WRITTEN ON January 9th, 2010 BY meganauman AND STORED IN Motivation

Me, about to go for a run. Or rob a bank.

Its about 28 degrees out and I just got back from a run.  Outside.

And just so there’s no doubt about the amazingness of this feat, let me just point out that I’m the girl who’s cold when its 75.  I HATE winter.

So, what could make me layer up and brave the cold?

A new workout gadget, of course.  This week I got a brand new Nike + SportBand.  For those who aren’t familiar with this gadget, it includes a sensor that goes in (or on*) your shoe, and a watch (the “SportBand”) that receives data from the sensor.  It can tell you workout time, distance, pace, and calories burned.  The SportBand then plugs into your computer, and all the data is uploaded online, so you get a history of your runs or walks.

This isn’t my first foray into the Nike+ system.  I had the original version that attached to my iPod Nano back in 2007.  Then I had the the first version of the SportBand, but that died in 2008, and I hadn’t bothered to replace it.  So my workout data for 2009 is hopelessly empty.  (Not that I didn’t run, I just didn’t track it.)

But yesterday, after taking my new SportBand on its maiden voyage, I plugged it into my computer and saw all my old, wonderful data.  I’d forgotten how much fun it is to see the miles add up.  And now I want to keep adding to that data.  Hence, the run in the frigid temps today.  I wanted to get in a few more miles.  It looks like the SportBand was just what I needed to get me out of my exercise funk.

Would I recommend the SportBand? Absolutely – if you do a lot of running or walking (or want to start).  But more than that, I suggest finding a new toy or gadget for your favorite workout.  It might just be the kick you need to get moving again!

*If you don’t have Nike+ shoes (I don’t), you can get a pouch that threads into your shoelaces to hold the sensor.