From the moment I made my resolution to get fit on New Year’s Day 2009, it’s always been about the tech.  My first step, on what has been a long journey, was onto the plastic platform of a Wii Fit.  It took me a couple of months to work up to running again, but shortly after I started hitting the road, I found Nike+. The suite of tech, as it then existed, was comprised of a pedometer insert that fit into the insole of a Nike shoe, a transmitter that attached to the bottom of an iPod, and a website where the collected data could be viewed and shared.

Maybe I’m just a social media victim, but I was instantly hooked by being able to see the collected stats: total miles, average split times. And I also enjoyed placing my progress in the wider context of the site’s community.  I joined challenges, set goals, and even used the coaching features to train for my first half-marathon. I had minor gripes with the rig — lost a few runs, found route mapping awkward, and got tired of having to sync my iPod to transfer results — but overall, I was happy with the system.

As a matter of fact, it’s gotten to the point that any run without the Nike+ seems pointless.  Which is a little frightening.

Now, Nike+ has evolved.

Available for $1.99 thought iTunes, the new Nike+ GPS app does away with the need for sensors and transmitters, by talking to satellites. Available on iOS 4 iPod Touches and iPhones, the app is no longer requires a pedometer, or, interestingly, Nike shoes (although with attachments or pouches you could always attach the old sensor to non-Nike shoes).

The new app interface is easy to set up and use. There are an increased number of options when setting up the feedback you prefer. I haven’t had any glitches when under way in a week of testing.

The real changes to the app become evident when the run is over. At the end of the trail, check out a precise route map that also tracks your pace along the way. And no more need to sync the device with the computer to send the data to the web — this now happens wirelessly. The app provides a bridge to a mobile version of the Nike+ website where you can view your other content like challenges or coaching.

There is still reason to visit the full-blown site to see the really cool animations of your run, with topographic features.

The big catch is that using the app requires you to run with your phone.  For me, an iPhone is a major investment and an essential work tool, so replacing one because I bounced it off the Town Lake running trail or gave it a sweat shower is not a pleasant prospect. Using the Nike+ GPS app meant that I finally had to give in and encase my iPhone.  I’m a naked phone guy, didn’t even get a free bumper for my iPhone 4, so this was a big change.

I have been impressed with the Otter Box Defender case that I got for my son, so when they released a case for the 4 (on special at Amazon for $30) , I snapped it up. Though I’m not crazy about the added bulk or increased traction in my pocket, I really like the fit and feel of this case. The phone is a tight fit in my hydration pack, but the snug fit keeps the phone in place.

I’m curious why there isn’t an option to select my audiobooks from the music menu.  I have to begin playing the audiobook before I fire up the app, then select “now playing.” It seems like an unnecessary step.  I miss being able to pick from the distance and music from past runs that the old system offered. And what’s with the encouraging words from Tracy Morgan? Seems like an odd person to be congratulating me for my longest run yet. Is he a runner?

Overall, I can’t imagine a better piece of gear for the techie runner. Running should be it’s own reward, but with the Nike+ GPS it doesn’t have to be.

Geek out on the trails, Dad.