MacRumors Official Nike+ November Challenges

[ziwi]

Anyway I can join in the fun? Just got the Nike+ kit and this seems like some great friendly competition. Bought it to see how well I'm doing now and how I can improve my running. FYI, I need a lot of improvement.

I'm new to all this, but I did just make a name on nike.com and put my first run. It was only 3/4s of a mile. That was all the time I had after trying to calibrate the thing for running and walking.

No problem - just send me an email or nike+ account

 

[twoodcc]

No problem - just send me an email or nike+ account

he means that he needs your email address or nike+ id 😉

 

[QCassidy352]

how should i put this.....if the challenge is who can do the most distance in one month, then technically walking would count. if it said, "who can run the farthest with no walking allowed". or something like that, then you might have a reason to ban people from the challenge or call them out or whatever

We can argue about the technical definitions, but IMO, the implication is clear. I suppose if people want to get around that but falling back on technicalities then that's on them.

but the point is, you will always have this problem. the only way to stop it would be to just not invite certain people to the challenge, and we sure don't want that, we want more people, not less.

I don't think that defining the challenge in a certain way (e.g.: the most miles running or walking, as long as done for the purpose of exercise) would exclude anyone.

Look, it's very simple. If these challenges are to be meaningful as competitions then everyone needs to play by the same rules, regardless of what those rules are.

 

[twoodcc]

We can argue about the technical definitions, but IMO, the implication is clear. I suppose if people want to get around that but falling back on technicalities then that's on them.

I don't think that defining the challenge in a certain way (e.g.: the most miles running or walking, as long as done for the purpose of exercise) would exclude anyone.

Look, it's very simple. If these challenges are to be meaningful as competitions then everyone needs to play by the same rules, regardless of what those rules are.

that's right, we can argue this all night long, but clearly no one is budging. i guess it'll just come down to the ones who think you shouldn't walk on one team, while others will be on the other team.

 

[QCassidy352]

I'm not sure how you can believe that it's Ok to have a competition in which not everyone is playing by the same rules.

Counting walking-around miles is a big deal. Let's say I average 1.5 miles/day just walking around (a very reasonable estimate). That's 45 extra miles per month! Having even a couple of people on one team counting those miles completely imbalances the competition.

 

[twoodcc]

I'm not sure how you can believe that it's Ok to have a competition in which not everyone is playing by the same rules.

Counting walking-around miles is a big deal. Let's say I average 1.5 miles/day just walking around (a very reasonable estimate). That's 45 extra miles per month! Having even a couple of people on one team counting those miles completely imbalances the competition.

but i don't look at it that way. if you chose to do that, i'd be fine with it.

i think the whole thing with some people not uploading their miles worse than that anyways. unless they have a valid reason to not upload everyday or so.

but again, there's no point in arguing anymore on these issues. i'm not walking with my sensor for now, so there's nothing to argue about anyways

 

[JimmyDreams]

I'm not sure how you can believe that it's Ok to have a competition in which not everyone is playing by the same rules.

Counting walking-around miles is a big deal. Let's say I average 1.5 miles/day just walking around (a very reasonable estimate). That's 45 extra miles per month! Having even a couple of people on one team counting those miles completely imbalances the competition.

I look at it this way.....someone that would go to the extremes of wearing their Nike+ around all day just to add to their mileage (and just to win) really isn't worth challenging in the first place.

And if you ARE in a challenge and someone insists on adding every possible mile they could by any means necessary just to win...LET 'EM WIN. You, I, and the rest will know that it's a hollow win. Such people have issues.

The idea behind Nike+ is to use it as motivation to exercise, NOT to count the daily steps back and forth from the can or the mailbox or whatever. If it was, they'd show that in the commercials. The commercials clearly show people running and then ENDING the run (and thus ending the Nike+ data). Don't believe me? Look at the Nike+ website itself....it list 'MY RUNS' and 'This is your run' and 'I have completed X runs for a total of...' The Nike+ page makes it pretty clear that the data is for a definable activity (running).

If you SET OUT to exercise (walk or run), put on your Nike+ and record the miles, and take it off when you're done exercising; NOT put it on when you start moving for the day and take it off when you go to bed.

This is just my opinion....I could be wrong (but I'm not!😀)

And on that note, after demolishing my hallway roof for 6 hours as part of a remodel, and with aching knees, I will change, stretch, put on my Nike+ and go run.

