Sportsister was lucky enough to get a sneak preview of the new Nike runners App and took it for a test run last night ahead of the official launch.

As a runner who does not listen to music, does not wear a watch and has given up trying to map every run through online sites, I reckon this could just be the perfect, no-fuss, simple solution for keeping a log of my running.

My training has literally just started for next year’s half marathon in Bath, so the timing is perfect too. Personally I like to take it easy in the summer and enjoy running without the worry of how far or how fast, so now that autumn has arrived it’s time for me to start paying a bit more attention to the miles I’m clocking up.

The test

I downloaded the app – easy peasy ! I’ve only just got an iPhone and am a bit of a technophobe, so if I can do it anyone can!

I usually wear a waist bag when I run and always carry my phone as I run on my own mostly and often off-road so it’s a bit of a security blanket for me. So it was not an extra burden to have my phone with me, although some runners who don’t usually carry their phone may find it is. Although arm pouches are available so you can strap your iPhone to your arm just as you would an iPod.

Starting the app could not be easier – after a basic set-up of age, weight etc you are all ready to get going.

So out of the door and onto the run, simply press ‘start a New Run’ , you then have a choice of:

Basic (no set time or distance), Time (against the clock) or Distance (run a set distance). I chose Basic as it was pouring with rain and I was not up for a big commitment.

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More technology on Sportsister:

ProFeet Run Fit ^[1]

Map My Tracks App ^[2]

Buyers guide : Clipless pedals ^[3]

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The next step just checks your default settings: Music (with or without) no music in my case – I like to hear the birds and the wind in the trees! And Location (indoors or out?) Obviously out in my case. And then you are off, press the arrow and away you go. I would say it took me about 5 minutes to get it started – brilliant.

My run was recorded as 5.2 miles, I didn’t check it on the way round, but decided to trust it was working till I got back. My run was mainly on trails, but a bit of road too, I reckon the distance was pretty accurate, but it will need further testing on some tried and tested distances to check that.

After I had stopped, I noticed a small ’View Map’ option on the screen, pressing that shows you where you are – again this is great and so easy to use - hopefully this will be useful on some of my longer runs in the country when I have been known to get lost.

I now have that run logged in my phone and can download it onto my computer too – I probably won’t – this is enough technology for me. But I like to know how far I have gone and it will be great being able to access the map too. All-in-all for me this is perfect, and a bargain price too. I can’t see why I would need anything more for my level of running.

The technical low-down

Nike+ GPS App for the Apple iPhone™, the first “Runners’ App” engineered to operate seamlessly between GPS and an accelerometer for an accurate, motivating and entertaining runner’s tool.

The new Nike+ GPS App allows runners to visually map every run while tracking pace, distance, time and calories-burned as well as stay motivated with instant feedback The app also connects runners around the world or just down the street through www.nikeplus.com ^[4], the largest running community in the world with more than 3 million members.

The Nike+ GPS app allows runners to:

Run Anywhere: From indoor to outdoor, track to treadmill, this new app combines the power of GPS technology with an accelerometer to map and track a run from anywhere. Even if the GPS signal is not available, thanks to the accelerometer the Nike+ GPS App continues to track pace, distance, time and calories-burned.

Map Your Runs: The GPS technology within the new Nike+ GPS App allows runners to keep track all of their routes including a breakdown of pace and distance at different points during a run. Runners can even tap the screen during a run to see their current location.

Challenge Yourself: The “Challenge Me” feature on the Nike+ GPS App allows runners to challenge themselves to run farther, faster, or longer than a previous run already logged. The app will also track run history to be able to personalize challenges.

Stay Connected: Runners can wirelessly connect with www.nikeplus.com ^[4] after each run to instantly save the run and share it with friends via the site, Twitter, or Facebook. In addition, they can view their progress on goals, participate in running challenges and download coaching programs.

Stay Motivated: Runners receive motivating messages from top athletes and celebrities when specific customized goals are achieved, challenges are won, or when a personal best is achieved. Runners can also tap the iPhone screen to receive in-run feedback.

The new iPod touch (4^th generation) is compatible, too, joining the iPod touch (2^nd and 3^rd generations), iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 – all running iOS 4.0 or later. The iPhone is required for mapping functionality.

The Nike+ GPS App will be available in English on the Apple iTunes App Store for £1.19 from today

Danielle Sellwood, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine