Nike+ Challenging Me to Run

A few days ago, over on my marketing-focused blog, Marketing with Meaning, I wrote about my early experiences with the Nike+ system.  For those who haven't seen it, there's a sensor for your shoe that links to an iPod, which in turn tracks your time and distance while running then syncs with a Nike website.  It's a great example of a value-added tool from Nike that helps improve people's lives while selling more shoes.  But as I continue to use the system myself, I'm finding some very interesting Challenge Dividends.

The overall goal of the Nike+ system is to coach you to run more miles and run faster.  There are multiple ways that the system challenges you to improve.  For example:

• All of your runs are recorded, giving you a chance to watch your progress over time.  It's motivation to increase your total miles and lower your total average time.  Personal bests for total distance and best time on 1 mile, 5k and 10k are recorded.
• You can set goals for yourself that are tracked with your runs.  I've got a goal right now to run 24 times over 4 weeks.  When you achieve a challenge, you get a marker for your "trophy case."
• There are events like the recent Human Race 10k, in which you upload a 10k time and see how you placed among people around the world.
• There are hundreds of challenges created by friends and people in the community.  Right now I'm participating in two challenges: (1) the NFL challenge in which the team whose fans run the most miles wins; and (2) the "4 For Fall" challenge set by a couple of friends in which we're trying to run the fastest 4-miles by October.
• Nike+ periodically recognizes you for adding on miles.  At 10 miles, it encouraged me to hit 100.  And when you hit 100 you enter a special hall-of-fame with about 250,000 other people
• Although I tend to use my iPod just to track my distance, if you listen there is a voice that encourages you to keep going or tells you that you hit a personal best.
• The system offers goal-based training programs to help you plan out weeks of preparation for, say, a 10k or marathon.
• You can create a screen saver and Facebook widget called a Nike Mini - it's a character that says and does things based on your recent runs.  Mine is above.

I'm sure results vary for Nike+ users, but so far I'm enjoying the heck out of it.  Every time after I run I rush up to my laptop to sync my information.  I love the feedback of seeing my new info and updated totals.  Yesterday I ran my fastest 5k in over a decade as a way of working toward the 4-mile challenge with my friends.  And my 24 runs in 4 weeks challenge is motivating me to make it happen. 

These challenges from the Nike+ system are paying other dividends as well.  I feel both physically and mentally healthier than I have in years because of my return to running.  I have lost about 10 pounds in a month without having to curb my eating choices at all.  And I'm really having a lot of fun both running and discovering more about how the Nike+ system can work for me.  I have to compare it to my Guitar Hero experience, which also felt like a fun activity that actually is designed to build skills.

I'm still only a few weeks into my return to running through Nike+, and although I love it now, I am somewhat wary that I may grow tired of it.  But I trust Nike will keep investing in and improving the system, knowing that only a continuous flow of new challenges will pay the dividends to both the brand and its customers.

UPDATE: I reached 100 total miles!

Comments

[Rob Armstrong]

Congralations on reaching your 100 mile goal!

p.s. How much does Nike+ pay you for these plugs?