Beat the pavement like it owes you money, people!!!😛

 

[Benga101]

Hi guys,

Has anyone here tried the Couch to 5k Running plan?

Is it any good and does it work?

I think I'd do better with a bit of structure, especially to start with.

Thanks.

 

[748s]

Hi guys,

Has anyone here tried the Couch to 5k Running plan?

Is it any good and does it work?

I think I'd do better with a bit of structure, especially to start with.

Thanks.

Jimmydreams talks about it on page 6 of this thread

 

[QCassidy352]

i think the whole thing with some people not uploading their miles worse than that anyways. unless they have a valid reason to not upload everyday or so.

Everyone does that! Even you had something like a 30 mile jump just yesterday.

JimmyDreams, I agree with everything you said. 🙂

Happy running and Happy Thanksgiving all!

 

[twoodcc]

Everyone does that! Even you had something like a 30 mile jump just yesterday.

JimmyDreams, I agree with everything you said. 🙂

Happy running and Happy Thanksgiving all!

actually my girlfriend is the one who had a jump, and it was more like 20 miles. but she usually uploads everyday, but her computer is here at my house. and she's been busy and stuff, so she forgot. but i have always uploaded mine almost everyday.

JimmyDreams, normally i would agree, but maybe you haven't noticed some people on nike+ that does over 150 miles a week. i've seen over 400 miles in a week. how can you even try to compete with that? without totally cheating, you'd have to start walking with your sensor everywhere you go.

i have always been open about when i walk with mine, and no i don't carry it everywhere i go. and no matter what anyone else says, walking is good for my legs, and when i feel i need to walk, then i'll walk.

Happy Thanksgiving and good luck with Turkey Trot!

 

[JimmyDreams]

JimmyDreams, normally i would agree, but maybe you haven't noticed some people on nike+ that does over 150 miles a week. i've seen over 400 miles in a week. how can you even try to compete with that? without totally cheating, you'd have to start walking with your sensor everywhere you go.

These people are obviously cheating and/or sharing sensors among multiple users. I doubt even professional marathon runners log 50+ miles every day for over a week.

Like I said...yes, there are people out there like that. Ignore them and let them win. EVERYONE know they're cheating, why join them? Two wrongs don't make a right. (although two Wrights DID make an airplane!)

Happy Thanksgiving and good luck with Turkey Trot!

And to you too! (insert gobble gobble sounds here)

 

[JimmyDreams]

Hi guys,

Has anyone here tried the Couch to 5k Running plan?

Is it any good and does it work?

I think I'd do better with a bit of structure, especially to start with.

Thanks.

That's the program I'm on. I just started week 3 yesterday.

Here's my assessment: It's a damn good program for someone who's out of shape or can't run 1/4 mile without having Lifeflight on full alert.😉 I love it.

It does start off kind of slow, but trust me, you get used to each stage VERY quickly and the progression isn't hard at all. It IS hard, however, not to try and 'jump ahead' in the program!! They advise not doing it and I don't do it either. I add about .25+ mile walk at the end and I add 5 or 10 seconds to each 'run' portion of the program, but that's it. But if you need this kind of program, chances are your body needs this slow progression to handle the stress (heart, legs, knees, etc).....jumping ahead is asking for injury.

I can see myself running 5K EASILY at the end of this program. After that, I can work on adding distance and speed. But for a 43 year old ex-smoker carrying around an extra 30+ lbs.....it's a GREAT way to go.

Let me know how you're doing if you start it.😀😀😀

 

[ieani]

Alright ive been MIA since day one of this month due to the insane schedule I keep being premed and working every hour I can to pay for it.

BUT

I happened to remember the big challenge today so im heading out in the 30 degree weather to see what I can do.

I am universltravlr btw

EDIT: And my ipod is apparently dead, $*#@!

Just the battery! So i gave it a quick charge and my run is up.

 

[twoodcc]

That's the program I'm on. I just started week 3 yesterday.

Here's my assessment: It's a damn good program for someone who's out of shape or can't run 1/4 mile without having Lifeflight on full alert.😉 I love it.

It does start off kind of slow, but trust me, you get used to each stage VERY quickly and the progression isn't hard at all. It IS hard, however, not to try and 'jump ahead' in the program!! They advise not doing it and I don't do it either. I add about .25+ mile walk at the end and I add 5 or 10 seconds to each 'run' portion of the program, but that's it. But if you need this kind of program, chances are your body needs this slow progression to handle the stress (heart, legs, knees, etc).....jumping ahead is asking for injury.

