I hate running. On the rare occasion that I feel motivated to actually go to the gym, the time I spend on the treadmill to stay in shape always seems to drag. But the Nike + iPod Sport Kit has changed all that — it's managed to change a dreaded experience into an inspiring daily challenge I now look forward to.

Created in a joint effort between the slicksters at Nike and Apple, the Nike + iPod Sport Kit sends data about your run to your iPod while you listen to your favorite music. The kit consists of a small transmitter that plugs into an iPod nano (and only the nano) and a sensor made to fit under the insole of a Nike running shoe. The two pieces communicate wirelessly with each other using a proprietary radio-frequency system that works on the unregulated 2.4-GHz range — the same as Bluetooth, but a different protocol. The sensor itself has a poorly designed on/off button that you can turn off when you fly, but it gives you no visual indication that it's actually off.

If you know how to use an iPod, you already know how to use the Nike+ kit. I inserted the wireless receiver into the nano and stuck the sensor in my shoe. My iPod didn't recognize the Nike+ receiver on my first setup attempt; it turned out I needed to install the most recent firmware update (this is clearly stated in the manual, I later realized). After a quick download and install, the menu on the nano now displayed the "Nike+" menu and quickly found the transmitter. Nike would like you to believe the sensor will only work when placed under the insole of a Nike shoe that the kit was specially designed for, but mine worked like magic tucked inside the label on the tongue of my New Balance 574s (it's the orange thing peeking out in the photo below).

First-time use requires you calibrate the unit by entering your weight (this is the first time I've been truthful about this in years) into the iPod and running for a couple of minutes with the sensor on. After the initial calibration, I chose the number of calories I wanted to burn (you can also choose distance, time, or an open-ended run) and cued up my special running playlist. A female voice (you can choose a male voice, if you prefer) prompted me to begin my run immediately after the music started. This voice continued to call out progress during the workout about every 10 minutes and then more frequently as I approached my goal of 400 calories. You can also hear your progress at any time by pressing the center button on the nano.

While the voice that speaks your progress is encouraging, the kit also gives you the option to designate any song on your iPod as your "power song." Now when I need my second wind, I can hold down the center button of the nano and the music immediately switches to "Stick It To the Pimp" by Peaches. This feature works wonders during my last couple of miles. It was a lovely surprise to hear the voice of Lance Armstrong, one of the product's spokesmen, congratulating me "for burning a serious amount of calories" after one of my runs.

One of the best parts of the kit is the Nike+ website. Upon returning home from the gym, I synced the nano to my computer and watch as iTunes automatically uploaded my distance, time, pace, and caloric burn to the Nike+ server. Slick, easy-to-read line graphs on the Nike+ website let you see a detailed chart of your individual runs as well as your overall long-term progress. The site also allows you to set goals, chart progress, and, if you're really brave, compete with other runners. It's gratifying to compare charts of my previous runs to current ones to see exactly how much I'm progressing. The data is also kept on the iPod itself, and you can view information like the total number of miles you've run and your best mile time on the fly.

At $29, the kit isn't that expensive, but you need have an iPod nano — no other iPod models support it right now. It's also necessary to get a holster or armband, unless you want to hold onto your nano during your run. I purchased a Nike+ Sport armband for $30, which was custom made to hold the nano and the wireless receiver and allows me to use the buttons and clickwheel from the outside while protecting the iPod from sweat. Although the entire package will run you a little more than $200, depending on what capacity nano you buy, it's still much cheaper than a personal trainer.

Within a three-week period, my exhausting 2-mile runs where I never broke a 10-minute mile and had my finger glued to that Power Song button most of the way have increased to 4.5-mile runs at an average 8-minute-mile pace. I'm actually planning on running in a 5k race next month, something I'd have never considered doing just a few weeks ago. If you already own an iPod nano, what a better way to give it some extra functionality by staying in shape with the help of an inspiring and motivating electronic coach. — Michelle Melton