One thing, and one thing only, got Jim Stritzinger to take up running. It wasn’t new running shoes or a desire to trim down or get away from the computer, he says.
It was a small sensor in his shoe that he is not even aware of anymore.
Stritzinger, 45, belongs to a growing number of fitness fanatics who rely on wireless technology to monitor workouts, offering them real-time coaching and a social network. Where pedometers once ruled exercise gadgets, these virtual workout buddies are taking off and adding more capabilities (prices range from $50 to $700).
Adidas introduces one this month (miCoach Pacer, $139) that could give the Nike+ model Stritzinger uses a run for its money.
Three devices are among the top 100 sports and outdoor products sold at amazon.com.
A Shout-Out from Lance
Amy Reinink of Silver Spring, Md., a runner and running blogger, says, “These devices are standard issue for serious recreational runners who do marathons or half marathons.” She wears a Garmin for its accuracy measuring distance.
While Stritzinger is pounding the pavement and listening to music playlists, the Nike+ sensor ($30) sends information to an application on his iPod, allowing him to hear audible updates about how far he has run and how fast. A bonus: He gets a shout-out from Lance Armstrong through his iPod when he needs a boost.
“I joke with my sons that I ran with Lance today,” Stritzinger says. “Trust me, I work a little harder when Lance tells me to step it up. He busts my butt.”
An electrical engineer in Columbia, S.C., he says the technology spoke to him when he was shopping with his teenagers. A novice to running until March 2008, he now runs 40 miles a week and will run a Feb. 13 qualifier for the 2011 Boston Marathon.
“I really want to improve…