 10 mile long run to go then it's race time.

Heading to Canada's Wonderland on Friday with Amelia (we go annually on this day), and then to Centre Island on Saturday...fun weekend planned.