How to combine music and social media to run farther? #nike #iPod
How hard could it be to keep the motivation to run? Millions of people are running every day all over the world but billions are not running at all, so what about you...?
I'm not a runner addict, I just consider myself as a regular one, this week I did my 100th run with my Nike+ and iPod kit. I realize this kit helps me to stay motivated and maybe it is the small plus that pushes me to wear my running shoes some early morning when I'm tired.
This kit is the smart combination of a sensor located in one my Nike+ shoe, an iPod with a receiver and an account on a Nike website to track, store and share my workouts. There are for sure plenty of other solutions on the market but I feel this one works well for me, I'm going to explain why.
Music makes you running faster and farther
Music helps me to procure greater pleasure to run, sometimes I create a playlist according to my mood but usually I prefer just shuffle energizing rhythm tracks. If I need a boost I can play a pre-selected "Power Song" by just pushing one single button, it works well to find energy to break a personal record. It seems it's not a myth and studies here and here shown that music helps to increase endurance by 15%.
Track your progress
During the course the coach's voice keeps me inform about my goal, usually time but can be distance or calorie. After my workout I upload data to the Nike+ portal by synchronizing the iPod with itunes. It's a very nice way to monitor progress and of course seeing the total miles counter incrementing on the dashboard contributes to my motivation.
I also configured at the beginning of this year my 2009 resolutions: 9 runs per month, it's not too much and so far I always reach it, even months when I had to travel or work with a short deadline. Actually, it's also good to see a new year resolution keep going after Spring ;-)
Share your performance
As part of the social networking revolution, runners can share their performances with the Nike+ Community and it is possible to virtually compete with other people. So far I don't do that, I just broadcast my runs and my (few :-) trophies on Facebook but I think sharing own experience with friends may be also a good way to motivate them. And last but not the least, it's very motivating to receive encouragements and may be stimulate you to keep going.
On top of that, running makes me feel better and it is the best way I found to control my stress. It's the first reason that makes me start running but Nike+ and iPod are maybe what make me keep going. What do you think? Where do you find your motivation?
