Nike+ iPod Sports Kit has been around for a while, but I just decided to get it after a brief hiatus from the gym for 2 months forced me to try and find motivation in any way I can get it. The Kit comes with a sensor that goes on/in your shoe, and a receiver that is plugged into the iPod Nano (works with 1st, 2nd and 3rd Gen). As your run or walk, the sensor sends information to your iPod, tracking your time, distance, pace, and calories burned.

My competitive spirit says anything that is going to visually show my progress will make me get out and do something. So far, so good because I totally love this thing.

You do need to have an iPod (rumors say that it will work with any mp3 player at some point) and iTunes loaded on your computer, but you don't need the Nike+ running shoes because it works just as well to put it in a pouch attached to any brand sneakers. I got a free shoe pouch with velcro on the back and that's what I use - here is one available at Amazon.com for $6.00.

Put the sensor in/on your shoe, plug the receiver in to an iPod, choose Nike+ iPod and follow the very easy directions. After you have finished your run (or jog in my case), attach the iPod to your computer which will bring up iTunes and sync your run (yes you do have to have iTunes too). Then check the Nike+ website to see a graph of your runs, join the forums, participate in challenges, challenge other people and more - very cool website.

The Nike+ iPod Sport Kit: $29.00 at Amazon.com