A Decent Alternative

Workout: 3 mile run/abs/upper body strength

My running partner, Garmin Forerunner 205, is on its last leg.  You never know if it will turn on, if it will get a signal, or if it will read accurately.  I have had it for 6 1/2 years so I can't complain about her failing health.  Unfortunately, we don't have the money right now to purchase a new one so I spent some time researching and hunting for a cheap alternative to get me through the next few months.  I ended up purchasing the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit.

This little boy just slips into the pink pocket on my shoe (which I had to purchase separately).  The newest version of the iPod automatically comes with the app already on it.  This thing is basic, basic, basic.

I'm not sure about the scientific calculations for a calorie based workout.  There isn't a "settings" button so how on earth would it know when I have burned say, 300 calories.  Obviously it will take me a little bit longer to burn 300 calories than a 215 lb man.  Anyway...

 It provides the basic information you need to know: distance, time, and pace.  Again, forget about the calories.  I know for a fact it takes more than 3 miles for me to burn 330 calories.  Everything is calculated by your stride.  I suggest your first few runs to run a route that you know the distance.  After each workout you can calibrate your run.  My first few runs I had to calibrate because it was off slightly.  But now it has my stride down pretty well, and I find the readings to be pretty accurate.

This little device is good enough for now.  It doesn't even come close to the coolness of my forerunner, but for the next few months I can survive with it.