I can see myself running 5K EASILY at the end of this program. After that, I can work on adding distance and speed. But for a 43 year old ex-smoker carrying around an extra 30+ lbs.....it's a GREAT way to go.

Let me know how you're doing if you start it.😀😀😀

glad to see the program is working for you. good luck with it and i hope you continue your running afterwards 🙂

These people are obviously cheating and/or sharing sensors among multiple users. I doubt even professional marathon runners log 50+ miles every day for over a week.

Like I said...yes, there are people out there like that. Ignore them and let them win. EVERYONE know they're cheating, why join them? Two wrongs don't make a right. (although two Wrights DID make an airplane!)

And to you too! (insert gobble gobble sounds here)

yeah, they gotta be cheating somehow. but even the ones doing 200 miles a week or whatever, they can't be doing that much. especially when they say they are running "just for fun". anyways, i don't know about some people, but i do want to make the leaderboard, without cheating. and i don't feel like walking or playing football with my sensor is cheating.

Alright ive been MIA since day one of this month due to the insane schedule I keep being premed and working every hour I can to pay for it.

BUT

I happened to remember the big challenge today so im heading out in the 30 degree weather to see what I can do.

I am universltravlr btw

EDIT: And my ipod is apparently dead, $*#@!

Just the battery! So i gave it a quick charge and my run is up.

congrats on a nice run! 😉

 

[iDAG]

These people are obviously cheating and/or sharing sensors among multiple users. I doubt even professional marathon runners log 50+ miles every day for over a week.

Like I said...yes, there are people out there like that. Ignore them and let them win. EVERYONE know they're cheating, why join them? Two wrongs don't make a right. (although two Wrights DID make an airplane!)

Are there people in our challenge doing this?!? That would make me mad after this month being "low" for how many miles I normally do.

 

[Benga101]

That's the program I'm on. I just started week 3 yesterday.

Here's my assessment: It's a damn good program for someone who's out of shape or can't run 1/4 mile without having Lifeflight on full alert.😉 I love it.

It does start off kind of slow, but trust me, you get used to each stage VERY quickly and the progression isn't hard at all. It IS hard, however, not to try and 'jump ahead' in the program!! They advise not doing it and I don't do it either. I add about .25+ mile walk at the end and I add 5 or 10 seconds to each 'run' portion of the program, but that's it. But if you need this kind of program, chances are your body needs this slow progression to handle the stress (heart, legs, knees, etc).....jumping ahead is asking for injury.

I can see myself running 5K EASILY at the end of this program. After that, I can work on adding distance and speed. But for a 43 year old ex-smoker carrying around an extra 30+ lbs.....it's a GREAT way to go.

Let me know how you're doing if you start it.😀😀😀

I knew I'd heard of it before - must of been on here.

Thanks for the feedback.

Well, I'd consider my self out of shape so sounds like a good plan for me. I didn't go much more than a mile (with lots of walking) and I was knackered. Just got to calibrate my Nike+ and I'll be set.

How do you judge the time - Looking at you watch every 30 seconds to see if you should be running or walking doesn't seem like the best solution when you should be out for 20 minutes. Is there any way to get the iPod to beep or otherwise tell you the time in 30 second intervals?

 

[iDAG]

I knew I'd heard of it before - must of been on here.

Thanks for the feedback.

Well, I'd consider my self out of shape so sounds like a good plan for me. I didn't go much more than a mile (with lots of walking) and I was knackered. Just got to calibrate my Nike+ and I'll be set.

How do you judge the time - Looking at you watch every 30 seconds to see if you should be running or walking doesn't seem like the best solution when you should be out for 20 minutes. Is there any way to get the iPod to beep or otherwise tell you the time in 30 second intervals?

I don't know how and if you can make the iPod tell you every 30 seconds or whatever time but if you press the center button then that tells you the time and distance.

 

[QCassidy352]

actually my girlfriend is the one who had a jump, and it was more like 20 miles. but she usually uploads everyday, but her computer is here at my house. and she's been busy and stuff, so she forgot. but i have always uploaded mine almost everyday.

You definitely jumped 30 miles in one day. I don't have a problem with uploading several days at once, but you did go up 30 miles yesterday. From 108 to 138.

