I don’t want to get off on the wrong foot with any readers, but I have to admit, I love the Nike+ iPod gadget.

Most of the time I don’t even listen to music, but I keep my sensor attached to my shoe with velcro (save yourself $100), and I wear the iPod on my arm and I get the satisfaction of tracking my mileage and pace and calories burned without the guesswork.

Today the technology upped its cool factor. Through Nike, my friend Elda participated in the San Francisco Nike+ Women’s Half Marathon — in Santa Barbara. She sent in her entry fee and ran 13.1 miles today. After she syncs her iPod to her computer, they’ll send her the race T-shirt and the finisher’s prize — a Tiffany keychain.

Do I think this is better than being at the race? No. But if you’re a recreational runner, it’s darn neat.

What’s the point? Here’s why Nike said they did it: “Nike wanted to create a virtual event for runners of all ages and experience levels that couldn’t make it to San Francisco to participate in The Nike Women’s Marathon, yet also help raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.”

Races, whether they’re real or virtual, give us a very real reason to get out of bed and put in the miles. Congrats to Elda for completing her first virtual half marathon. Thanks for letting me tag along for 8 miles.