Running With Rhythm

Are you looking for a new way to spruce up your running or walking routine?  There are days when the road seems never ending and the thought of putting on your shoes to do something healthy is not quite enough to get you moving.  Both Nike and Adidas may have just the right tools for you to look forward to all your workouts.  These new toys are definitely an investment, but worthwhile if they encourage you to work out more.  Nike's new iPod Sports Kit is a small in-shoe sensor that tracks your run/walk distance, caloric expenditure, and time.  After you complete your run/walk, the sensor transfers this information to your iPod Nano which can be loaded onto your own account at www.nike.com/nikeplus.  You can track your run/walk for the week, month and year, provide challenges for yourself to run faster, run longer and do it all to your favorite tunes.  You can even download tunes that keep elite athletes like Lance Armstrong pumping through the last 1/4 mile.  There is even a section to download a coached routine from master Nike trainers like Jay Blahnik.  Still want more?  Add your run/walk miles to help support local groups like the Cubs/White Sox charities.  Nike will even donate $1 towards the Lance Armstrong Foundation for every mile you add to the community board.  The sensor and Nano attachment are $29, the sensor-ready shoes are $89-$110 and the iPad Nano varies in price.  Adidas has a similar product caled the Polar Collaboration that also has an in-shoe sensor that sends you information on distance, time and speed to a specialized wrist watch.  The set also includes a heart rate monitor and costs $609.  Check out www.adidas-polar.com.