Nike+ GPS Is A Perfect Marathon Training Partner

Posted by Greg Dawson on January 23rd, 2012
iPhone & Apple Watch App - Designed for iPhone and Apple Watch, compatible with iPad

The Nike+ GPS app is not only one of my favorite running partners, but its predecessor Nike+ was crucial in getting me across the finish line of my first marathon. For first-time and veteran runners, Nike+ GPS is a great addition to their workout as it features a simple interface, tracks all the good stuff such as calories, distance and pace as well as includes various half and full marathon training guides on its companion site.

As for my first 26.2 mile adventure, I finished the 2007 Chicago Marathon with a heat index of 92 degrees and the only thing that got me through to the finish line was my playlist and my running tracker, the original Nike+ that had the sensor in the shoe and one connected to my now old school iPod Nano.


These days, I use the Nike+ GPS app and if I pull the app dashboard up it has a total of 801.2 miles, 9'43" average pace, 129:43:19 duration, 110,245 calories burned in a total of 226 runs. That doesn't include a lot of the other runs I have on other apps or 2007-2008, but still shows how much I've used it. I also finished the Phoenix Marathon in 2010.

Why I choose to use the Nike+ GPS app is mainly due to being able to get slaps on the back by famous athletes such as Lance Armstrong and others via the in-app feedback function. I remember way back in the day when I ran my fastest mile and Lance came over my headphones and said congratulations. I was hooked.

A few updates later and now it features a slew of other voices as well as one of the coolest features I've seen in an app: the ability to challenge friends. My nephew (who is in the Air Force) and I use it quite a bit. Even better, it offers a blind challenge option where the challenger can create the challenge with or without the other person being able to see how far or fast the other person ran.

The reason why Nike+ GPS is a great marathon training partner is that it is very easy to track weekly runs, check that my pace was on track during and after my runs as well as set goals for myself be it running farther, longer or fast. And again, the elite athletes giving a verbal pat on the back is pretty sweet. Pair the app with its companion site Nike+ and the runner can also take advantage of training programs for 5K, half marathon and full marathon among others.

The app and the site are an essential part of my running training schedule. I give all credit to it for the two marathons and half marathons I've run and continue to use it to challenge my nephew on a regular basis. I highly recommend it as a running partner and or coach.

Nike Run Club: Running Coach

iPhone & Apple Watch App - Designed for iPhone and Apple Watch, compatible with iPad
Released: 2010-09-06 :: Category: Game

FREE!

iPhone Screenshots

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Nike Run Club: Running Coach screenshot 1 Nike Run Club: Running Coach screenshot 2 Nike Run Club: Running Coach screenshot 3 Nike Run Club: Running Coach screenshot 4 Nike Run Club: Running Coach screenshot 5

Apple Watch Screenshots

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Nike Run Club: Running Coach screenshot 6 Nike Run Club: Running Coach screenshot 7 Nike Run Club: Running Coach screenshot 8 Nike Run Club: Running Coach screenshot 9 Nike Run Club: Running Coach screenshot 10
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