Are there people in our challenge doing this?!? That would make me mad after this month being "low" for how many miles I normally do.

There's no way to know. We have to operate on the honor system and assume that people are not so desperate to win that they would stoop so low.

 

[748s]

Are there people in our challenge doing this?!? That would make me mad after this month being "low" for how many miles I normally do.

Yes. A person has admitted to walking to win distance challenges.
It's.......winning is above all else.

Some people, for various reasons, can't run.
Nike+ adds a bit more motivation for them too.
They should be encouraged to join up with Nike+ and keep walking.
Walking is their regular workout and is very beneficial for them.

I'm amused when a person can run 5k under 15 minutes but has a Nike+ career average around 10 minutes per kilometre due to the amount of walking done to increase distance for challenges.

There are posts through the various nike+ threads that can give you the details.

I'm guilty of walking also. In march or april I walked about 10KM on a treadmill as part of a training program, while using nike+. I didn't like it. It was doing nothing for me. Since then all Nike+ Kilometres have been run.

Running suits me.........I'm hooked on the endorphins😛
I'm running because it gives me mental and physical challenges.

 

[twoodcc]

You definitely jumped 30 miles in one day. I don't have a problem with uploading several days at once, but you did go up 30 miles yesterday. From 108 to 138.

There's no way to know. We have to operate on the honor system and assume that people are not so desperate to win that they would stoop so low.

no, i definitely went up each day. maybe you just didn't notice. i have been uploading everyday this week b/c of another challenge i'm in also.

i don't see any "stooping" involved. but call it what you will.

Yes. A person has admitted to walking to win distance challenges.
It's.......winning is above all else.

Some people, for various reasons, can't run.
Nike+ adds a bit more motivation for them too.
They should be encouraged to join up with Nike+ and keep walking.
Walking is their regular workout and is very beneficial for them.

I'm amused when a person can run 5k under 15 minutes but has a Nike+ career average around 10 minutes per kilometre due to the amount of walking done to increase distance for challenges.

There are posts through the various nike+ threads that can give you the details.

I'm guilty of walking also. In march or april I walked about 10KM on a treadmill as part of a training program, while using nike+. I didn't like it. It was doing nothing for me. Since then all Nike+ Kilometres have been run.

Running suits me.........I'm hooked on the endorphins😛
I'm running because it gives me mental and physical challenges.

yeah, i've walked, played basketball and football with my sensor. i call say it's part of my training if i want. i think everyone should do it. walking is good for your legs. i play basketball and football for quickness, and to work different muscles that i don't use while running.

 

[748s]

What do people do to make their legs stronger.
I'm running 59 minute 10k's now.
At 10k I'm not breathing hard at all and my heart rate is 105.
But my legs are getting very tired and exhausted.

Longest run I've done is 17.54 KM. The last 2k I could hardly lift my legs.
If I had have gone further my legs would have locked up.

Weights? running up steeper hills? or both?
It could be ageing or cardio-peripheral disease?
I think I just need more work but what?

 

[ziwi]

What do people do to make their legs stronger.
I'm running 59 minute 10k's now.
At 10k I'm not breathing hard at all and my heart rate is 105.
But my legs are getting very tired and exhausted.

Longest run I've done is 17.54 KM. The last 2k I could hardly lift my legs.
If I had have gone further my legs would have locked up.

Weights? running up steeper hills? or both?
It could be ageing or cardio-peripheral disease?
I think I just need more work but what?

On off days - weight training is a good thing. Hill training and interval training is also something that should be worked into the regimen for increased speed and stamina. I remember when i started a year ago same boat with the times - it was like 9:30 miles and now I have improved my speed to get more efficiency out of the workout. It was a gradual change nothing drastic like 12+ seconds off in a month, but I set goals to run x number of runs under times each month to force the interval and faster workouts. Perseverance is the key here.
Good luck - and don't get tired until Dec. 1st...😉

I was guilty of not uploading but once or twice a month in the summer - sold my G5 so I only uploaded when I was at my cousins since the iPod was formatted for Mac. Waited for the new Mac Pro which has not shown up - so I upload when I can - I used to be daily, but circumstances for me are different now. I have been more regular since getting the stop-gap Mini - I usually try to hit it 2x a week when I am not running - usually it is a morning run then back on the iPod thing in the kitchen and shower and work. Don't see how that is cheating - cheating to me would be like if anyone wanted to they could have a fantastic increase in speed over a months time by just calibrating the sensor lower. But what would the point of that be? Someone said above - a hollow victory...I would agree. Cheating to me is actually cheating. If a tree falls in the woods and no one hears it...so basically if the miles are run...I for one am pretty consistent with the miles I run a month - except for August when I did not even do 100. This month with this challenge it is making me do more than I want to - I like to have 2 days off a week, but you folks won't allow it!!! 😉 Ease up. 🙂

I felt surprised today to see I won a 5K here with a time of 18:50 - but hey - I feel good about it too. I actually have a real one tomorrow that I have been quietly training for so this was a good feeler.

