Sunday, September 2, 2012

RIP Nike+ GPS Watch (Epic Fail)


I had a great vacation. Included in my “traditional relaxation” I got to run almost every day. Since March 21st of this year running has not been a priority, and I have missed it so. The alternative to running has been caring for my new baby girl which has been quite rewarding as well J.
Last year I started running with a new partner, my Nike+ GPS Watch. This watch has a great display no frills, easy to run w/, reliable and accurate, and the website over the past month has really improved. Over the year, like all partners the watch had a couple missteps, but all in all a great partner. I should probably also note I had always worn Nike shoes, fitted by the great team at Fleet Feet Syracuse and I have been using the Nike running log for over 5 years when I started running.
I had been an early adapter to the Nike+ system using first the attachment to my nano, then the first generation Nike+ Sportband (had to return it twice as sweat would get in the display making it not viewable) and the second generation (sweat or rain got into the display making in not viewable). At this point I hung up the Nike+ products until the GPS watch came out. I had read good reviews including a solid screen that was good in the rain and sweat.
The watch had served me well until my vacation this week and  this is how it went:

Day 1 (in Mexico)
Hot Humid easy 2 mile run on the beach

Day 2
A little hung over, I mean rest day

Day 3
Hot Humid easy 5 mile on treadmill. Post run a circle of water droplets covering two thirds of the display

Day 4
Started with a clear display. Hot Humid easy 3 mile run on treadmill. Post run a circle of water droplets covering two thirds of the display.

Day 5
Started with a clear display. Hot and Humid easy 4 mile run on the tread mill. Post run circles of water droplets covering the whole display. When I got back to the room, the screen was completely blank.

Today
Screen is completely blank but was able to run with the watch. Held the yellow button down for 3 seconds, arrowed down one and pressed the yellow button again. I believe the run was recorded, but am unable to contact the Nike+ site from Nike+ Connect program at this time. Post run the display is covered with water droplets.

I am saddened today that I once again seem to have lost my running partner, and once again will have to abandon the Nike devices with displays. Maybe they’ll get it right in 2013, but I’m going to try not to turn brand loyalty into blind loyalty.

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