Last year, a friend hipped me to the Nike+ system and I ran 250 miles. This year, I'm on pace to eclipse 500.

Here's how it works: The sensor, which goes in your sneaker, records how far and fast you're running. It relays that info, in real time, to the receiver, which plugs in to your Ipod. The watch (optional) is a remote that allows you to control your music and get feedback while you're hoofing it. After a run, you connect your Ipod to Itunes and your workout data gets uploaded to the Nike+ website where you can track your runs, set goals and compete in races against other Nike+ runners.

The receiver+sensor combo retails for $29 and the watch ($79) was a Christmas gift. The Ipod ran me $150 and my New Balance 768s were $110. By the time I'm done running this year, the cost of my set-up will be a measly $2-and-change per workout.

My respect goes out to the creatives and techs behind this cross-platform project. It's more than a gadget. It's an integrated hardware / software / textile / web development / graphic design / animation solution that's fun to use and good for you.