Getting in shape… with Nike and Apple
2006 was a crappy year to say the least with regard to health issues. I got sick with what I assumed was just food poisoning in August. However things never seemed to get better and over the course of 4 months I've lost 40 pounds. The doctors have run every blood test known to man, I've had cameras in places I could have gone my whole life happy to have never had filmed, and yet all the doctors can tell me is all the numbers and tests say I'm healthy. I guess nausea, weight loss, headache, and upset stomach is just normal. So I started looking at my lifestyle and decided to make several changes. I haven't had any alcohol or caffeine, and limited refined sugars since this all started. I've also decided to get back into shape and get a bit more cardio back into my routine (guess the 12oz curls, and right clicking drills I was doing just don't cut it).
I was never much of a runner, but did get a lot of exercise skateboarding growing up. However when I heard about Apple and Nike partnering up and adding some cool technology to the mix I started thinking that maybe the gadget is just what I need to keep me interested. So I got an iPod Nano and a pair of Nike AirMax 90+ shoes for Christmas from my wife (thank you Dionne). Once I had the gear it was time to try it all out. I have to say so far the geek in me is definitely helping. Nike and apple have put together a very impressive partnership. I set up my playlist in iTunes, sync it with my iPod, go to Nike+ in the Nano settings and choose my work out. Once I start the workout and begin running I get a woman's voice (you can choose male or female) telling me when I've reached certain markers. For example the running trail by my house is exactly a 2 mile run from my front door. I get feedback at 1 mile, 1.5 miles, 400 meters left, 300 meters left, 200 meters left, 100 meters left and a congratulations message when I reach my goal of 2 miles. Once the workout ends the voice lets me know my distance, average speed, calories burned and total run time. Very cool.
That's only half of the coolness though. Once I get back to the house and plug my iPod in, the run data is uploaded to Nikes servers to update my account. On the Nike site I can view my runs in a bunch of different views. I can see a chart that shows me the peaks and valleys in my run, along with the same information I heard through my iPod during the run. I can set goals, challenge other runners, download Yahoo Widgets and view my goals from my desktop. And this is all accomplished through a beautifully designed Flash interface.
So far I have run 5 times for 10 miles, not much I know, but for a guy who hasn't gotten much exercise since I started working behind a desk 8 years ago its quite a personal accomplishment. You can see some of my progress in the Flash movie below. If you happen to see me slackin... feel free to post a comment and let me know about it. Anyone looking to realize their new years resolution and get in shape should definitely look into what Nike and Apple have done. Its a great motivator from my perspective!.
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January 14th, 2007 at 2:44 pm
I would not share all my private information with Nike + the fact that researchers found out that the Nike+iPod sensor in your shoe will transmit messages using a wireless radio that can be detected from 60 feet away. This information is potentially private because it can reveal where you are, even when you’d prefer for a bad person to not know your location.
Check http://www.cs.washington.edu/research/systems/privacy.html
January 14th, 2007 at 8:45 pm
Dude – ignore thijs. he must be paranoid. I’ve used the Nike+ for months. Anything that gets you motivated to run is great. Keep going.
January 15th, 2007 at 10:43 am
Thanks for the comments. Yeah I’ve never been the paranoid, conspiracy theorist type myself. But hey whatever works to get you through the day
The Nike+ system is definitely keeping me motivated at the time being. Hoping to really make running part of the routine so that when the newness of the gadget wears off I’ll still be interested. The Goals widget is a great motivator as well, especially when your behind and its sitting there staring at you from the desktop. Nothing like a pixel guilt trip to get you off your ass huh?
January 19th, 2007 at 4:12 pm
Hell. Considering the world we live in today, I second what Thijs implies.
March 10th, 2007 at 1:35 am
Im not too much of a privacy nut but I did have concerns. Ive read hacks on how you could track someone by setting up readers on their running route, etc. But man, someone who’s a techy like me must do some spying, hardware setup, and tracking to really figure out my running pattern…and then steal my Nano? I guess?
Let me know if you’re still running, we can get a light challenge going. Ive got one going right now to get some friends motivated, let me know if you want in or want to start a challenge of our own. It can be casual, not a “who finishes first” kind of thing, more like “all must run 3mi this week.”
March 29th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
If only I would have read this post before I bought my Nike+Nano… I was out running and jamming to my new set up and all of the sudden an evil iPod-Nike hating ninja jumped out from behind a tree and started beating the shit out of me. If only I would have known…
Forever paranoid,
ep
March 29th, 2007 at 8:58 pm
LOL
April 1st, 2007 at 11:40 am
[...] « Getting in shape… with Nike and Apple [...]
July 17th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
This thing is a great tool and finally got me off of my ass…Had some ups and downs and ended up getting another shoe and a little gadget called a shoe pouch. It allows you to put your sensor on any shoe by lacing it into your shoes and is made of neoprene.
My problem was just learning how to run again and getting so much advice. Finally dusted off my treadmill and just go for it in my garage. Up to 60 miles total!
December 26th, 2007 at 1:22 am
Will the sensor work in a shoe that isn’t a Nike+shoe?
December 26th, 2007 at 10:20 am
Actually yes you can. You can use the Sport Sensor Nike iPod Sport Kit from Marware. Its a small pouch that attaches to your shoelaces to hold the sensor, and its only $7.00!.
March 16th, 2008 at 1:41 am
From 60 feet away, you can use the advanced snooping device called your eyes! If someone already knew your running routes, wouldn’t you have more to worry about. How about another thing called your CELL PHONE! which can be used to track you from MILES AWAY. And if your a telecom provider, or the government, it can act as an AUDIO BUG & GPS locator put on fancy 3D maps. Don Don Don!