If you know me at all, you know I love my tech gadgets. And as I started to run a couple weeks ago I started looking around for things that would make my runs a little more enjoyable and also help me keep track of distance and times. I didn’t have to look far to find some great tech solutions. Here are a few of my finds so you too can start running with gadgets.

Nike+ GPS

I have an iPhone 4s and my first tech option was to look for some apps that I could just download and that would be easy to use. I found the Nike+ GPS app on iTunes and after a quick review and some Twitter confirmations, I decided it was just what I needed. After creating a profile, it allows me to track my miles, time splits and will keep track of where I run with the GPS mapping option. It syncs with the Nike+ website and even allows me to create goals, set up a training program for anything from a beginning runner (me) to training for a marathon (I’ll get there eventually). I can even connect and compete against my friends.  The app works great and even integrates with iTunes to allow me to listen to a playlist when I run and create power songs to help motivate me when the running gets tough. One of the best features – it works on a treadmill. The GPS function doesn’t do much, but the app does a pretty good job at calculating how far you’ve run, even inside. And if the numbers are a little off (which I’ve found them to be by  a few tenths of a mile), it let’s you calibrate by entering the information manually from the treadmill readings. The interface is pretty easy to use and the information easy to retrieve. [Read more...]