 

[QCassidy352]

i don't see any "stooping" involved. but call it what you will.

The "stooping" comment was not in reference to you or anyone else. I was saying that I do NOT think anyone in these challenges has cheated in the sense I thought that post was talking about.

What do people do to make their legs stronger.

These days, I just let my running take care of making my legs stronger. In the past I have lifted weights, used a stationary bike, and done plyometrics.
IMO plyometric exercises are the best. They are things like split squats or squat thrusts done only with your own body weight, so there is no danger of overloading your muscles, as could happen in a weight room. They also work your legs like you wouldn't believe. Even when I was young and spry (😉) in high school a few sets of exercises, 10 reps each, would be a fantastic workout for my legs.

This month with this challenge it is making me do more than I want to - I like to have 2 days off a week, but you folks won't allow it!!! 😉 Ease up. 🙂

Team QC appreciates your sacrifice! Don't overdo it and hurt yourself though.

I felt surprised today to see I won a 5K here with a time of 18:50 - but hey - I feel good about it too. I actually have a real one tomorrow that I have been quietly training for so this was a good feeler.

Congratulations, that's a great time and a nice win! And good luck with your race. 🙂

 

[twoodcc]

What do people do to make their legs stronger.
I'm running 59 minute 10k's now.
At 10k I'm not breathing hard at all and my heart rate is 105.
But my legs are getting very tired and exhausted.

Longest run I've done is 17.54 KM. The last 2k I could hardly lift my legs.
If I had have gone further my legs would have locked up.

Weights? running up steeper hills? or both?
It could be ageing or cardio-peripheral disease?
I think I just need more work but what?

ziwi gave you good advice. if you do weights, just do very light weight, nothing really heavy. but the main thing is being consistent. you should at least have 1 internal day a week. the problem is the acid build-up in your legs. the only thing you can do is train your body to deal with it.

On off days - weight training is a good thing. Hill training and interval training is also something that should be worked into the regimen for increased speed and stamina. I remember when i started a year ago same boat with the times - it was like 9:30 miles and now I have improved my speed to get more efficiency out of the workout. It was a gradual change nothing drastic like 12+ seconds off in a month, but I set goals to run x number of runs under times each month to force the interval and faster workouts. Perseverance is the key here.
Good luck - and don't get tired until Dec. 1st...😉

I was guilty of not uploading but once or twice a month in the summer - sold my G5 so I only uploaded when I was at my cousins since the iPod was formatted for Mac. Waited for the new Mac Pro which has not shown up - so I upload when I can - I used to be daily, but circumstances for me are different now. I have been more regular since getting the stop-gap Mini - I usually try to hit it 2x a week when I am not running - usually it is a morning run then back on the iPod thing in the kitchen and shower and work. Don't see how that is cheating - cheating to me would be like if anyone wanted to they could have a fantastic increase in speed over a months time by just calibrating the sensor lower. But what would the point of that be? Someone said above - a hollow victory...I would agree. Cheating to me is actually cheating. If a tree falls in the woods and no one hears it...so basically if the miles are run...I for one am pretty consistent with the miles I run a month - except for August when I did not even do 100. This month with this challenge it is making me do more than I want to - I like to have 2 days off a week, but you folks won't allow it!!! 😉 Ease up. 🙂

I felt surprised today to see I won a 5K here with a time of 18:50 - but hey - I feel good about it too. I actually have a real one tomorrow that I have been quietly training for so this was a good feeler.

now that is understandable for not uploading everyday or whatever. cheating is doing basically anything to give you an advantage over others. an unfair advantage, and holding back how many miles your doing is one of them, in my opinion. if all i do is upload every so often, but watch what everyone else is doing, i know how much i need to run to win, while no one else knows that.

good job with your 5k, and good luck with your real one. let us know how it goes 😎