PJ

Well, I ran for a second time.  I think I knew how to pace myself a little better because I was not as tired at the end of the run (yeah, only .7 miles, I’m getting there.  I’ve never been a runner) and I finished at a faster per mile pace although the iPod won’t show it because I resumed the workout for about 20 seconds after I had stopped which totally messed up my overall time and my per mile time.  I plan on running this loop for the rest of the week then I’ll start adding some more distance to it.  Hopefully I’ll be able to make it to the gym to start lifting weights again also.

Ok, so I’m a sucker for gimmicks, but I bought a pair of Nike running type shoes with the Nike+ system and the iPod connection kit for it and went running yesterday after getting our iPod all configured to collect the data from the sensor.  I do have to say this, it’s a great motivator.

First thing I noticed when I got outside to start running and put my iPod headphones on was that the iPod was talking to me telling me how to trigger the start of the workout.  Great, I clicked the center button and was off running.  I had read in the manual to get an update you could click the center button again so a few minutes into the run I clicked the center button.  The music then faded out and a very pleasant voice told me I had run .29 miles in (and I’m pulling these numbers out of the air) 2 minutes and 20 seconds at a 7 minute and 40 second per mile pace (yes, I know those probably don’t jive, but I don’t feel like doing math now).  The music then came back up and I thought to myself “this is pretty cool.”  Well, I’ve never been much of a runner, I prefer burst sports like basketball, football and soccer and non-cardio endurance sports like golf, so .72 miles later I cruised back to the house and had myself a nice little breather vowing that I will get my conditioning up before the end of the summer. 

This is when I found the second nice feature of the system, it’s synchronization with www.nikeplus.com.  When I docked the iPod I was asked if I wanted to create a nikeplus.com account to store my running data.  Of course I did and uploaded my data.  I was then able to set goals and track my progress.  I set a goal of 12 runs over the next 4 weeks.  I think that is pretty doable and now that it is set I can hold myself to it.  I guess we’ll see how this goes.  I will keep this blog updated with my progress.

Baby Bimonte now has his/her first Dolphins attire in the form of a “Dolphins Fan” bib.  More to come.  Lots more to come.

Well, our biggest home improvement project yet is complete.  We built a 16×12 deck behind the house.  I couldn’t have gotten it done without the help of my brother, my friend Shawn and my neighbors the Congers and the Siddapur’s.  It was a community effort and I think it came out pretty darn good.  Plus it was ready for the 4th of July party!

http://www.bimonte.net/images/house/back.jpg –> Before

http://www.bimonte.net/images/house/deck/deckfinal.jpg –> After