As we all know, long distance runners are lonely. You’re out there on your own, feet hitting the pavement, strange birds pecking at your hair as you scramble up and down alien streets at dawn or dusk. It’s good to have friends out there. That’s the goal of this new iPhone app, called Runens, a goal that, I feel, so far falls short. You set a goal level – 5K, 10K, Ultramarathon – and then “share” your runs with with the app. It ranks you according to miles run and speed and you can have “hood fights” which are battles between neighborhoods. The goal of this app is similar to JoggingBuddy.com’ – essentially the socialization of a usually stoic, solitary endeavor – but, obviously, this thing is app-based and is, thus far, a bit barren in the social aspect. → Read More
Why, oh why, did these lady deprived dudes, not only create the system to physically run in World of Warcraft, but then film themselves for all of us to make fun of them. Why? via Gizmodo → Read More
I’m a big fan of Nike and have been since I was a kid. One of the many perks of growing up in Oregon meant you probably knew someone who worked at Nike, which meant you could get stuff at the employee store for cheap. I might have to hit up some friends when the latest Nike+ product makes its way into stores. The FCC has revealed the SportBand which connects to a bracelet that syncs with your Nike+ shoes and completely eliminates Apple and the iPod. When you’re done with your runs, simply plug in to your computer over USB and check out your stats. I’ve started running again so this might actually be worthwhile for me. → Read More
Many, many, many years ago, I made peace with the fact that I’ll never run a marathon. It was an easy decision because I find running excessive distances to be painful and boring. It’s just not for me. I admire people who can do it, though. The New York Times has an interesting article about a marathon rule that forbids the use of music players in the name of safety and fair competition. Those of you who are destined to run a marathon some day or who have already completed a marathon, I ask you; how would you feel if your digital audio player was either confiscated from you before the race started (and shipped home) or if you were disqualified in the middle of the race for hiding a tiny iPod in a crevice of some type? Rule Jostles Runners Who Race to Their Own Tune [New York Times] → Read More
I had an incredible opportunity to visit the Reebok campus and see what effect the Adidas takeover had on the company and its vision for the future. What they showed me blew my mind. When the Spring ’08 lineup hits stores, you’ll find me first in line somewhere in Manhattan. Two separate lines of running shoes will change your mind about the current state of running shoes and what you’ve been putting on your feet. Reebok is going back to the basics and they’re going to kick some ass. Welcome SmoothFit and HexRide. → Read More
Following the success of the Nike+iPod Sport Kit that’s taken the running world by storm is the Amp+ watch that commandeers your iPod nano while you’re jogging off that flab. It even has a fancy scrolling LED giving you updates on your workout. We’re still unsure of the official release, but you can check out the manual and test results in the mean time. Now get up and run, fatty. FCC Filing → Read More
Overall, I’d definitely say the Apple/Nike deal is a success. With the world’s largest shoe manufacturer teaming up with the maker of the most popular MP3 player, it was already a match made in heaven. Now Nike has announced that users of the Nike+ system have logged over 22 million miles. That’s enough running to go around the world and back for a stop at In-N-Out Burger. Currently, Nike is planning on adding a slew of new features to the official Nike+iPod website this summer, including virtual marathons and challenges to keep things interesting. With the country getting fatter and bored with everyday exercise, this is a fantastic way to keep fit and enjoy yourself. Beating a personal goal is fun, but kicking someone else’s ass is much more fun. 22 million miles logged by Nike+iPod runners [iLounge] → Read More
It’s amazing where people will take their music player, but few activities are better suited to music listening than exercising. Whether you’re getting your exercise ya-yas out in the water, on dry land, on wheels, indoors, or out in the snow, there’s a product out there that can help you rock out while you sweat. Here’s a rundown of my favorite audio-related fitness products, broken down by activity. → Read More
Mmmmm… lube-y. I’ve been a runner since sophomore year in college. It was easy to take up and easy to do — just go in a straight line and don’t fall — and aside from a few years of Kenpo Karate and some bouts at the gym I did very little else in terms of real exercise. I felt happy that I could run two miles, come home, shower, and get on with my day. But I felt something was missing, and it was the challenge. → Read More
Summer is around the corner and, although it may not look like it outside, you might soon want to walk on the beach with your shirt off and not have Greenpeace try to roll you back into the surf. That’s why CG is running a full set of fitness features — round-ups, advice, and great tech tips — to help you prepare for warmer weather. Let’s face it. The CG crew consists of a bunch of overweight, pasty dudes who blog in their pajamas. What right do we have to tell you how to get and stay fit this Spring? Luckily, we enrolled the help of a few fairly fit people and, since I’m running a marathon in June feel compelled to tell you what does and doesn’t work before you hit mile 10 with a broken iPod in your pocket. Read on and let’s all lose a few, feel better, and let the summer sun glint off of our oiled, muscled biceps. Whoa… did I just type that? → Read More
